Life, as we know it, is a fleeting and precious gift. As we journey through time, it seems to slip away faster with each passing day. Despite this undeniable truth, many individuals fritter away their existence on trivial pursuits. However, there exists a potent antidote to this heedlessness—contemplating mortality. The practice of memento mori, a Latin phrase meaning “remember that you will die,” not only serves as a stark reminder of life’s brevity but also teaches us to acknowledge the omnipresence of death itself.
In this article, we will delve into the profound philosophy of memento mori. We’ll examine the three essential aspects of this practice and how it can be a transformative force in our lives.
The Three Essentials of Memento Mori
The heart of memento mori lies in understanding its symbolism, beautifully captured in Philippe de Champaigne’s famous painting from 1671. Three essential elements are depicted in this artwork, each carrying a profound message.
1. The Hourglass: This symbolizes the relentless passage of time, each grain of sand slipping away as our lives unfold. It serves as a constant reminder that time waits for no one, urging us to make the most of the present moment.
2. The Rose: The image of the rose embodies the truth of vitality—it blossoms and thrives for a time but ultimately withers and decays. This symbolizes the transience of life and encourages us to cherish the vitality we possess while we can.
3. The Skull: Perhaps the most potent symbol of memento mori, the skull represents death. It serves as a stark and unapologetic reminder that our existence is finite. It reminds us that we, along with our loved ones, will inevitably face mortality. This contemplation brings into sharp focus the fragility of life.
Living Virtuously in the Face of Mortality
The Stoic Approach
The Stoic philosophers, such as Marcus Aurelius, embraced the practice of memento mori. They recognized that acknowledging our mortality can be a powerful catalyst for virtuous living. In the words of Marcus Aurelius, “You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.”
If we were to face our last day today, how would we choose to spend it? For some, the immediate response might involve indulging in hedonistic pleasures. However, for those who adhere to Stoic principles, a different path unfolds. Rather than surrendering to fleeting pleasures, they would likely opt to spend their final hours in virtuous pursuits.
Expressing love and gratitude to our dear ones, settling unfinished business, and demonstrating acts of kindness would take precedence. Memento mori thus emerges as a potent antidote to one of humanity’s most pernicious habits—procrastination. When we recognize the limited nature of our time, the urgency of tending to our responsibilities becomes evident.
Overcoming Fear and Sorrow
While contemplating death may evoke fear and sorrow, it’s essential to realize that these emotions stem from our interpretations of death rather than death itself. Epictetus aptly captures this truth: “Men are disturbed, not by things, but by the principles and notions which they form concerning things.”
In essence, death, in and of itself, is not inherently terrifying. It was not so for Socrates, and it need not be for us. The fear arises from our beliefs and perceptions surrounding death. When we liberate ourselves from this irrational fear and accept death as an inevitable part of life, we gain the capacity to appreciate the time that is bestowed upon us.
Preparing for Loss and Embracing Reality – A Healthier Perspective
The Stoic practice of memento mori extends to preparing for the inevitable loss of our loved ones. History and the current state of the world bear witness to the reality of death’s presence. Contemplating this truth assists in cultivating a healthier mindset toward the prospect of loss.
While profound grief is a natural response to the departure of someone we cherish, being mindful of the certainty of death can help us confront such loss with greater resilience. Rather than clinging desperately to our loved ones in a futile attempt to forestall the inevitable, we can embrace the reality that one day, separation will come.
This perspective does not negate the significance of grief and mourning but equips us with a mindset of preparedness. We become more functional and empathetic individuals, ready to offer support and solace to our communities in times of loss. In this context, the experience of losing someone to mortality transforms from an overwhelmingly negative event to one that is more neutral.
Marcus Aurelius eloquently captures this sentiment: “Don’t look down on death, but welcome it. It too is one of the things required by nature. Like youth and old age. Like growth and maturity. Like a new set of teeth, a beard, the first gray hair. Like sex and pregnancy and childbirth. Like all the other physical changes at each stage of life, our dissolution is no different.”
The Enigma of the Afterlife – A Humble Acceptance
Contemplating mortality often leads us to ponder the enigma of the afterlife. What awaits us beyond the threshold of death? Will we embrace eternal nothingness, freed from the constraints of the physical world? Or will we embark on a new journey, returning to the realm of matter for another lifetime?
No one can offer definitive answers to these questions. The only certainty we have is that mortality is an inescapable part of our existence. Yet, when death gazes upon us from every corner of life, our most fitting response may indeed be to smile back.
Conclusion
Memento mori, the practice of remembering our mortality, is a profound and transformative aspect of Stoic philosophy. It serves as a poignant reminder of life’s ephemeral nature and death’s inevitability. By embracing this philosophy, we gain a renewed appreciation for the time we have, overcome irrational fears, and prepare ourselves for the losses that life will inevitably bring.
In the face of mortality, we find an opportunity to live more virtuously, love more deeply, and cherish the present moment. As we smile back at death, we recognize that it is not the end but a transition—a reminder that our journey, though finite, is filled with moments of beauty and meaning.