Memento Mori
Remember, you will die
There’s no logic here, today.
Do as you got to, go your own way, I said, that's right.
Time’s short, your life's your own,
and in the end, we are just…Dust n' bones
Memento Mori is a Latin phrase meaning “Remember you will die”. It serves as a reminder of our mortality and encourages us to live life fully, appreciating each moment while being mindful of the legacy we leave behind.
The concept of Memento Mori dates back to ancient Rome, where it was used to remind individuals, particularly those in power, of their mortality. This reminder was intended to keep them humble and focused on living virtuously.
The ancient Romans believed that awareness of our mortality enabled us to experience life more fully and virtuously.
They advise us to understand our core values and live by them. Do not wait until tomorrow to do that which can be done today.
If you die tomorrow, did you leave things in a good state for those that stay around?
Did you live how you wanted to live? What will people say about who you were as a person?
While the knowledge of our own mortality can drive us to be the best version of ourselves, it can also help to not consider ourselves indispensable. While productivity is important, we shouldn’t forget to spend time with loved ones or take moments to relax and enjoy life2. After all, the graveyards are filled with indispensable people.
Memento Mori can be applied in daily life as a tool for mindfulness and reflection. It encourages individuals to prioritize what truly matters, make the most of their time, and ensure their actions align with their values.
Similar to Memento Mori, the Buddhist concept of impermanence emphasizes the transient nature of life. Both philosophies encourage mindfulness and an appreciation of the present moment, though Buddhism also focuses on the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, promoting detachment from material possessions and desires. Memento Mori closely aligns with the Stoic practice of negative visualization, where individuals are encouraged to contemplate potential misfortunes, including death. This practice aims to build resilience and gratitude for what one currently has, fostering a more virtuous and meaningful life. Christianity incorporates the inevitability of death into its teachings, urging followers to live virtuously and focus on their spiritual well-being. The concept of judgment and the afterlife further encourages ethical living and self-reflection, similar to the goals of Memento Mori.
In contrast to Memento Mori, Epicureanism focuses on seeking pleasure and avoiding pain. While Memento Mori urges individuals to consider the long-term impact of their actions and live a meaningful life, Epicureanism prioritizes immediate gratification and the pursuit of personal happiness. Nihilism, which also emphasizes the inevitability of death, rejects the idea of inherent meaning or purpose in life. This contrasts sharply with Memento Mori, which encourages individuals to find personal meaning and live purposefully despite their mortality. Nihilism can lead to existential despair, whereas Memento Mori seeks to motivate and inspire thoughtful living.
Modern mindfulness techniques, often derived from Buddhist practices, encourage living in the present moment and appreciating life as it is. These practices, like Memento Mori, promote a deep awareness of one’s actions and their impact, though mindfulness may not explicitly focus on mortality.
Time management techniques, such as those advocated by Stephen Covey in “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” emphasize prioritizing important tasks and aligning actions with personal values. While these strategies may not directly address mortality, they share the goal of making the most of one’s time and living a purposeful life.