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The curated collection of Memento Mori quotes below should serve as stark reminders of life’s fleeting nature and why we need to embrace each living moment fully!
Memento Mori – remember that you are mortal! It’s a simple phrase, yet it carries a profound weight in today’s fast-paced world, where it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. For some, it might seem morbid or depressing, but for many, it’s a powerful reminder of life’s preciousness. In this article, we will explore a list of Memento Mori quotes, curated to inspire everyone to cultivate a more meaningful and fulfilling existence!
Memento Mori Quotes in Latin
Memento mori, Memento vivere.
(Meaning: Remember to die, Remember to live)
Memento mori, Carpe diem.
(Meaning: Remember you will die; Seize the day)
Memento mori, Amor Fati.
(Meaning: Remember you will die; Love your fate)
Hodie Mihi, Cras Tibi.
(Meaning: My turn today, yours tomorrow)
Respice post te! Hominem te esse memento! Memento mori!
(Meaning: Look behind! Remember thou art mortal human! Remember you must die!)
Memento Mori speech
Short Memento Mori Quotes
You will be late for your own funeral.
Jonathan Nolan
While we’re alive, we’re often preoccupied with the future, planning, worrying, and anticipating what’s to come. We’re so focused on the next step, the next goal, that many completely overlook the present moment. Even in the face of our own demise, we’ll still be caught up in the rhythm of life. We’ll be “late” for our own funeral because we’ll be so engrossed in the world around us, even as it slips away.
Lists are the only way out of this mess.
Jonathan Nolan
When we write down our goals or bucket lists, we’re essentially acknowledging that time is limited, which should motivate us to prioritize and make the most of our days. While lists might not be a magical solution to all life’s problems, they are certainly a valuable tool for managing chaos, finding clarity, and making the most of our time on Earth.
Read more: 250 Bucket List Ideas for Living Your Best Life
Without an ever-present sense of death, life is insipid.
Muriel Spark
A sense of mortality is essential for a rich and fulfilling life. It’s a reminder that life is precious – and that every moment should be lived with intention and appreciation!
Memento Mori sayings
Remember how fleeting is my life.
Psalms 89:47
We are mortal beings, and our existence can be cut short at any moment. As such, it is time that we stop indulging and start living with purpose and intention.
The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
1 Corinthians 15:26
Death is not the end. Even in the face of one’s demise, there is still the possibility of a greater future. Hence, instead of dwelling on death, we should live our lives in a way that reflects the eternal hope we believe in.
There is wonder all around us, but we are ephemeral.
Tim Ferriss
We are temporary beings in a vast and eternal universe. Recognizing the fragility of our own existence should serve as a powerful reminder that life is a precious gift – and that we should make the most of every moment.
100 percent of us die.
C. S. Lewis
Death is a universal experience. It affects everyone, regardless of their circumstances, achievements, or beliefs. Reflecting on one’s mortality may be a sobering experience, yet it is also a potent catalyst for positive change.
Do not let your hearts be troubled.
John 14:1
Even though loss and sorrow are inevitable, we can still find comfort and hope in the belief that there is something greater than our earthly existence.
Vanity of vanities; all is vanity.
Ecclesiastes 1:2
Everything we strive for in this world – material wealth, power, fame, and pleasure – is ultimately empty and unsatisfying. No matter what we achieve in life, we will ultimately perish. Hence, it’s time that we stop our earthly pursuits and instead seek deeper meaning and purpose in life beyond material possessions and worldly achievements.
Keep a clear eye toward life’s end.
Francis of Assisi
When we keep our mortality in mind, not only are we less likely to waste time on trivial matters, but we also learn to appreciate our blessings and demonstrate a spirit of thankfulness.
Memento Mori quotes Catholic
Read more: Spiritual Purpose – The Quest for the Soul’s Calling
Memento Mori Stoicism Quotes
You may not wake up tomorrow… You may not sleep again.
Seneca
We cannot predict what will happen tomorrow, or even whether we will wake up. Realizing that our journey may end at any time should prompt us to stop taking things for granted and instead start pursuing what we truly hold dear.
The one who puts the finishing touches on their life each day is never short of time.
Seneca
If we don’t want to regret our choices or feel like our lives have been wasted, we should make self-reflection a daily practice. This could involve setting goals, prioritizing tasks, or simply taking time to appreciate the blessings in our lives.
Let us prepare our minds as if we’d come to the very end of life. Let us postpone nothing. Let us balance life’s books each day.
