Memento Mori
Latin for "remember you must die" — an ancient Stoic practice of contemplating mortality to clarify what matters.
Definition
Not morbid — research shows mortality salience increases meaning-making, generosity, and intentional living. A 35-year-old American has ~43 years remaining, ~2,236 weekends left, ~55% of life elapsed. The practice forces present-tense alignment: am I spending finite time on what matters?
Related spirit terms
One of 40 glossary terms. Browse the full glossary →