Memento Mori, Memento Vivere
You Will Die. You Are Alive.
*Originally posted on my previous Substack last year*
Memento Mori, Memento Vivere
You will die. You are alive. Remembering these simple statements is vital for a life well-lived.
There is a Latin phrase “memento mori,” meaning “remember you will die,” that has echoed throughout history as a reminder of human mortality. Its counterpart, “memento vivere,” meaning “remember to live,” while often forgotten, serves as an equally crucial reminder. It reminds us that while we are alive, we are called to live fully and purposefully.
Together, these two phrases form a beneficial tension that can help the way we view life and death. In contemplating both phrases, we are invited to prepare for our own deaths by embracing life. To be fully present in life, we must keep the inevitability of death in view while striving to live in such a way that the good gift of life is honored.
Memento Mori: The Reminder of Mortality
“Memento mori” has a rich history, particularly within Christian and monastic traditions. For centuries, monastics of all sorts (monks, nuns, friars, sisters, etc) have meditated on this phrase as part of their spiritual practice. You will often see paintings of monastics contemplating with skulls or other symbols of death as a way to keep their minds fixed on eternity. Far from being a morbid or grim fixation, though, this meditation on death was meant to inspire a deeper awareness of life’s fragility. It called them, and us, to a greater focus on what truly matters.
The inevitability of death can be a difficult truth to confront. I see it all the time in my work. In our culture, where youth, health, and success are idolized, death is something many prefer to ignore. Nursing homes often “sneak” deceased bodies out the back door in order to “hide” the death from others. Conversations about death are often uncomfortable. We often avoid thinking about it until we are face to face with it.
Yet, the practice of remembering death, far from leading to despair, can lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling life if we let it.
When we remember that we will die, we are reminded of the limited time we have in life. This awareness encourages us to reflect on how we are living. What are our priorities? Are we spending our time on what matters most, or are we caught up in distractions and things that ultimately don’t matter? “Memento mori” calls us to evaluate the lives we are living. It is an invitation to live intentionally, knowing that our days here are finite. We will die.
As Christians, we know that death is not the end. Meditating on death, therefore, is not meant to fill us with fear, but to remind us of the hope we have in Christ. He is the first fruit of the dead.
Saint Benedict, in his Rule, advised his monks and nuns to “keep death daily before your eyes.” This daily reminder helps to foster humility and encourages a life lived as Kingdom citizens - beginning now and continuing throughout eternity. In light of death, virtues such as patience, forgiveness, and love become all the more urgent and necessary.
Memento Vivere: The Call to Live Fully
While “memento mori” calls us to remember our mortality, “memento vivere” reminds us that we are alive now and that life is a gift. Remembering to live is an act of embracing the fullness of life in the present moment. It is an acknowledgment that life is not merely something to be endured until death, but something to be celebrated and lived well. It is to remember why we are here.
To live well means more than simply going through the motions of daily existence. It means engaging with life in a meaningful and purposeful way, embracing joy and gratitude even in the face of challenges. It is recognizing the blessing of existence. “Memento vivere” invites us to see the beauty of life, cultivate relationships, and pursue what is good, true, and beautiful.
Living well also means recognizing our responsibilities. We are not merely passive participants in life, but active participants in God’s good story. Each day is an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to love, all for the sake of God’s Kingdom here and now. “Memento vivere” calls us to make the most of the opportunities we are given.
At its core, the phrase “memento vivere” helps us gain a posture of awareness. It challenges us to be present in each moment, rather than constantly looking to the past or future. In our fast-paced world, it is easy to become preoccupied with what comes next—whether that’s the next deadline, the next achievement, or the next stage of life. “Memento vivere” calls us to slow down and appreciate the present moment. It reminds us that life is happening now and to embrace it with all its ups and downs.
In remembering to live, there is a recognition that life is not about our own pleasure or success. It’s about all of us together. “Memento vivere” challenges us to live not just for ourselves, but for the sake of others.
The Balance of Life and Death
The beauty of these two phrases, “memento mori” and “memento vivere,” lies in their balance. Each offers an essential truth that when held together can lead to a life of wisdom and fulfillment. We will die, but will we live too?
When we hold these two truths of remembering together, we see that while life will end, it is deeply meaningful. The awareness of death motivates us to live fully, and the fullness of life gives us the strength to face death. We see in Christ both a fullness of “memento mori” and “memento vivere.”
In the end, both phrases call us to a life of greater mindfulness, purpose, and love. They challenge us to live in a way that honors the time we have and to face the reality of death with hope and courage. As we move through our days, may we hold both “memento mori” and “memento vivere” close to our hearts, allowing them to shape the way we live, love, and face the mystery of life and death.