Memento Vivere — “Remember to Live”

People who know Stoicism and often philosophy know the term “Memento Mori,” translating to “remember you will die” as a reminder to appreciate life because death is ever present.

“Memento Vivere,” which translates to “remember to live” or “remember to be alive,” is another Stoic term that serves as a reminder to embrace the present moment, find joy and fulfillment in life, and avoid getting caught up in worries, regrets, or anxieties.

The phrase encourages individuals to recognize the fleeting nature of time and to prioritize experiencing and appreciating life as it happens.

The point of “Memento Vivere” is to encourage people to:

1. Embrace the Present: It reminds us that the present moment is all we truly have, and dwelling too much on the past or worrying excessively about the future can prevent us from fully engaging with what’s happening right now.

2. Appreciate Life: Life is a precious and finite experience. “Memento vivere” reminds us to find joy and meaning in our everyday experiences and to not take them for granted.

3. Live Authentically: By focusing on being alive now, we are encouraged to live authentically and align with our values and desires.

4. Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Worrying about things beyond our control can lead to stress and anxiety. Embracing the “Memento Vivere” philosophy can help alleviate these negative emotions by emphasizing the importance of letting go of unnecessary concerns, for in the scheme of life, how important is the small stuff?

5. Prioritize What Matters: It encourages us to prioritize the people, activities, and experiences that truly matter to us, helping us lead a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life. By cutting out the wasteful amount of time spent on what we will later regret, we can focus on what we will appreciate and be grateful we chose later.

6. Cultivate Mindfulness: Mindfulness is being fully present and aware of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. “Memento Vivere” aligns with mindfulness principles, urging us to focus on the here and now. One can only enjoy the present when they are focused on the now. The future and the past hinder our happiness and contentment.

7. Foster Gratitude: When we remember to be alive and appreciate life’s moments, we tend to feel more grateful for the simple pleasures and opportunities that come our way. Some days, just being grateful for being alive can do wonders. Of all the people that came before, you are here now, alive and living in the moment, so appreciate that!

Essentially, “Memento Vivere” is a philosophical reminder to live consciously, authentically, and fully in each moment. It encourages us to let go of unnecessary baggage, experience life’s beauty, and make the most of our time on this planet, which is gone before we know it.