The Blog

“Keep death and exile before your eyes each day, along with everything that seems terrible, by doing so, you’ll never have a base thought nor will you have excessive desire.” This thought provoking quote from the Stoic philosopher Epictetus hits home in ways that many of us might not fully grasp in our day to day lives. It serves as a stark reminder of the reality of life: that everything we hold dear can change in an instant.

The Power of Perspective

Epictetus, who lived from 55 to 135 AD, shared these reflections as part of a broader Stoic philosophy, one that encourages individuals to find serenity amid chaos and disappointment. At first glance, keeping death in mind might seem morbid or defeatist, but the truth is quite the opposite. By acknowledging the impermanence of life and the potential for hardship, be it through illness, loss, or radical changes in circumstances, we cultivate a valuable perspective that can shield us from unnecessary pain.

Consider your typical day. You wake up, go about your routines, check your social media, and engage in the mundane actions that define your life. Most days, everything seems safe and predictable. But life has a way of throwing curveballs. One minute you might be happily scrolling along, and the next, you hear a siren or receive a message that brings your world crashing down. What happens when that safety net you took for granted unravels?

A Dose of Reality

Memento mori, or “remember that you have to die,” is a practice that dates back centuries and aligns closely with Epictetus’s quote. When we embrace the idea of our mortality and the inevitability of difficult situations, be it death, exile, or what we perceive as horrors, we can approach our daily lives with a greater appreciation and a sense of detachment from trivialities.

For instance, think about how deeply we can invest ourselves in the material world. We chase after the latest smartphone, the newest car, or the biggest house. But, if you took a moment each day to consider how fragile this existence really is, you might find the strength to let go of unnecessary desires. Suddenly, the allure of material wealth fades when you recognise that these possessions are transient, and your life could change in an instant.

It’s quite sobering to think about just how fragile our daily joys are. For every comfortable day you enjoy, there’s a story of someone facing grave misfortune, or, at the very least, encountering setbacks that remind them how quickly the tides can turn. There’s always someone watching, always someone willing to act without regard to the intrinsic value of what you hold dear, be it time, health, or possessions.

The Complexity of Desire

The warning against excessive desire is also a notable aspect of Epictetus’s thought. Passionate pursuits aren’t inherently bad, they can bring joy and fulfilment, yet they can also lead to suffering when they become obsessions. When your self worth hinges on material possessions, your emotional well being becomes vulnerable to external changes beyond your control.

By keeping situations like death and exile before your eyes, you can cultivate a mindset that honours what you have without letting it consume you. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t strive for goals or seek out pleasures; rather, it encourages a more balanced approach to attachment and ambition.

Navigating Uncertainty

Life is full of things we can’t predict. From natural disasters to sudden health crises, the world is unpredictable. Maybe you’ve experienced a financial setback or a relationship crash. The Stoics recognised that by anticipating possible misfortunes, you can lessen their emotional impact when they occur. If you are mentally prepared to face difficulties, you’ll likely approach them with resilience and clarity.

Imagine for a moment that you’re sitting quietly with your thoughts. You take a breath and allow yourself to consider the possibility of loss. Right away, the world looks a little different. This is not meant to be a source of despair but rather an invitation to cultivate gratitude for what exists in your life now.

What if you lost your job today? What if a loved one were to pass suddenly? Acknowledging these possibilities isn’t meant to drag you down but to elevate your appreciation for your current circumstances. You can find peace in recognising that while there are no guarantees in life, you still have control over how you respond.

Living with Intention

Epictetus’s advice ultimately beckons us to live a life of intention. Acknowledging mortality and hardships enables us to weave deeper significance into each moment. A bad day at the office feels minor when you realise the more important things in life require attention: relationships, experiences, and personal growth.

When we live with an awareness of life’s fragility, we also become less attached to judgments and comparisons with others. The constant urge to “keep up” or outdo others becomes less significant when you embrace the idea that we all face struggles, regardless of how polished our lives may appear. It’s a relief to realise we’re all human, dealing with our battles, making the pursuit of joy together more meaningful.

Conclusion: Finding Peace in Impermanence

Incorporating Epictetus’s teachings into our lives can lead to profound changes in how we view the world and ourselves. Rather than seeing them as grim reminders, we can recognise that reflecting on death and the potential for change invites us to appreciate what we have now. The mission of integrating memento mori into your daily thoughts is about balance, it’s about living fully and freely, while holding onto the understanding that everything can change.

So, the next time fear of loss or uncertainty creeps into your heart, take a breath. Recall Epictetus’s wisdom and choose to see your life in shades of gratitude and resilience. Remember that while you can’t control everything that happens, you can control how you respond to it, affirming that with every day, each moment is an opportunity for growth, connection, and tranquillity. The narrative of life is about balance, and embracing a complete perspective could lead to your most serene existence yet.