Birth's Death Sentence

“It is not death that a man should fear, but rather he should fear never beginning to live.” —Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

In 2020, while sitting at a bar in Cooke City, Montana during Yellowstone National Park's off-season, I struck up a conversation with a stranger. My initial goal was to gather local tips on finding grizzly bears in the nearby Shoshone National Forest. However, the conversation with this stranger turned out to be far more enlightening than I had anticipated.?

The man I sat beside seemed distressed, and as we talked, he revealed that he had received devastating news the day before. His ongoing battle with a disease had reached an untreatable stage, and his doctor had given him an estimate of how much time he had left. One simple statement he made during our conversation struck me deeply: “I left that appointment realizing I was going to die."

It's a stark realization, one that can seem naive or simplistic at first glance. Yet, it carries profound weight. Did this man, likely over 50 years old, live his life until then with the assumption that days would seamlessly flow into one another, without acknowledging life's finite nature? His words echoed a universal truth that we often overlook until confronted with mortality's reality.

Acknowledging our mortality is a fundamental aspect of being human. From the moment we are born, we embark on a journey where each breath brings us closer to our inevitable end. While this realization may seem morbid to some and could lead to existential questioning, it's also a poignant reminder of the preciousness of time. Understanding the transient nature of life can inspire us to live with greater purpose and appreciation for the moments we have.

Self-Reflection

Have you ever contemplated your mortality? Considered the finite nature of time, counting down to your last breath? If not, I urge you to reflect on your life's journey thus far and honestly evaluate if it has been meaningful and impactful. Have you pursued your desires and upheld your values? It's likely that, like many, you've let precious time slip away without acknowledging your mortality or seizing opportunities to live fully.

Reflections on Mortality and Meaning

Stoic Philosophy, with its emphasis on embracing the realities of life, resonates deeply with my encounter in Cooke City. The Stoics, like Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, advocated for a profound acceptance of mortality as a means to live a virtuous and meaningful life. The realization of our finite existence serves as a catalyst for self-reflection and a reevaluation of our priorities. It prompts us to live in accordance with our values, to be present in each moment, and to pursue excellence in all endeavors.

In essence, my conversation in Cooke City underscores the Stoic principle of memento mori, "remember that you will die." Rather than being a morbid thought, this reflection on mortality serves as a powerful reminder to live authentically, to cherish each day, and to strive for inner tranquility amidst life's uncertainties. It invites us to cultivate resilience, wisdom, and a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of life and death.

“Stop whatever you’re doing for a moment and ask yourself: Am I afraid of death because I won’t be able to do this anymore?” —Marcus Aurelius, Meditations