Memento Mori

 "It is not death that a man should fear, but rather he should fear never beginning to live." Marcus Aurelius

When I taught sixth grade, I was in an elementary school setting, but my team departmentalized to prepare our kids for middle school. I had the privilege of teaching social studies! Learning came to life when I taught the kids about the ancient Greeks and Romans using a class simulation. I was introduced to the word Areté, loosely translated, means excellence. That was my introduction to the ancient Stoic philosophers, and I've been intrigued ever since. (Although I will be the first to admit that I haven't been the best role model for living the principles of the ancient Stoics.)

Memento Mori, a powerful Latin phrase meaning "remember that you must die," is an urgent call to live with purpose and intention. It's an invitation to embrace the responsibility of living meaningfully. The idea that life is short and that you're going to die is only depressing if you think about it wrong. It should give you a sense of priority if you think about it correctly. It should give you a sense of purpose and what you're trying to accomplish while on Earth.

For educators, Memento Mori takes on a compelling significance. Influential educators have the power to ignite passion in the hearts and minds of students, shape values, and inspire generations far beyond their lifetimes. We are in the life-changing business! Memento Mori doesn't provoke fear but empowers individuals to focus on what truly matters. Educators infused with this awareness prioritize transformative educational experiences that evoke curiosity. The urgency to nurture and invest in young minds becomes vital. Getting caught up in routines and menial concerns can be all too easy in the daily hustle of teaching. However, Memento Mori encourages educators to reflect on their allocation of time and energy, pressing them to connect with students on a deeper level. Every interaction can be an opportunity for encouragement and inspiration, crafting a legacy that shapes the fabric of future generations.

Grappling with the inevitability of death, as the ancient Stoics did, fosters gratitude and resilience. When we understand that life is precious, we are more inclined to seize the day and appreciate the opportunity for growth and discovery. Instead of being overwhelmed by challenges, we can navigate through adversity with a growth mindset. The ancient Stoics- Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius- offered timeless wisdom that resonates deeply with educators today. By modeling perseverance, teachers do not just prepare students for academic success; they equip them with essential life skills that will support them throughout their journeys.

The legacy that educators leave is not confined to the subjects they teach; it is ultimately defined by the values they inspire in their students. Marcus Aurelius urges us, "Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one." This powerful statement challenges educators: Instead of merely instructing on ideal behaviors, they must embody the qualities they seek to instill—integrity, kindness, and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Students are keen observers, and through their teachers' examples, they learn invaluable life lessons that transcend the academic realm.