Memento mori is a Latin expression that makes us reflect on the value of life, because the only certainty we have when we are born is that we are going to die. Many prefer not to talk about it, perceiving it as something negative and end up forgetting what it represents.

Thinking about death brings us the certainty that every second of life should be used to the fullest. In other words, time is too precious to be wasted on trivialities, with unfounded complaints, gossip and pessimism.

The expression memento mori should be seen as a preparation for life, and is widely used philosophically. Even more, it is one of the teachings of religious practices, such as in Buddhism and Stoicism. So it is worth knowing all about this expression, because it is a powerful tool to change your life.

How did the Latin expression memento mori come about?

In the Roman Empire, about two thousand years ago, a general, a warrior, returned home victorious. Then, as a tradition, a great ceremony was held in his tribute to this victory which glorified this general.

However, according to the story, at the moment of this grandiose celebration, a man, just behind the glorified man, whispered the following phrase in Latin:

Respice post te. Hominem te esse memento mori.

This phrase has the following translation into Portuguese:

Look around you. Don't forget that you are only one man. Remember that one day you will die.

In addition, the expression is also known for being a greeting that occurred to the Paulistanos, Hermits of Saint Paul, from France, in the years 1620 to 1633. These were known as "brothers of death".

Then you will see in this article several philosophies that refer to history However, the most important thing is that the phrase has gained so much strength that it is still widespread today, especially among philosophy and religion. It is used, above all, as a pillar for their teachings.

What is the meaning of memento mori?

As mentioned earlier, the translation of the company in Latin, memento mori , é: "Remember that one day you will die" In short, the expression leads to reflection about mortality, so that one can live the best way possible, after all, death can be closer than one can imagine.

Culturally it is noticeable that people are in a relentless pursuit of prolonging their youth. Moreover, they live for plans about distant futures, where many live to work, not work to live. Thus, they always wait to be happy when a certain fact happens.

As a result, they end up forgetting live the present moment In this same aspect, we also see people who spend their lives mulling over past situations, always saying that if they had acted differently they wouldn't have the problems they have today.

The only certainty we have is death, so always remember this expression memento mori, it will benefit you in many aspects of your life.

What is memento mori?

In the meantime, the mori moment is a reminder that our days are lived with wisdom Bringing the idea that one should not waste time with regrets, that is, become aware that each moment is unique, and should be well lived.

In that sense, memento mori It can never be seen as something negative, but rather as a motivation to live better, because if every day you think that death is near, you will enjoy every moment more.

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Then you will no longer waste your time with unnecessary worries and you will no longer procrastinate your actions to making your dreams come true In other words, it will diminish your plans for a future that you don't even know will happen.

Memento mori philosophies around the world

Oriental Philosophy

In Japan, the meaning of Memento mori, for Zen Buddhism, is the contemplation of death, putting under the prism of the teaching the quotation calls Hagakure, from the samurai treatise, which is partially transcribed below:

The path of samurai is, morning after morning, the practice of death, considering whether it will be here or there, imagining the slightest way to die.

For Islamic philosophy, on the other hand, death is seen as a purification process Based on the Qur'an, the importance of the fate of previous generations is often referred to. Thus, aiming at cemeteries to ponder on mortality and the valuation of life.

Ancient Western Philosophy

In one of Plato's great dialogues, called Phrenon, where the death of Socrates is recounted, he refers to his philosophy through the following sentence:

About nothing but dying and dying.

Moreover, memento mori is an essential element of Stoicism, which understands death as something that should not be feared, because it is something natural. In the meantime, the Stoic Epitetus taught that when kissing loved ones, we should give it its due, remembering mortality of these and even of oneself.

Memento Mori

Memento mori is nothing more than a reminder of the inevitability of death, for human beings tend to forget the preciousness of time, a fact that leads them to behave as if life were forever. miss opportunities to create the best conditions for you.

In other words, remembering mortality in a beneficial way helps in everyday decision making. In this way, time is used much more appropriately and in a much more beneficial and positive way.

However, the following thought remains: have you ever stopped to think that many people throw away many years of their own lives worrying about small things? wasting time What's more, many spend their whole lives with their heads in the past or in the future, without ever being able to truly live in the present.

So, did you already know the term memento mori? Tell us what you think about it, write down your perception, we would love to share our knowledge. Right below you will see a comment box.

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