Where the Art of Living REALLY Begins

The art of living—what does that mean to you?*

What it means to live well and how one does it are central preoccupations of most ancient philosophical and spiritual disciplines.

Despite the lack of a definitive answer, we don't talk much about the art of living well these days. Why is that?

I think the art of living begins by embracing that life ends.

"Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now, take what is left and live it properly."—Marcus Aurelius

Marcus had some specific ideas for what he meant by "properly"—concepts like "living in accord with Nature" and "a life in pursuit of virtue" that are difficult to summarize succinctly.

That said, starting with one's ultimate end in mind seems like a suitable place to begin a discussion of what the good life really means.

How might practicing a little more memento mori ("remember you die") help you live more purposefully today?

*For more thoughts on the art of living, click here.