Application of Memento Mori

In the year 169 AD, Roman General Marcus Nonius Macrinus returns home following his inaugural military campaign of the Marcomannic Wars. Departing three years earlier to lead tens of thousands of Roman troops in safeguarding the empire's northern border against various Germanic tribes, Macrinus emerges victorious after enduring years of relentless warfare.

As news of his triumph spreads throughout the Empire, Macrinus garners widespread acclaim and admiration from both his fellow soldiers and the populace of Rome. Upon reaching the city, Emperor Marcus Aurelius decrees a grand triumph, the ultimate honor bestowed upon a Roman General, to commemorate Macrinus's success and bravery.

The streets echo with the jubilant cheers from hundreds of thousands as they glorify the valiant general. Marcus Nonius Macrinus ascends to the status of a revered hero, his name spoken with reverence and awe by all of Rome.

As the general is riding through the streets of Rome on a chariot decorated with gold and flowers, he soaks in the glory and praise from all of Rome. Flowers are thrown in the streets, chants erupt from crowds, and individuals as far as the eye can see cheer for him. At this moment, there is no man on earth being celebrated as reverently as Macrinus.

The only other rider of the chariot is a servant, placed there by the emperor. This servant has one job during the triumph—repeatedly whisper two words in the general’s ear: “Memento mori.” This Latin phrase translates to “remember you are mortal” or “remember you must die.”?

Why did Emperor Marcus Aurelius choose to seat a servant in the chariot of the war hero on one of his most triumphant days? Marcus aimed to remind his general, even in moments of great triumph, of his humanity, the shortness of life, and the inevitability of death.

Memento Mori

“You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.” —Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

In ancient Rome, life was much more fragile than it is in today’s world. In a comparably more dangerous world, they still had to remind themselves that they could die at any moment. Today, we are cushioned from tragedy and put nearly no thought into our mortality. Seneca says in his essay, On the Shortness of Life,?

“You live as if you were destined to live forever, no thought of your frailty ever enters your head, of how much time has already gone by you take no heed. You squander time as if you drew from a full and abundant supply, though all the while that day which you bestow on some person or thing is perhaps your last.”?

He suggests that in life, we often fear our mortality while simultaneously behaving as if time is infinite, as though there's an endless supply of it. The irony of our era is that when we finally grasp the finite nature of time, it's already too late.

The idea of memento mori serves as a reminder of human mortality and the transient nature of life. Rather than being morbid or depressing, Stoics view contemplating death as a means to gain perspective and clarity on what truly matters in life. By acknowledging the shortness of life, individuals are encouraged to live each day with purpose and mindfulness, focusing on what is within their control and making the most of the time they have.

Application of Memento Mori

While memento mori has historical roots, its application in modern times can still be profound and relevant. Here are four ways in which memento mori can be applied today:

Memento Mori Exercise 1

Seneca urges us to shift our perspective on death. Rather than seeing it as a distant future event or a destination to reach, consider it as a continuous process unfolding in the present, gradually slipping into the past. With each passing moment, we edge closer to our eventual demise, and every bit of time lost becomes claimed by death.

As I write this article, I am 27 years old. If I were to make it to the average life expectancy, I would be 77 years old when I die. Many would view this as having 50 more years to live… I view it as having lost 27 years. I am not guaranteed my tomorrow, so why assume I have it to use? What has happened is behind me, and I will never get that time back. It is dead.?

Given that tomorrow is uncertain and there's no assurance of waking up from tonight's slumber, seize every moment of the upcoming day. Focus solely on what truly matters to you and do it to the best of your ability.?

Memento Mori Exercise 2

“Am I afraid of death because I won't be able to do this anymore?” —Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

The underlying message of the quote is that Marcus Aurelius is challenging himself to examine whether his fear of death is rational or if it's based on attachments to the things he enjoys or values in life. He's questioning whether the fear is driven by a concern for losing the experiences, pleasures, or activities that he currently engages in.

We spend so much of our lives doing frivolous, mindless things and then wonder to ourselves, “Where has my time gone?” Use “memento mori” as a humbling perspective to sharpen your focus on what matters. Use it to examine your own life and use it to examine the lives of those around you. Say to yourself as you hang up the phone with your mother, “I may not get the chance to speak to her tomorrow.” As you tuck your child into bed at night, realize that they may not wake in the morning. As you put off that bucket list item, remember that you may not have another chance.

This exercise isn't about disconnecting from your emotions toward loved ones; it's about embracing them fully. It's a practice of slowing down and cherishing meaningful moments. Take your time and be fully present with the people you care about. Rushing through these significant moments is equivalent to rushing toward our own death.?

Memento Mori Exercise 3

Seneca's De Brevitate Vitae, also known as "On the Shortness of Life," emphasizes the notion that when one goes to bed having accomplished all they could, each new morning becomes an unexpected gift. It presents another chance to engage in what truly matters, a fortunate opportunity to pursue meaningful endeavors.

When you wake up in the morning, regard the day as a blessing, a fresh opportunity to make a difference. Resist the temptation to fritter away precious time on trivial pursuits. Instead, focus on endeavors that enrich your life and contribute positively to your journey.

Memento Mori Exercise 4

The concept of "memento mori" serves as a powerful reminder to maintain perspective and balance in both the highs and lows of life. It encourages individuals to embrace moments of success with humility and to face challenges with equanimity, recognizing the impermanence of all things.

When you achieve success—a promotion, recognition, a bonus, reaching a goal—reflect: memento mori. This practice prevents hubris and keeps you grounded, reminding you that earthly achievements are fleeting and ultimately inconsequential in the face of mortality. By acknowledging the shortness of life, you can appreciate your successes without becoming overly attached or ego-driven.

Similarly, in times of adversity—depression, heartbreak, rejection, betrayal—remind yourself: memento mori. It reminds you that suffering is temporary and that hardships, like all things, shall pass. This mindset of acceptance and resilience allows you to navigate challenges with grace and strength, knowing that they are but temporary trials on the journey of life.

Why ponder mortality in these moments? Because it serves as a counterbalance to excessive seriousness. It prevents you from becoming overly consumed by either triumph or despair, encouraging a more balanced and mindful approach to life's ups and downs. By acknowledging the inevitability of death, you can find liberation from the grip of fleeting emotions and worldly attachments.

Death is inevitable. None of your earthly triumphs or defeats can be taken with you. Consider the countless individuals who came before you, achieving similar feats—where are they now? They've died, just as you will.

#Stoicism #StoicPhilosophy #Philosophy #Motivation #Stoic