Living with Death II: Memento Mori
Generally, people do not like talking about death. It forces us to consider our own mortality. Consequently, many of us reconcile these thoughts by trying to rationalize that we are too young to be thinking about death. We distract our minds with productivity, and we layer talk about death in euphemisms. But, for secular and non-secular people alike, the remembrance of death is crucial to living a meaningful life.
Memento mori is an expression meaning ‘remember that you will die,’ or ‘remember your death.’ The term arose during the time of the Roman empire, and became a popular saying during the Middle Ages. One way this expression spread was through visual symbols like skulls. These images were meant to remind viewers of their mortality, and that no matter their lot in life, whether they were the pope, a lord or a peasant, death would come for them. Their wealth, their power, their fame, their misfortunes were temporary. Paintings, such as Vanitas: Still Life with Bouquet and Skull (see below), feature skulls with everyday items like bouquets and jewelry, explicitly suggesting that material goods and earthly pleasures are but fleeting. In these still life paintings, a new take on memento mori images, wealth and excess are shown, but they are accompanied by hints at what is their end. Flower petals are beginning to wilt, food is starting to rot, all that is will one day pass. These paintings are meant to remind viewers that instead of putting all their stock in wealth, pleasure and power, we should focus on how to live virtuously, in preparation for the afterlife.
Vanitas: Still Life with Bouquet and Skull, by Adriaen van Utrecht c.1642
Hamlet, Branagh 1996
The skull of Yorick in Hamlet is arguably one of the most famous examples of memento mori. Throughout the play, Hamlet is paralyzed by inaction, wondering if it is better “to be or not to be,” that is, to be inactive and live longer, or to strike out and suffer gruesome death. Yorick’s skull, along with a graveyard of dead bodies, serves as a crucial turning point within the play, reminding Hamlet that whatever his actions, death is inevitable to all. Though not included in the reader, my favorite Hamlet quote, “There is a special providence in the fall of a sparrow...let be” best summarizes Hamlet’s new approach to life having reconciled with death. A biblical reference, the fall of a sparrow refers to the power of providence beyond a human’s control. Once Hamlet accepts this, he is no longer plagued by events he cannot control and thus, he is able to take conclusive action within his life.
Today, in a more secular society, the reminder of an afterlife does not resonate as strongly. Despite this, it is more crucial than ever to remember that we will all die. As Seneca writes, “life is long if you know how to use it.” Unfortunately, living in a society that increasingly rewards productivity above all else, it is easy for the days, months, and years to go by solely focusing on obtaining material wealth. This focus on the material, according to Seneca, is a distraction that takes us away from living life to the fullest. However, if we confront the reality that death can strike at any moment, we can begin, as Montaigne advocates, to unlearn servitude and focus on ourselves, take action, and then “go our way satisfied.”
Of course, all of this is easier said than done. The reality is that for most people in today’s day and age, having the time for philosophical pondering amidst the grapevines is simply unrealistic considering the demands of everyday life. However, it is because of these demands that these discussions of death are all the more important. So, take a few minutes. Remember that you will die. Then, live immediately.
