43. The 3 most important phrases

There’s a reason why these have stood the test of time.

No.1: Gnothi Seauton

This has a direct translation of ‘know thyself’.

It’s simple but often neglected.

We often are quick to point out issues with others yet not with ourselves. Introspection and active learning of ourselves are needed daily. Out of here, you can learn your strengths and weaknesses, can love yourself more, and ultimately make a bigger difference in the world.

No.2: Memento Mori

The stoic phrase translates as ‘remember you must die’.

This is a harsh but honest reality we sometimes forget, especially in developed sides of the world.

Death shapes life in how we have a purpose to our days, we don’t waste time, and we attempt to create things that outlive us. Regularly looking at your day and imagining it could be our last grants great motivation for when we remain idle in the comfortable bubbles we make for ourselves.

No.3: Post Tenebras Lux

The rallying cry of the Protestant Reformers, ‘light after darkness’.

In a world full of hardship and suffering there is a need to look forward with hope.

Amongst current pain, you often lose barings on objective truths. The tough moment you are in seems all-consuming that you forget all good that has happened and can happen. But this often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts, as we get so in the mindest that we must be sad. Shifting the perspective, no matter the situation, that we can be content and there is light to come allows for a constant in our mindset. We can’t rely on external stimuli for this hope.