Experiments in mortality
The concept of “Memento Mori,” a Latin phrase translating to “remember that you must die,” is an age-old tradition that is supposed to serve as a reminder of the brevity of life; the inevitability of death. Roman emperors had a paid servant who would whisper this phrase into their ears as they toured conquered lands to protect against arrogance and avoid the inevitable comeuppance before the subsequent letdown.
This philosophical tool is designed to keep us grounded, emphasizing the transient nature of life and the importance of living with purpose and meaning. In a world where the distractions of daily life can easily lead us astray from contemplating our mortality, this concept acts as a sobering reminder of our finite existence.
The problem with Memento Mori, aside from its depressing morbidity, is that it’s hard to make it visceral. It’s too easy to think of it purely abstractly as something that happens to others, not us. This obviously defeats the purpose of the exercise. So I have been thinking of ways to put the ‘memento’ in the mori — and devised this simple trick. Just in case you happen to be bereft of servants to follow you around, here’s a free adaptation of the ancient practice that can help confront us with a stark reminder of our mortality every time our name is mentioned in the context of death. I set a Google alert for my name with the additional word “obituary.”
It’s inevitable, unless you have a name that is truly unique that you will sooner or later receive notification of ‘your’ death… only it won’t be you! This brush with death is reminiscent of Alfred Nobel’s reading ‘his’ obituary in a Parisian newspaper in 1888 — The Merchant of Death Is Dead, read the obstreperous headline. This brush with death prompted Nobel — it was actually his brother Ludwig who had died — to reform his ways. Seeing the glee ‘his’ death was being celebrated shook Alfred to his core. It inspired him to use his titanic wealth ‘for the betterment of all mankind’ with the creation of the prizes that bear his name nearly 130 years after his actual death in 1895.
Such a practice can profoundly impact our mindset, constantly nudging us to reflect on our lives. Confronting the idea of our own death can be unsettling, yet it can also be a powerful catalyst for change. It can lead to a deeper appreciation of the present, urging us to cherish each moment and prioritize what truly matters. Realizing that our limited time can inspire us to live more authentically, make more meaningful choices, and leave a positive imprint on the world. Memento Mori, especially when reinforced through a tangible reminder like a Google alert, is not just about acknowledging death but a call to live a more deliberate and meaningful life. Let me know what you think about this exercise.
Have a M.A.G.I.C. week!
Appearance
Chris Williamson and I discussed science, power and my first book, LOSING THE NOBEL PRIZE.
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Conversation
Has the second law of thermodynamics finally been proven?
The second law of thermodynamics has been shrouded in mystery for a century and a half. Now, after building on the recent breakthroughs in the foundations of physics, Stephen Wolfram has finally provided a resolution to the mystery.
Stephen Wolfram is a computer scientist, physicist, and businessman. He is the founder and CEO of Wolfram Research and the creator of Mathematica, Wolfram Alpha, and Wolfram Language. Over the course of 4 decades, he has pioneered the development & application of computational thinking. He has been responsible for many discoveries, inventions & innovations in science, technology, and business.
In this in-depth interview, he shares his findings, shines a light on some of the most misunderstood concepts in physics, and answers some of our most pressing questions about the nature of the second law, entropy, and the dark side of the universe.
