The Ancient Art of Remembering Mortality

Memento mori is a philosophical trope that uses art to remind us that death is inevitable. Instead of being morbid, these symbols were traditionally designed to inspire people to live more meaningful lives today.

Emerging from ancient philosophy and Christian tradition, these symbols often feature skulls, hourglasses, or wilting flowers. These items serve as a nudge to focus on moral behavior rather than fleeting worldly pleasures. By contemplating the end, artists and thinkers hoped to encourage a more intentional and virtuous existence. It turns out that focusing on our own finality has been a primary driver for human self-improvement for centuries.