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Kempis, Netherlands
In silence and in stillness a devout soul maketh progress, and learneth the mysteries of Holy Scripture.
The fashion of this world passeth away and I would fain occupy myself with the things that are abiding.
To account nothing of one’s self, and to think always kindly and highly of others, this is great and perfect wisdom.
Yamamoto Tsunetomo·1716Meditation on inevitable death should be performed daily. Every day when one's body and mind are at peace, one should meditate upon being ripped apart by arrows, rifles, spears and swords, being carried away by surging waves, being thrown into the midst of a great fire, being struck by lightning, being shaken to death by a great earthquake, falling from thousand-foot cliffs, dying of disease or committing seppuku at the death of one's master. And every day without fail one should consider himself as dead.
Steve Jobs·2005Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.
Marcus Aurelius·180 ADDo not act as if thou wert going to live ten thousand years. Death hangs over thee. While thou livest, while it is in thy power, be good.
