Memento Mori

by Sten Vesterli

Have you thought about death recently? Specifically, your own death?

When a victorious general rode in his chariot in triumph through ancient Rome, he would have a slave standing behind him. Every once in a while, as the conquering hero received the adulation of the people, the slave would whisper “memento mori”—remember that you must die. It was supposed to prevent success from going to his head.

In the Renaissance, this saying was adopted as a spiritual practice: You have an unknown, but finite, time on Earth, and you need to make the most of it. Renaissance paintings often included a skull, an hourglass, or wilted flowers to remind the viewer that everything will pass.

We’re not surrounded by these symbols today. Instead, we’re bombarded with images of how to look younger. Every drugstore sells “anti-aging” ointments, and billionaires are throwing money at speculative longevity research. But it is much more useful to be mindful of how we use the time we have.

When James Bond’s colleagues at MI6 hold a remembrance for him, M reads from a poem by Jack London: “I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.”

I lost my wife this year. Lachesis had measured out 59 years for her. She used her time well and made a difference in the world. In her memory, I aspire to make the most of my remaining time.

How are you doing? Reflect on how you have spent the minutes you were given today. If you feel there is room for improvement, figure out a way to make tomorrow better. Memento mori.