Why We All Need The Reminder Of Our Mortality.
Memento mori - It's a Latin phrase that translates to "remember that you [have to] die". Sounds really dark and fearful, right? In this article, we will explore what memento mori means and why embracing this philosophical thought can be beneficial for all of us. Come with me on a journey into this dark-sounding yet life-affirming concept and explore its secret.
Memento mori - a misunderstood practice
As mentioned above, memento mori is Latin and serves as a reminder of our mortality. We all have to die, and we better accept this universal truth instead of fearing it. However, there's a huge misunderstanding about these two small terms out there. Many believe it is morbid and leads to a bad and dark mood or even depression. They say it can detract one from the ability to enjoy life.
Others are tempted to use memento mori to justify unhealthy behaviors, like smoking, overeating, alcohol, or drug abuse, and to neglect all responsibility because "life is short" and we die anyhow. It's also used as an excuse to avoid future planning and indulging in pleasure and laziness. This misguided understanding can also lead to a selfish worldview and justification of egoism. "Because I have to die, I take what I want, when I want, and I deserve it!"
Guess what? That's not the real intention and not at all the perspective of Stoicism!
The Stoic perspective on memento mori
"Consider yourself to be dead, and to have completed your life up to the present time, and live according to nature the remainder which is allowed you." Marcus Aurelius, Mediations 7.56
In Stoicism, memento mori is an invitation to live with appreciation for the present moment and seize each day as if it were our last. It serves as a reminder to live with purpose and intention, enjoying life and the people around us to its fullest. The time to live a life of virtue is now, not tomorrow or at some point in the future. What we do in the present moment counts.
Imagine this – you had a quarrel with your spouse and left home in a huff. Sadly, your spouse fell from a ladder and kicked the bucket. How bad would it feel knowing that the last words you shared were in anger?
Memento mori shows us that every moment counts.
By recognizing that our time on mother earth is limited, the reminder of our mortality encourages us to prioritize what really matters and live more intentionally. We can welcome each day and treat it as a gift with gratitude and admiration. Live is not for granted! Neither is the time with our loved ones. By practicing this Stoic concept, we become more mindful of how we spend our time as well as our actions and how they affect others around us.
Be the best version of yourself today, not at a point in the future you may never reach.
Act good now, not in the future
"Do not act as if you were going to live ten thousand years. Death hangs over you. While you live, while it is in your power, be good." Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 4.17
Life can be short, and we waste much of it by focusing on the wrong things. We value worldly things such as our body, fashion, career, or reputation more than other living beings and our peace of mind. That's why so many of us become unhappy and will never reach eudaimonia.
The small and gentle reminder of memento mori helps to focus on virtuous behavior in the here and now. To achieve eudaimonia, this is essential. Be kind, spread love, and bring joy into the world - today! Don't wait for tomorrow or someday when you'll have more time or money – start doing good now! Practice the Stoic virtues. Help others, even if it is only a small task. Be honest and trustworthy. Get rid of fear or anger. Memento mori is not only a way to reach contentment, but it will also make you a better person and a trustworthy friend or family member.
We all need the reminder of our mortality to act good today, not in some imaginary future. Make every moment count! That's what memento mori is here for. It's so incredibly beneficial when used correctly!
Memento mori - let go of your fear of death
"I am composed of the formal and the material. Neither of them will perish into non-existence, as neither of them came into existence out of non-existence. Every part of me then will be reduced by change into some part of the universe, and that again will change into another part of the universe, and so on forever. And by consequence of such a change I too exist, and those who begot me, and so on forever in the other direction." Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 5.13
Our body and soul are part of this universe. When we die, we will not vanish into nothingness; instead, our energy will be reused for something else in the universe. Before our birth, we have been a part of it, and after our death, we will be again.
You have nothing to fear when you use memento mori correctly, meaning living a virtuous life and striving for eudaimonia. As Leonardo da Vinci said:
"As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so a life well spent brings happy death."
Use memento mori as a reminder to spend YOUR life well! That's the real intention of memento mori. And that's the powerful secret that lies in these words.
