Here’s Why A MIT Scientist Reflects on Mortality Daily [And You Should Too]
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The Significance of Memento Mori
The phrase "Memento mori," which translates to "Remember that you will die," has deep historical roots, dating back to early Christianity and Buddhism, and has been embraced by Stoics. It has also found its way into modern culture, notably in the Netflix series, A Series of Unfortunate Events, based on Lemony Snicket's novels. The enduring appeal of this phrase lies in its profound wisdom. While contemplating death may seem unsettling, the Stoic philosopher Seneca highlighted its importance:
“Let us prepare our minds as if we’d come to the very end of life. Let us postpone nothing. Let us balance life’s books each day. … The one who puts the finishing touches on their life each day is never short of time.”
Did you catch that? Reflecting on death daily ensures you focus on what truly matters, which leads to a more fulfilling life.
Meet Lex Fridman
Lex Fridman is a distinguished scientist at MIT, known for his insightful podcast where he engages with influential figures like Joe Rogan, Vitalik Buterin, and Elon Musk. His expertise in artificial intelligence has established him as a leading mind in the field. Recently, Lex shared a post on LinkedIn about his daily meditation practice, which inspired this exploration.
The Modern Relevance of Memento Mori
It’s understandable that many might hesitate at the thought of contemplating their mortality. In today’s society, we are inundated with messages urging us to avoid death at all costs, whether through medications, exercise, or dietary changes. In the West, discussions about death often remain taboo, particularly among those who do not believe in an afterlife. However, individuals from all backgrounds can find value in the somewhat unsettling practice of daily death reflection.
As Lex points out, this practice brings clarity to life decisions. The Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius articulated this beautifully in his Meditations:
“You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.”
Consider your day yesterday: if you had known it was your last, would you have acted differently? For many, the answer is a resounding YES.
Memento Mori: A Misunderstood Philosophy
Unfortunately, when introduced to the idea of memento mori, some people misinterpret its message. They might think, “If I’m going to die anyway, why bother with work or responsibilities?” This misconception leads to a hedonistic lifestyle devoid of purpose. However, there are compelling reasons to resist this temptation:
- You may not die today.
- You shouldn’t be at the mercy of primal impulses.
- You want to leave a positive legacy.
Memento mori is not an excuse to indulge in reckless behavior; rather, it serves as a guiding principle to live a meaningful life. Steve Jobs, the late co-founder of Apple, emphasized the importance of death reflection in decision-making:
“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important.”
The Transformative Power of Mortality Reflection
Regularly meditating on your mortality cultivates clarity of purpose, precise communication, and a commitment to following your heart. Whether you practice sitting quietly at home, walking in nature, or journaling, integrating death reflection into your daily routine can help you align your life, goals, and relationships.
Although you still have to put in the effort, the motivation that comes from contemplating death is remarkable. So, embrace the wisdom of memento mori, dear reader.
The first video features Dr. David Linden discussing the neuroscience behind mortality and our unique experiences. This insightful talk explores how understanding death can enhance our appreciation for life.
The second video showcases a doctor explaining the transformative power of meditation and the personal reasons behind his daily practice. This discussion highlights the benefits of mindfulness and self-reflection in our lives.