Memento Mori

Much of life is uncertain. One could argue that the only sure thing in life is death and that nothing else matters beyond our actions. I’ve been thinking about that idea a lot lately and it’s inspired a photography collection called Memento Mori, which taps into the symbology that death is inevitable and is a reminder of our own mortality.

What does the collection entail? 

Memento Mori is a Latin phrase that translates to ‘remember you will die.’ When I first came across the concept I found it quite morbid. But the more I researched, the more I realised that to think of memento mori in those terms completely misses the point. Memento Mori isn’t a resignation against life or a celebration of death. It’s the exact opposite.

It’s the understanding that our time on this Earth truly is short, that every moment is ephemeral and that we must make the most of everything. Arriving at this conclusion was bolstered by my growing interest in Stoic philosophy, as set out by ancient practitioners like Marcus Aurelius and modern Stoics like Ryan Holiday.

The photos in this collection reflect themes of transience, Stoicism and the natural progression of life.

The Symmetry of Blossom Trees.

Lives Of The Stoics.

No Man Is Free Who Is Not Master Of Himself.

Remember You Will Die.

Letters From A Stoic.

Dying Every Day.

How To Think Like A Roman Emperor.

Transience.

You Could Leave Life Right Now.

Fleeting Beauty.