There are plenty of maxims in the world; all that remains is to apply them.
— Blaise Pascal
A maxim is often described as the expression of a basic moral rule or principle, often educational and motivates practical actions. When reading philosophy, it is a rule that makes a connection between an action and the reasons for the action, i.e., motivation, purpose, or context.
Today we’ll explore the meaning behind some maxims that I’ve read about and why they could serve as a habitual motivator for living well.
memento mori
The words can be roughly transcribed from Latin as “Remember you will die” and this was something that the Ancient Romans coined way back when. However, if you look into it, most civilisations have an iteration of this sentiment in their own dialects and practices.
To contextualise the phrase, we must visit Ancient Rome- as a way for the struggling senate to keep egos at bay, especially among victorious military leaders and generals. Often when these guys returned from a successful campaign, they would be honoured with a “triumph”, one of the highest honours you could receive at the time by partaking in brutal conquests.
Accompanying him, there would be a servant of sorts, and their responsibility would entail whispering, “Respice post te. Hominem te memento,” or similar words, as they basked in the glory of their success. This acted as a strong reminder that their hubris is temporary and too, where they not to forget that we’d all inevitably meet the same fate one day.
Ostensibly this maxim is not for the faint-hearted; it can seem morbid and scary to most. But when you eliminate the fear and anxieties surrounding death, you take back the control and wear it as a badge of honour. Living life as though on your deathbed or keeping a physical aide in sight to remind you that you will die someday oddly helps you live a better life.
There are many different exercises where you can use the phrase memento mori. Ways to incorporate this maxim include; reflecting on your current situation, practicing gratitude; using physical reminders (such as a memento mori coin or skull); and using it to moderate your ego.
mens sana in corpore sano
This phrase was initially coined by a Roman poet named Juvenal, translated from Latin, meaning “a sound mind in a sound body.” This links the importance of intellectual and mental well-being to contribute to a healthy body, and vice versa. These two components are in inextricably linked to ensure good health.
Can we be considered healthy if we never venture outdoors or simply get up to get our bodies moving? Or can we obsess about what we eat with zero regarding the mental impact of this?
This maxim is a very important tool to remember that health and lifestyle choices should be conducted with an ever-present balance in mind. Over-indulgence or a disproportion of any kind can tip the balance. If we don’t put the work in mentally, we will not be able to reap the rewards of a healthy body. In the same stretch, if we do not get up, get our bodies moving but sit and eat junk food constantly- we are not stimulating our minds for growth.
The Delphic sayings
Know Thyself
Seneca and also Plutarch, if I remember correctly, interpreted Know Thyself as a memento mori. You are to know that you are a mere mortal as you enter the temple of Apollo at Delphi and come face to face with an immortal god.
The maxim can also be used as a prompt to practice self-awareness; the only person you can’t hide from is yourself. It is essential to know who you are as a person. If you do not know thyself, it would be challenging to have control over your emotions, to check in on yourself morally, and by not knowing your vices, they will always have a hold.
Having the self-awareness from knowing how to snap out of a series of bad thoughts or realising that your actions are not a reflection of your ethics is an invaluable skill to have, and this maxim can serve as a reminder that holding yourself morally accountable and having a grip on your vices are vital tools to live well.
Nothing to excess
The cliché sayings “everything in moderation” and “too much of anything is too much” come to mind when thinking of this maxim. However you want to phrase it, it is crucial to avoid overindulgence, including the apparent vices to avoid, such as over-eating, or drinking too much alcohol. But, it also applies to the seemingly good things for us, such as an obsession with eating too healthily, that you starve yourself of other essential nutrients, or over-exercise.
These actions can often be a compulsive reaction to another external factor; moderating our thoughts; can eliminate the need for our anxiety or stress about a situation to present itself as an obsessive compulsion. This maxim can be a way of asking yourself, why? or what else in my life is causing me to project my feelings into…?
*N.b. If you are struggling with an addiction or compulsion of any kind, it is important to seek help from a licensed healthcare professional.
Certainty brings ruin
It is important to note that certainty is an emotional state and not a fact. The Delphic Oracle believed that Socrates was the wisest of all men. Socrates' reaction was, “the only thing I know is that I know nothing.”
It takes great strength to admit this, and this maxim serves as a great prompt to remember that your “certainty” in a subject or situation, is a falsehood. It is only your interpretation and is not a true reflection of the world around you. This rigidity and stubbornness can inhibit your relationships and interactions with others.
Why use a maxim?
Choosing a maxim is vital to some of us. For instance, you may already use a maxim if you’re a yogi, for example, and love the odd spot of meditation. The truth is, you might find them somewhat nonsensical or outdated. My objective in this piece was to share a few of the ancient maxims that have survived over two millennia and continue to pop up in modern culture in some format or another.
Perhaps you’ve got your own wise adage, which has seen you through tough times and acts as a nudge to strive to be better. Either way, when used in the proper context, clichés aside, an ancient reminder can serve as a loyal companion through turbulent and peaceful times.