Memento Mori- What Life Insurance and Stoic Wisdom Have In Common

The ancient Greek philosophy known as Stoicism has recently experienced a worldwide surge in popularity.  Followers of Stoic wisdom believe the philosophy offers a path to a more contented life through understanding what you can and cannot control.

Stoics are fond of reciting the Latin phrase “Memento Mori” (remember death). On the surface, this seems to contradict the notion of living a contented life.  How are we supposed to find contentment while reminding ourselves we are, most certainly, going to eventually die?  The answer is clear when you realize the real focus isn't mortality. It's the fact that mortality is not something we control. Our ultimate demise is inevitable. By maintaining awareness of what's out of your control you can make the most of the life you're living.

What does Stoic philosophy have to do with life insurance? Well… quite a bit. The Stoics were on to something. Imagine if everyone had the ability to process certain inevitabilities—like their own death—with a calm, level-headed sense of responsibility.  It’s quite possible everyone on Earth would have life insurance in that scenario. Plainly stated—a life insurance purchase requires contemplation of your own death not to mention pondering the fate to befall those you leave behind. This is understandably difficult for most of us. It's charged with powerful, negative emotion. Also-- to the extent that most people believe death is something that only happens later rather than sooner-- it's illogically conceptualized. When it is indeed "our time"-- we'll have no say in the matter. The Stoics would remind you that death is out of your control and then ask why you’re acting like it is.

One of the most well-known Stoic philosophers, Seneca, once wrote:​
​"Let us prepare our minds as if we'd come to the very end of life. Let us postpone nothing. Let us balance life's books each day... The one who puts the finishing touches on their life each day is never short of time."

Have you prepared your mind for the one thing we all know must happen to every living thing on the planet? What are you postponing?

If you have not yet purchased life insurance—we’re here to help you control what you can and worry less about what you can’t.  Call us at (877) 296-2386 or start the process with a quote and application request today.
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If you’ve already purchased life insurance—whether it’s through McEvoy Insurance or someone else—give us a call so we can conduct a beneficiary review. We’ll review your coverage, help you determine if it’s adequately meeting your needs, and make recommendations. It’s how we help our customers “balance life’s books each day”.