Seneca
What if today is the last day you are in this world? Ask yourself this question every day, and you should be prompted to live with a sense of urgency and stop postponing important tasks.
Memento Mori Stoic quotes
You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.
Marcus Aurelius
We cannot know when our time will come, so live each day as if it were our last!
Let each thing you would do, say, or intend be like that of a dying person.
Marcus Aurelius
Seize the moment, live with gratitude, and make the most of your time on Earth! Because who knows, today may be the last day of yours!
When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love…
Marcus Aurelius
Being alive is a privilege, not a right. By focusing on the positive aspects of life, we may cultivate a more optimistic and fulfilling existence.
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.
Epictetus
When we remember that we could lose everything, we are less likely to be consumed by material possessions or superficial desires.
Memento Mori and other Stoic phrases
Read more: 12 Stoic Principles to Live by in Modern Life
Memento Mori Quotes About Death
It is difficult for people of advanced years to start remembering they must die. It is best to form the habit while young.
Muriel Spark
The habit of considering our mortality is best formed early in life – so that it becomes ingrained in our thinking and guides our actions and choices.
Death, when it approaches, ought not to take one by surprise. It should be part of the full expectancy of life.
Muriel Spark
We should approach death with a conscious acceptance. It should not be a sudden shock or a source of fear, but rather a natural part of life’s journey.
We all appear to ourselves frustrated in our old age… because we cling to everything so much.
Muriel Spark
As we age, we should learn to detach ourselves from material possessions and focus on the more important things in life, such as relationships and experiences. Letting go is crucial for us to experience a greater sense of freedom and peace.
My life is like a Memento Mori painting from European art: there is always a grinning skull at my side to remind me of the folly of human ambition.
Yann Martel
Our pursuits of wealth, power, and fame are ultimately meaningless in the face of death, which is getting closer and closer as each second passes.
Believing the lie that time will heal all wounds is just a nice way of saying that time deadens us.
Jonathan Nolan
As time goes on, we may become less sensitive to our pain, but this does not necessarily mean that the wound has gone away. Hence, it is recommended that we seek support and guidance to navigate the grieving process.
Memento Mori quotes for Instagram
O gentlemen, the time of life is short! To spend that shortness basely were too long, If life did ride upon a dial’s point, Still ending at the arrival of an hour.
William Shakespeare, Henry IV, Act 5, Scene 2
It is foolish to waste our limited time on base or futile pursuits. Instead, we should strive to live our lives with purpose and meaning – right now!
Life’s but a walking shadow, A poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more: It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.
William Shakespeare, Macbeth, Act 5, Scene 5
Our lives are like a play, full of drama and emotion, but ultimately meaningless in the grand scheme of things. Despite all our efforts and achievements, they will ultimately amount to little more than noise and chaos. Realizing this should prompt us to avoid getting caught up in the illusion of significance.
Neither in the sky nor in mid-ocean, nor by entering into mountain clefts, nowhere in the world is there a place where one may will not be overcome by death.
The Dhammapada
No matter where we go or what we do, we cannot escape the grave. Hence, it’s time we start embracing the present moment and appreciating our blessings. Do not waste any effort on trivial matters or postpone your dreams!
Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
Psalm 90:10
Even at its longest, our time on Earth is not forever. Despite our best efforts, none of us is exempt from illness, suffering, and ultimately, death.
All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall.
Isaiah 40:6-7
Grass and flowers are both temporary and subject to decay. So is humanity’s fleeting existence. While our earthly lives are temporary, there’s still the possibility for a brighter future after the grave.
Life is a misery, death an uncertainty. Suppose it steals suddenly upon me, in what state shall I leave this world? When can I learn what I have here neglected to learn? Or is it true that death will cut off and put an end to all care and all feeling? This is something to be inquired into.
Augustine of Hippo
What will happen to us after death? Will death put an end to all care and feeling? We cannot know the answer for sure; however, reflecting on these questions should motivate us to seek answers and be prepared by learning from our mistakes, resolving our conflicts, and living with purpose and intention.
It seems to me that everything passes so quickly that we should be thinking more about how to die than how to live.
Teresa of Avila
Being mindful of time’s rapid passage and humanity’s fleeting nature should enable us to embrace the importance of focusing on the eternal. This translates to more authentic decisions, knowing that whatever we do will leave behind lasting consequences.
The question of death is the question of life, and keeping the question of death open, perhaps, is the greatest human responsibility so as to keep the question of life open… But the oblivion of death is also its beginning, and also, a culture that forgets death begins to die within. He who forgets death has already begun to die.
