phrase
Latin
also: Philosophy & Psychology
Memento Mori
lit. โremember that you must dieโ
A reminder of mortality intended to focus the mind on what matters.
Origin
Roman generals returning in triumph were said to have a slave whispering 'memento mori' behind them. The image stuck. In medieval and Renaissance art, skulls, hourglasses, and wilting flowers serve as memento mori. Stoicism revived it in the 21st century.
Modern usage
Common in stoicism circles, tattoos, photography, and minimalist Instagram captions.
Tags
mortality
stoicism
art