When we’re young, we don’t consider death very often, but as the years pass and the people close to us begin to die, we ponder death more. Reflecting on mortality is an ancient practice. Both the Greek and Roman Stoics taught the value of “Memento Mori” (Latin: remember you will die). It doesn’t matter who you are or how many things you have left to be done, life is tenuous, it could all be over today, tomorrow, or someday soon.
Meditating on your mortality is only depressing if you miss the point. “Memento Mori” is a tool that creates priority and meaning, a concept generations have used to prompt true perspective and urgency. To treat time as a gift and not waste it on trivial matters. Death doesn’t make life pointless, it makes it purposeful. Reflecting on death reminds us to live the life we truly want.
“A life well-lived is the greatest tribute to the finite nature of existence.” ~ Sarah Bell
Don Juan Matus, the Indian Shaman in Carlos Castaneda’s tales of magic and power, taught Carlos to use death as an adviser. We’re all going to die, and by realizing that, you are being taught the essence of being. Your physical existence is limited, while your spiritual, post-mortal life is infinite.
Meditating on death sharpens focus on what truly matters. The Stoics used it to cultivate gratitude, prioritize virtue, and reduce attachment to fleeting things, reminding us that life’s brevity demands intentionality. Don Juan’s approach frames death as a constant companion, urging clarity and courage in decisions.
“Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand – and melting like a snowflake.” ~ Francis Bacon
There are numerous benefits to Memento Mori; it grounds you, reduces procrastination, and fosters resilience by confronting the ultimate fear. It’s not about morbidity but urgency, living fully now. The average lifespan is about 80 years, 10% make it to 90, and 99 is in the 99th percentile. Even if I do better than average, 3/4 of my life is behind me, and I want to make what I have left count.
Whether I have 30 years or 30 minutes left, I want to spend every moment experiencing joy and laughter. I want to spend it in the company of the people I love. I want to spend it in the sunshine, chasing what brings me bliss.
“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls.” ~ Joseph Campbell