Memento mori He is one of The most mentioned phrases throughout history. In ancient Rome, In the procession of generals who won battles, it was repeated as advice and warning. Now, the philosophy of contemporary Stoicism is given Different interpretations.
the site History and art He points out that it was common for a slave to constantly whisper in his ear during the generals’ victory marches on their return to Rome. Another Respice te, hominem te esse memento (“Look behind you, remember that you are a man.”) This phrase served as a reminder to the general that although he was beloved by the Roman crowds of the time, Life is fleeting and sooner or later he will fall into oblivion like the rest of men.
The Stoics took this statement and interpreted it as a principle To put what really matters into perspective. Emperor Marcus Aurelius wrote: “Do not act as if you are going to live ten thousand years. Death is upon you; As long as you’re alive, as long as you can, be good..
Centuries later, this phrase in Christianity took on new nuances. In general, remembering death prepares the soul and directs life towards salvation and spiritual transformation. Meditations on death are intended to promote love and humilityAnd understanding present existence as a path towards fullness.
Stoicism has a special view of death and does not consider it fate. According to the Stoics, The only thing we need to be happy is virtue. This was considered an indispensable and highest good.
In this way, for followers of the school initiated by Zeno of Citium, virtues are the only factor that determines happiness. “The assumption behind this is that We only have control over our actions and thoughts.“, as Epictetus stated.
Specifically, Epictetus says that Fear of death It comes from a distortion of realityBecause he considers this irrational fear to be the product of personal opinions. He therefore blames the individual himself for these incorrect feelings, because they come from ourselves and not from anyone else.
If we think death is terrible, we will suffer and suffer every time we think about it. Thus we generate wrong feelings towards something in itself It’s not good or bad, it simply is.