You Must Die

“Do not act as if you were going to live ten thousand years. Death hangs over you. While you live, while it is in your power, be good.”

-Marcus Aurelius

You are going to die. The ultimate motivator in life is that it’s finite. At least, that’s what the ancient Romans believed.

The Latin phrase “Memento Mori” translates directly into “Remember, you must die”.

After great victories, Roman generals would parade through the streets of Rome. The roaring masses, the glory, the spectacle - no honor was greater. In these moments, a man could feel immortal.

But man is not God.

In each triumphant chariot, behind every victorious general, stood a slave who would whisper words meant only for the commander's ears:

“Respice post te. Hominem te esse memento. Memento mori!”

“Look behind. Remember thou art mortal. Remember you must die!”