For example, if something small bothers you, and you know that it shouldn’t, you can tell yourself “memento mori-this is too minor and temporary to be worth worrying about”. The basic way to implement this principle is to use it as a reminder that guides your thinking. From “ Meditations“(Book IV, Passage 17), by Marcus AureliusĪs we saw above, using ‘memento mori’ as a reminder can be beneficial in a variety of ways, which makes it a rather versatile tool. While you live, and while it is in your power, be good.” “Do not act as if you were going to live ten thousand years. In the next section, you will see some tips that can help you with this, by showing you how to implement the concept of memento mori in a way that is as beneficial as possible. Similarly, while this reminder can help some people identify their goals in life, it can cause others to feel depressed instead, and to worry that everything they do will be ultimately meaningless.Īs such, while ‘memento mori’ can be a useful principle to implement, it’s important to keep its potential limitations in mind, and only use it in situations where it does more good than harm. However, while remembering the concept of ‘memento mori’ can be beneficial in many ways, it can also lead to some issues.įor example, while this reminder can motivate some people to use their limited time wisely, it can cause others to simply feel anxious instead.

‘Memento mori’ can help you avoid hubris, which is a trait that involves excessive pride, self-confidence, and self-importance.‘Memento mori’ can help you cherish every moment in life and feel gratitude toward what you have.‘Memento mori’ can help you put your problems in perspective.‘Memento mori’ can prompt you to take action, and to avoid needlessly wasting the precious time that you have.‘Memento mori’ can help you figure out which goals you want to focus on and what you want to do with your life in general.

There are a number of benefits to using ‘memento mori’ as a reminder in life: The benefits and dangers of ‘memento mori’

Understand the difference between death reflection and death anxiety.

The benefits and dangers of ‘memento mori’.

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