What does sic nos non nobis mean?

Answer 1

"Thus we not for ourselves." A verb such as laboramus("[we] work") is implied. The ultimate inspiration is probably a verse from the Roman poet Virgil (Publius Vergilius Maro), written in response to another poet's attempt to claim authorship of an anonymous verse of Virgil's own:

Hos ego versiculos feci, tulit alter honores;

Sic vos non vobis fertis aratra boves;

Sic vos non vobis mellificatis apes;

Sic vos non vobis vellera fertis oves;

Sic vos non vobis nidificatis aves.

I wrote these little lines myself; another has borne the honor;

Thus do you, oxen, not for yourselves pull the plow;

Thus do you, bees, not for yourselves make honey;

Thus do you, sheep, not for yourselves bear wool;

Thus do you, birds, not for yourselves build your nest.

Answer 2

born not for ourselves