Embracing Mortality: How Thinking About Death Enriches Life

To appreciate life more fully, acknowledge its finite nature

Do you like to think about death? Likely not. But I highly recommend you do it, at least once a day.

This past year, I’ve been thinking more about death than at any point in my life, often multiple times a day.

In case you’re worried about me, I don’t believe I have a terminal illness. These are not my ‘end of life reflections.’ I hope.

“You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.”

~ Marcus Aurelius

The concept of not existing on this planet anymore scares me to death. But I have to admit, it’s been enriching for me this year to think about death more often.

I’m doing everything in my power to live a long healthy life—but every time I remember the hard cold truth that the end is coming, I get recentered on what matters.

This time of year makes me think even more about life and death. October has a way of amplifying the presence of death for many reasons—but foremost, it’s because stuff around us is starting to die. Winter is coming.

With Halloween, All Saints Day, All Souls Day, and Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) all looming, it just makes more sense to reflect on death this time of year. And with neighbors’ literal signs of death in their front yards, how can we not?

What’s the purpose of these holidays anyway? To celebrate death? Or to celebrate those who have lived? In my neighborhood, I’m convinced it’s just to entertain kids and excite the neighborhood about the impending all-you-can-eat great candy giveaway.

While the stated purpose of these holidays is to remember those who have died, the greater value is embracing the truth we’re going to join them.

How Thoughts of Death Are Helping Me Live

Every time I think about death, it helps me cut out a little bit more of the useless stuff occupying my mind, like worry, regret, guilt, fear, and disappointment.

Memento mori, the Latin phrase directly translated as ‘remember you must die,’ is actually used to help us reflect on the truth our life will come to an end.

There are a variety of ways to convert memento mori into a practical and useful concept:

• Prioritize what’s truly important in life

• Live more intentionally and purposefully

• Create perspective and urgency in your life

• Seize the day (carpe diem)

• Remember to make the most of your limited time alive

• Waste no time on trivial matters

• Appreciate life more fully by acknowledging its finite nature

Whichever of these is most resonant for you, know the value of memento mori is to help you choose a path forward and live your limited life more thoughtfully, meaningfully, and intentionally. Every day.

It’s so easy to forget—maybe because it’s so anxiety-provoking, or because we need constant reminding until it’s a habit.

So let it sink in.

You and I, and everyone we love, are going to die. Nobody gets out of here alive.

“Because we are food for worms lads. Because, believe it or not, each and every one of us in this room is one day going to stop breathing, turn cold, and die. Keating says that the writer is telling people to seize the day because we are food for worms.” ~ John Keating (Robin Williams), Dead Poets Society

Memento Vivere

Memento vivere is a Latin phrase that means ‘remember to live.’

The phrase memento vivere was created in the mid-19th century as a counterpoint to memento mori, where the goal was to balance the wisdom of memento mori with joy and lightheartedness to avoid apathy or hopelessness.

Technically, it’s the opposite of memento mori. But to me, it’s just addressing the same general concept—this isn’t a dress rehearsal; it’s your life.

Instead of highlighting death, memento vivere is a reminder to live with purpose and vigor, and to appreciate the beauty of life.

“Death smiles at us all, but all a man can do is smile back.” ~ Marcus Aurelius

Three Questions

Now that you’re thinking about death and living better, your path forward begins with these three critical questions.