"Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now, ta..." — Marcus Aurelius
Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now, take what is left and live it properly.
What This Quote Means
Imagine you have already wasted your life — and now you have been given a second chance. This mental exercise creates urgency and intentionality.
About Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher, considered one of the last good emperors of Rome.
Marcus Aurelius (121-180 AD) was a practitioner of Stoic philosophy who wrote his personal reflections while governing the Roman Empire during a period of constant warfare and plague.
How to Apply This Wisdom
Memento mori
Regularly contemplate your mortality to sharpen your appreciation of life.
Second chance mindset
Treat today as a fresh start, regardless of past mistakes.
Priority clarity
If this were your second chance at life, what would you do differently?
Reflection Questions
- If I had already lived my life and been given a second chance, what would I change?
- What am I putting off that I would regret not doing?
- How does contemplating death change how I want to live today?
Stay Inspired
Get a daily dose of positivity delivered to your inbox.