Book I, Chapter XXIII · Of Meditation upon Death
Thomas à Kempis
The idea of preparing for death may seem morbid, yet for Thomas à Kempis, it is the ultimate exercise in humility and readiness. In a medieval world where the plague and war were constant reminders of life's fragility, keeping death in view was a call to live meaningfully. Today, distractions abound, but the principle remains: awareness of mortality sharpens our focus on what truly matters.