In that same sense, the phrase “memento mori” was used to remind those great men that regardless of their exploits and glories, the epilogue would be the same for everyone. Hominem te memento”, which meant “Look behind, remember that you are a man”. To avoid this, a slave – precisely one of the humblest servants – was in charge of reminding him of his human and mortal nature (limited and perishable) whispering to him: “Respice post te.
However, those achievements and praise could make a dent in his “ hubris“ leading to a state of pride, excess and arrogance that made him develop a true delusion of omnipotence. It is said that it comes from an ancient Roman custom: When a general returned to the city after a great victory over his enemies on the battlefield, he would parade through the streets on a golden chariot receiving the applause and cheers of the crowd. What is the origin of the phrase “memento mori”?Īccording to the Galileo Galilei Institute in Turin, the origins of this phrase go back to Roman society, which had developed a special sensitivity towards death and life. A reminder that could radically change our lives, in a positive sense. People were very aware of the Latin phrase “memento mori”, which literally means “remember that you must die”. Centuries ago, the social approach was very different. In fact, in the last decades our society has developed a true phobia of old age and death, which, far from making us happier, plunges us into a loop of frustration, pushing us to pursue unattainable goals.
We are not eternal, although we often live as if we were.
0 kommentar(er)
