"Let each thing you would do, say or intend be like that of a dying person." - Marcus Aurelius

Live with Purpose: A Stoic Call to Action

Modern Translation: Live with the urgency and focus of someone who knows their time is limited.

Questions:

• What truly matters most to you, deep down?

• What tasks or conversations have you been putting off?

• If today were your last, would you be satisfied with how you spent it?
  
  

Simple Explanation: Marcus Aurelius urges us to shake off complacency. By imagining our mortality, we gain clarity on what's essential. This isn't about morbid negativity, but a spur to live deliberately and avoid wasting precious time.

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Deep Dive:

• The practice of memento mori ("remember you will die") was common amongst the Stoics. It was a stark reminder of life's fleeting nature, designed to motivate them to make the most of the present.

• Seneca, in his essay On the Shortness of Life, lamented how many people squander days, only realizing their true worth when facing death. He stressed that it's not about the length of life, but how fully it's lived.

• Marcus Aurelius's Meditations are filled with similar reflections. He believed true fulfillment comes from aligning our will with reason, using each day to act virtuously and cultivate wisdom.

• This aligns with the Stoic concept of finding meaning within the sphere of our control – our choices, attitudes, and efforts. We can't know how long we have, but we can control how intentionally we use the time given.

• Modern psychology supports this. Facing mortality often helps people gain clarity about their priorities, leading to greater appreciation and purposeful living.
  
  

Applicable Situations

• Procrastination on a meaningful project: Imagining limited time can break the inertia.

• Strained relationships: This prompts us to mend fences, express gratitude, and forgive.

• A career that feels unfulfilling: This wisdom encourages seeking work aligned with our values.
  
  

Action Items:

• Write your own eulogy: What do you hope people will say? This reveals your true priorities.

• "Deathbed perspective" exercise: Facing a difficult choice, imagine making it on your deathbed – does it still seem wise?

• Prioritize what matters: Actively make time each day for the people and pursuits that bring real meaning.
  
  

Modern Connections:

• In the movie Gladiator, Maximus fights with unwavering focus and purpose, aware each battle could be his last. While fictional, this embodies the Stoic mindset of embracing the present and making one's actions count.

• The book Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom recounts a dying professor's life lessons. Facing the end, Morrie focuses on relationships, presence, and choosing a meaningful life, resonating deeply with Stoicism.

• The concept of "living each day like it's your last" and Carpe Diem, or "Seize the day", is a common trope. Its enduring message reveals an intuitive understanding of this Stoic principle, even if we don't always practice it.
  
  

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