Fiveable
Fiveable

Memento Mori

Definition

Memento Mori refers to the artistic or literary reminder of the inevitability of death and the transient nature of life.

Analogy

Imagine a clock ticking loudly in a quiet room, reminding you that time is passing by. Similarly, memento mori serves as a constant reminder that life is fleeting and should be cherished.

Related terms

Vanitas: Vanitas is an artistic genre that uses symbols like skulls, hourglasses, and decaying objects to represent the transience of life.

Carpe Diem: Carpe Diem, meaning "seize the day," encourages individuals to make the most out of their lives because they are aware of their mortality.

Ars Moriendi: Ars Moriendi refers to a medieval Latin text that provides guidance on how to die well and prepare for death spiritually.

collegeable - rocket pep

Are you a college student?

  • Study guides for the entire semester

  • 200k practice questions

  • Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab



© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.