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Memento mori

By Steven Schwartz - posted Thursday, 17 February 2022


Having a physical memento mori around is a constant reminder of life's limits. It helps us set priorities by reminding us that being busy is not the same as living. No one gets out of this world alive. If you are going to do something loving, beautiful, or meaningful, don't wait-do it now.

When your time comes, will you be among those who complain about the shortness of life, or will you be proud of how you spent your time? If you want to be among the latter, then take Seneca's advice and, "Postpone nothing. Balance life's books each day. … The one who puts the finishing touches on their life each day is never short of time."

It may sound peculiar, but a reminder of death is the best way to make people cherish life.

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Memento mori.

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This article was first published on Wiser Every Day.



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About the Author

Emeritus Professor Steven Schwartz AM is the former vice-chancellor of Macquarie University (Sydney), Murdoch University (Perth), and Brunel University (London).

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