Jorge Bergoglio (Francis)
Forgetting death is a form of spiritual death. A culture that ignores its mortality is already rotten from within. In other words, even if we are still in this world, we are essentially in a state of oblivion already!
Everything is changeable, everything appears and disappears; there is no blissful peace until one passes beyond the agony of life and death.
Buddha
The cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth is a source of suffering and pain. True peace and happiness can only be found by transcending that cycle. Letting go of material possessions, cultivating wisdom, and seeking enlightenment should be the ultimate goal of all human beings!
Read more: 45 Inner Peace Quotes to Nourish Wisdom
After all, to the well-organised mind, death is but the next great adventure.
J. K. Rowling
Death is just the beginning. Who knows what kind of unknown territories await us beyond the veil? Whatever they are, one should look forward to them with hope and excitement – rather than with sorrow and despair!
You are the true master of Death, because the true master does not seek to run away from Death. He accepts that he must die, and understands that there are far, far worse things in the living world than dying.
J. K. Rowling
Life’s true value lies not in avoiding death but in embracing the experiences and connections it offers. Recognizing (and accepting) that death is a natural part of life’s journey should free us to live more fully and appreciate the present moment.
Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely.
Buddha
Living wisely, according to Buddhist principles, involves cultivating mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom. Such a life is inherently fulfilling – and should nurture a sense of peace even in the face of death. After all, for those who have attained enlightenment, death is seen as a release from the cycle of suffering – in other words, a gateway to ultimate liberation!
You would not cry if you knew that by looking deeply into the rain you would still see the cloud.
Thich Nhat Hanh
Everything in the universe is interconnected. The rain and the cloud are two aspects of the same phenomenon, just as suffering and joy are interconnected aspects of life. And just as the rain eventually stops, so too will our suffering – if we can start cultivating a deeper understanding of reality’s nature and embracing peace in the present moment!
Analysis of death is not for the sake of becoming fearful, but to appreciate this precious lifetime.
Dalai Lama
Fear should not be part of one’s reflection on their own demise. After all, nobody is exempt from it, and whatever lies beyond the veil is out of humanity’s ability to comprehend. Why waste time pondering over uncertainty when we can use it to make this world a better place to live?
Cycles of life and death can be likened to the alternating periods of sleep and wakefulness. Just as sleep prepares us for the next day’s activity, death can be seen as a state in which we rest and replenish ourselves for new life. In this light, death should be acknowledged, along with life, as a blessing to be appreciated.
Daisaku Ikeda
Death is not an end but a transition to a new state of being. It is part of a cycle of renewal, similar to the way sleep prepares us for a new day. Even as we approach the veil, we should strive to maintain a sense of hope and optimism – knowing that there is something beyond our earthly existence, a new life waiting for us!
Memento Mori similar quotes
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Memento Mori Quotes About Life
You’d probably prefer to sit in your little room and cry. Live in your finite collection of memories, carefully polishing each one. Half a life set behind glass and pinned to cardboard like a collection of exotic insects. You’d like to live behind that glass, wouldn’t you?
Jonathan Nolan
Human tendency is to cling to the past and avoid the present due to fear of change, loss, and the unknown. Retreating into a world of memories may reward us with a temporary sense of control and stability – however, this comes at the cost of living a full and meaningful life.
Everybody else needs mirrors to remind themselves who they are. You’re no different.
Jonathan Nolan
Our so-called “identities” are often shaped by external factors like societal expectations, relationships, and achievements. However, these factors are fleeting and subject to change. As such, we should look inward for meaning and purpose, rather than relying solely on external validation. Focusing on our inner selves is essential for navigating life challenges, including the inevitability of death.
Read more: Understanding Yourself – Roadmap to a Deeper, More Authentic YOU
Everybody is waiting for the end to come, but what if it already passed us by? Apocalypse arrives quietly; the chosen are herded off to heaven, and the rest of us, the ones who failed the test, just keep on going, oblivious.
Jonathan Nolan
As ironic as it may seem, death may not arrive in a dramatic or apocalyptic manner. It could happen quietly and unexpectedly, without us realizing it. In fact, you may be already dead inside now – if you are obsessively chasing fleeting pleasures without realizing their impermanent nature!
Live like there’s no tomorrow. Love like you’re on borrowed time. Always remember, it’s good to be alive.
Jason Gray
Given our own finitude, we should love deeply and unconditionally. After all, the ability to love and appreciate life’s preciousness is a signature capability of humanity – something that sets us apart from most other beings!
Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand – and melting like a snowflake.
