#37 Nothing like a good funeral to put things in perspective!

Pawel Pietruszewski
Jul 4, 2024
2 min read

The world is full of certainty

Netflix series Gentlemen is full of sophisticated British-style conversations. In one of my favourite scenes, the main character's mother comforts her very stressed son by inviting him to a funeral with these words: "Nothing like a good funeral to put things in perspective!"

It was a very funny scene, but at the same time there is an ancient wisdom in this statement, which reminds me Memento Mori. This Latin phrase, which translates to "remember that you must die," serves as a powerful reminder of our mortality and the fragile nature of life.

For centuries Memento Mori has been a tool for personal growth, ethical living, and finding meaning in the face of life's ultimate certainty. We speak a lot about uncertainties in the world around us but the end game is deadly certain, and it has a curing effect on the perspective we take in the face of challenges.

For example in the Roman Empire generals returning from victorious campaigns were said to have a slave whisper "Memento Mori" in their ear, reminding them of their humanity and mortality amidst the glory of triumph. This practice was meant to instill humility and prevent hubris.

Death in philosophy

At its core, Memento Mori is not about cultivating a fear of death, but rather about using the awareness of death for reflection on how we live. Several philosophical traditions have embraced this concept:

Stoicism: The Stoics, such as Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, viewed the contemplation of death as a key to living virtuously and appreciating the present moment.
Existentialism: Philosophers like Martin Heidegger argued that confronting our mortality is essential for living an authentic life and making meaningful choices.
Buddhism: The practice of maranasati, or mindfulness of death, is used as a meditation technique to cultivate detachment and appreciation for the present.

Practical Applications in Modern Life

In our fast-paced, achievement-oriented society, memento mori offers some valuable lessons:

Prioritization: Remembering our mortality can help us focus on what truly matters, cutting through the noise of trivial concerns.
Gratitude: Awareness of life's finite nature can deepen our appreciation for the experiences and relationships we have.
Motivation: Rather than paralyzing us with fear, contemplating our limited time can spur us to action, encouraging us to pursue our goals and live fully.
Ethical living: Reflecting on our legacy might guide us towards wiser choices.

Great lessons are easy to forget in the midst of daily storms, but the ability to zoom out and take a broader perspective can be a powerful aid for your steering wheel.

Memento Mori is a call to live life with intention and awareness. It is closely aligned with accepting reality and finding a purpose – cornerstones of resilience. By embracing our mortality, we paradoxically enrich our lives, finding deeper meaning and purpose in our fragile existence. In the words of the Roman poet Horace, “Carpe diem” – seize the day. Memento mori reminds us why we must.