Does the pandemic change your attitude to life?

Summary

The global pandemic has prompted a reflection on mortality and the value of time, inspiring a shift in life attitudes and daily behaviors.

Abstract

The ongoing global pandemic and associated lockdowns have cast a shadow of uncertainty over the future, leading individuals to confront their mortality more directly than before. The threat of Covid-19 has heightened awareness of the fragility of life, causing many to reevaluate how they spend their time and engage with the world. The ancient philosophy of Memento Mori, the practice of reflecting on one's mortality, has become particularly relevant, as it encourages living intentionally and valuing the present moment. This introspection has sparked a movement towards more meaningful living, where individuals are motivated to act, speak, and think with the understanding that life is precious and finite. The pandemic has served as a stark reminder that time is not to be wasted on trivialities, but rather cherished and used wisely.

Opinions

The author suggests that the pandemic has made the concept of death more tangible and ever-present in daily life.
Engaging in pointless activities or quarrels seems less justifiable when one is acutely aware of the limited nature of life.
The threat of Covid-19 has transformed mundane activities like walking or shopping into potentially risky endeavors, altering behavior and interactions with others.
Reflecting on the possibility of today being one's last day can significantly influence one's actions and priorities.
Awareness of mortality is presented as a catalyst for change, prompting individuals to consider what they wish to be remembered for and to live accordingly.
The article emphasizes that acknowledging the deadline of life is a prime motivator for taking action and not succumbing to procrastination or the illusion of immortality.
The author advocates for using the perspective gained from the awareness of death to evaluate what truly matters in life and to live in alignment with those values.

Memento Mori — A brief insight

The current situation of global pandemic and lockdown changes many aspects of our life. The future seems more uncertain than just a few months ago. Who knows how long the pandemic will last and how the world will change? How does Covid-19 change your daily life?

Death could be lurking around any corner. It reminds us of something that we all know. Something that we suppress most of the time and rarely become aware of. That we are all mortal.

Covid-19 could be a reminder of our mortality. We seldom become as aware of that feeling as we are right now. Rarely had I been more conscious of how often I waste my time on pointless things.

You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think — Marcus Aurelius

Had going on a walk or shopping felt threatening to you ever before? Do you notice yourself looking suspiciously at others who walk by too closely?

Imagine today being the last day. Would it change your behaviour? Would live your life differently if you knew you were going to die within the next few days or weeks?

That danger is always present. Walking carelessly down a street might be enough. What you do right now, what you say to someone may be their last memory of you. What do you want to be remembered for?

Awareness is the key to change something. By noticing, by being aware we can act in accordance and change something.

Memento Mori — being aware of our mortality provides a certain awareness and changes our perspective on life. The time we have feels different now. Would you sacrifice your time for pointless quarrels if you knew how short and irretrievable it is?

Don’t let another day go by pretending you’re immortal. The literal deadline is the prime motivation to do anything at all. Why even move a finger when eternity lies before you. It would be no difference to act today or tomorrow.

An end puts things in perspective. What is your perspective?

This article is part of my series called “Brief insight”. Where I’ll share thoughts ideas and things I learned concisely. If you like the concept feel free to check out the other articles.

This is my 7th post for the ILLUMINATION 30-day writing challenge by Dr Mehmet Yildiz described in this article. I’ve already done one week which is honestly more than I thought I could do.

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