Francis Bacon
The past is gone, and the future is uncertain. Being too obsessed with them will only cause us to waste time, which is already very limited!
Memento Mori – remember death! These are important words. If we kept in mind that we will soon inevitably die, our lives would be completely different.
Leo Tolstoy
A constant awareness of humanity’s mortality is key to transforming our lives. Imagine if you only have 1 year/ 1 month/ 24 hours left to be part of this world. Would you keep doing things as you are doing right now?
Time is an absurdity. An abstraction. The only thing that matters is this moment.
Jonathan Nolan
The present is the only moment we have, and the only one that truly matters. Do not live with regrets or anxieties if you are wise enough!
The idea that you’re gonna die and that life is short is only depressing if you’re thinking about it wrong. If you’re thinking about it right it should give you a sense of priority. It should even give you a sense of meaning; it should let you know what’s important, what you’re trying to do while you’re here on this planet.
Ryan Holiday
Acknowledging our mortality doesn’t have to be depressing. Instead, it can be a powerful motivator. The choice is yours: Which path will you choose? Which button will you press?
These three little words… you’re gonna die. It’s the guiding light and the fire and ambition that drives me toward legacy and living my best life.
Gary Vaynerchuk
Live with purpose and passion. Focus on creating something lasting and meaningful. Do not be too obsessed with the self, because it is fleeting and does not stay for long!
To practice death is to practice freedom. A man who has learned how to die has unlearned how to be a slave.
Michel de Montaigne
Being afraid of dying only holds us back from living fully (and prompts us to indulge in meaningless activities such as drinking and gossiping). As “mind-soothing” as it may seem, the “joy” these pursuits bring is not permanent, and it will only keep us in a psychological cage; in other words, we become slaves to our own selves – trapped within an endless cycle of suffering!
We are born every day and we die every day.
A. D. Aliwat
Life is a continuous process of birth and death. We are constantly being reborn through new experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Recognizing this cyclical nature should allow us to appreciate the gift of existence and live with a sense of gratitude.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. What do workers gain from their toil?
Ecclesiastes 3:1-9
Despite our best efforts, they often turn out futile – we cannot change the natural cycle of life and death. Hence, we should avoid becoming overly attached to the outcomes of our actions – and instead focus on the journey rather than the destination.
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12
Understanding (and embracing) our mortality is essential for nurturing humility, which is a cornerstone of true wisdom. In the end, it doesn’t matter how rich or “knowledgeable” we are; what’s really important is the good deeds we have accumulated throughout our lives!
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil.
Psalm 23:4
Even in the midst of suffering, one is still able to find meaning and fulfillment, provided that they have faith and trust in something greater than themselves.
I look forward, not to what lies ahead of me in this life and will surely pass away, but to my eternal goal.
Augustine of Hippo
Our earthly experiences are fleeting and will eventually pass away. Hence, the focus should be on the eternal, which can be interpreted as the afterlife, a spiritual realm, or the legacy one leaves behind. Whatever you believe in, the choice is yours – so choose wisely!
Times of luxury do not last long, but pass away very quickly; nothing in this world can be long enjoyed.
Buddha
Seeking happiness through material possessions is ultimately futile. Unless we let go of attachment to external circumstances, true happiness is never within our reach. In other words, you should dedicate all you have to the eternal, whether it is spiritual enlightenment or the pursuit of wisdom.
Quotes like Memento Mori
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:21
Our priorities dictate where our attention lies. If we value material possessions or worldly achievements, our hearts will be drawn to them; this will ultimately lead to a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction. Recognizing this should motivate us to seek true fulfillment – which comes from focusing on spiritual values and eternal treasures (e.g. love, compassion, wisdom, and a connection to a higher power).
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.
Luke 16:13
We must choose which values or goals are most important to us and focus on those. Without being clear about our priorities, we will only experience internal conflict and a lack of focus, which will stop us from visualizing our goals.
It is well known by experience that, when the will of a man is affectioned to one thing, he prizes it more than any other; although some other thing may be much better, he takes less pleasure in it. And if he wishes to enjoy both, he is bound to wrong the more important, because he makes an equality between them.
Juan de la Cruz
Attachment will only divert us from the main course. Our time on Earth is limited; we cannot cater to what we truly hold dear and still indulge in activities that lead us astray and away from the source of “light”.
Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that have received – only what you have given.
Francis of Assisi
Material possessions are ultimately meaningless. When we die, we cannot take them with us. The only thing that matters at that time is what we have done to people (and to ourselves). Giving to others is the true measure of wealth – both in this life and the afterlife!
