A consistent theme across philosophical and spiritual traditions is the ancient practice known as memento mori (Latin for remember you will die). The philosopher Montaigne called it a way to practice freedom. “We die every day, for every day some part of life is taken from us,” wrote Seneca in a letter to Lucilius.

In a letter known today as An Epicurean on his deathbed, Seneca stressed: “Philosophy enables a person to be cheerful within sight of death, brave and cheerful no matter what condition his body is in, not giving up just because the body is giving out. A great captain sails on, even with his canvas in tatters; even if he has scrapped the ship’s equipment, he keeps the remnants of his vessel on course.” [...]

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