“In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” (Benjamin Franklin) Is that true? If you live in the United States, it might just be about as true. Uncle Sam does not joke with its taxes. That is what runs the economy. And death, we all sure have an appointment with death. For birth awakens death. The clock started to click the day we were born.
We each have an appointed number of days on this side of eternity. To be oblivious of this is to sell our hearts to frivolity and foolishness. Life and death are the yin and yang of nature. Two opposite principles which complement one another. “For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.” (Kahlil Gibran) One leads to the other. Until we die, we cannot truly live.
That is why in ancient Rome a servant is tasked with reminding the victorious general of his mortality. He whispers in his ears, “Memento mori” (Latin for “Remember that thou art a man [that you will die]”). Why? For, a man in his vanity is so quick to forget. Our memory is short, unfortunately, in the wrong way. It takes a conscious effort to right it. It takes a conscious effort to steer it in the path of life.
It takes a conscious effort to steer it in the path of victory. It takes a conscious effort to not only win the battles but also win the war of life.
© 2020 Akin Akinbodunse
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