"If I think more about death than some other people, it is probably because I love life more than they do"

This quote gets right to the heart of a fascinating paradox: thinking deeply about death doesn't mean you're morbid or pessimistic. In fact, the opposite might be true. It could mean that you have a profound appreciation for life. When you recognize the reality and inevitability of death, you start to value each moment more. You don't take things for granted. You're like someone savoring every bite of a delicious meal, fully aware it won't last forever.

The historical context of this idea is rich and varied. Philosophers and thinkers from ancient times to the present have touched on it. Take the Stoics from ancient Greece and Rome, for example. They practiced "memento mori," which means "remember that you will die." This wasn't meant to be a grim reminder but rather a call to live life fully and mindfully. By contemplating mortality, they believed people could appreciate the present more and live with greater purpose and clarity.

Now, let's bring this down to earth with a real-life example. Imagine you're at a funeral. The air is thick with grief, but also with memories and stories of the person who passed away. As you listen, you can't help but reflect on your life. Perhaps you remember that trip you always wanted to take but kept postponing. Suddenly, the excuses seem trivial. You book that flight and go on the adventure of a lifetime. By acknowledging that life is finite, you are spurred into action. You live fully, engaged, and present.

So how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by embracing the reality of your mortality. Don't shy away from it. If it helps, you can create reminders—small mementos, quotes on your wall, or even set aside time for reflection. Think about what truly matters to you. What would you regret not doing if you had only a year left to live? Let those thoughts guide your choices. Maybe it's spending more time with loved ones, pursuing a passion, or just slowing down to enjoy a sunset.

Here’s a scenario to make it more relatable: picture yourself at a family gathering. Everyone’s laughing, sharing stories, and there’s a warmth in the air. But then you remember—you won’t have these moments forever. Instead of feeling sad, you feel a rush of gratitude. You put away your phone, engage more deeply in conversations, and maybe take a mental snapshot of the scene. This shift in perspective makes the moment richer, more vibrant. You’re not just living; you’re truly present.

It’s not about being obsessed with death. It’s about using the awareness of it to fuel a deeper love for life. Think of it as having a heightened radar for what really matters. You filter out the noise, the trivial worries, and focus on what brings you joy and fulfillment. So next time you catch yourself avoiding thoughts of mortality, flip the script. Use it as a wake-up call to live more fully, to cherish the people and experiences that make life worth living. After all, it’s not about how long you live but how deeply you experience each moment.