When we are cognizant of the reality and inevitability of death we begin to seek the eternal, and become determined to make the most valuable use of each moment of life.
Daisaku Ikeda
When we understand the limitations of our earthly existence, we cannot help but desire something eternal or transcendent. This could be a spiritual connection, a legacy, or a sense of lasting contribution to the world.
Buddhist Memento Mori quotes
Memento Mori Quotes About Love
All photographs are Memento Mori. To take a photograph is to participate in another person’s mortality, vulnerability, mutability.
Susan Sontag
Human beings are social creatures that rely on each other to survive and thrive. When we look at art forms such as photographs, what do we see? Do we realize the fragility of life and our shared humanity?
There’s something coming for all of us. It’s called death. Rather than fearing it, it can become one of our greatest counselors. So, if this was the last week of your life, what would you cherish most? How would you live? How would you love? What truth would you tell today?
Tony Robbins
Our relationships are one of the most important aspects of life. If you only have 1 week left to live, would you still prioritize work over family, friends, and the community?
Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all those who live without love.
J. K. Rowling
The true tragedy lies not in death, but in the way we live our lives. Are we living with love, compassion, and connection? If not, we are already suffering inside – without realizing it!
We are but guests visiting this world, though most do not know this. Those who see the real situation, no longer feel inclined to quarrel.
Buddha
As we learn to embrace our temporary nature, we become better equipped to see the bigger picture and avoid getting caught up in trivial arguments. After all, when you are close to the veil, do wealth, success, and fame still matter? When you lay on your deathbed, would you rather be surrounded by a pile of money, or by the people you hold most dear?
Neither fire, nor wind, birth, nor death, can erase our good deeds.
Buddha
Our good deeds leave behind a lasting impact, even after we are gone. They are not erased by the elements or the passage of time. Whether you believe in karma/ the afterlife or not, reflecting on this teaching should motivate you to live a virtuous life filled with kindness and compassion.
Perform those actions you will never regret: actions that will ripen into future joy and delight.
Buddha
Everything we do will result in consequences; hence, it is crucial to choose our actions wisely. By doing things that we will never regret, we are sowing the seeds for future happiness.
Read more: 84 Unconditional Love Quotes for Every Soul
The experience of losing a loved one impels us toward a deeper understanding of life. Everyone fears and is saddened by death. That is natural. But by struggling to overcome the pain and sadness that accompanies death, we become sharply aware of the dignity and preciousness of life and develop the compassion to share the sufferings of others as our own.
Daisaku Ikeda
Suffering, while painful, is a potent catalyst for growth. By experiencing pain and loss, we develop a deeper appreciation for life and a greater capacity for compassion.
You do not need to waste your time doing those things that are unnecessary and trifling. You do not have to be rich. You do not need to seek fame or power. What you need is freedom, solidity, peace and joy. You need the time and energy to be able to share these things with others.
Thich Nhat Hanh
The traditional notions of success often revolve around material possessions, fame, and social status – which are fleeting and do no good to one’s well-being or happiness. Only by eliminating unnecessary distractions may we free up time and energy for more meaningful pursuits (e.g. sharing our peace, joy, and wisdom with others).
Some people do not even want to look at a person when the person is alive, but when the person dies they write eloquent obituaries and make offerings of flowers. At that point the person has died and cannot really enjoy the fragrance of the flowers anymore. If we really understood and remembered that life was impermanent, we would do everything we could to make the other person happy right here and right now.
Thich Nhat Hanh
Flowers and obituaries cannot bring joy or comfort to the deceased. If we truly understood the fleeting nature of life, we would strive to make others happy now, rather than waiting for a time when it’s too late!
Quotes about Memento Mori
Read more: 120 Overcoming Sadness Quotes for Inner Resilience
Final Thoughts
Remembering our mortality is crucial for us to appreciate the beauty and fragility of life. Specifically, it enables us to let go of unnecessary stress and focus on what truly matters. The Memento Mori quotes above are not meant to make us dwell excessively on death – but to remind us of living life to the fullest. Every moment is precious, so make sure to cherish each of them!
Other resources you might be interested in:
- 85 Embracing Change Quotes: Thriving in Transformation
- 100 Quotes About Overcoming Obstacles: Triumph in Adversity
- 50 Push Yourself Quotes to Move Forward & Inspire Success
- Gaman (我慢): The Unspoken Power of Japanese Endurance
- Shikata ga nai: Finding Serenity in Acceptance
Let’s Tread the Path Together, Shall We?
