In a world where routines and digital connectivity often make us feel rushed, Memento Vivere—“Remember to live”—is a powerful reminder to cherish life. This Latin maxim encourages us to approach life with presence, meaning, and joy, pushing us to move beyond autopilot and savor each day intentionally.
While its counterpart, Memento Mori (“Remember you will die”), urges reflection on mortality, it emphasizes life as a beautiful journey to embrace. Together, they remind us to live fully while recognizing life’s limits.
Memento Vivere holds significance across art, literature, and life’s quiet moments. This message has inspired many artists, writers, and philosophers throughout history. One modern example by Incline Press captures this sentiment in a book that celebrates both the joy of life and the solemnity of remembrance.
The special edition book, Memento Mori: Memento Vivere, honors the life of Kathy Whalen, a librarian and printer, through personal memories styled as a commonplace book. Crafted by Graham Moss of Incline Press, it stands as a unique tribute, showing how Memento Vivere can shape and honor a narrative and a life.
Understanding the Roots of Memento Vivere
The Latin phrase Memento Vivere comes from ancient Rome, where it was often paired with Memento Mori. Together, these expressions balance the appreciation of life’s fleeting beauty with a reminder of mortality. The phrase is closely tied to Carpe Diem—“seize the day”—yet it emphasizes living with awareness and joy, not just action. Mindful living means noticing beauty in small moments, embracing spontaneity, and feeling gratitude daily. For centuries, it has guided those who seek to make the most of their time and create lasting memories.
The Legacy of Memento Vivere in Art and Literature
Art and literature have long explored themes of life, mortality, and the human experience. Writers like Henry David Thoreau and Virginia Woolf captured this through contemplative and descriptive prose. Thoreau’s famous line, “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately,” reflects Memento Vivere, encouraging a life filled with purpose and presence.
Artistic interpretations of Memento Vivere are seen in works like Memento Mori: Memento Vivere by Incline Press. This typographical homage to Kathy Whalen uses 50 double-page spreads, filled with vivid prints, tip-ins, and letterpress text, to share moments from her personal and professional life, including her time at the Bodleian Library. Crafted with John Purcell Paper, inks by Hawthorn, and binding by Papercut Bindery, the book conveys that each moment in life is worth attention and reverence. This work exemplifies how a life can be commemorated with thoughtful and artful mementos.
Living with Purpose and Presence
In today’s world, Memento Vivere is a call to escape the autopilot mode many of us find ourselves in. It invites us to savor each moment, embrace spontaneity, and experience gratitude. While this approach sounds simple, it requires consistent practice and mindfulness.
For many, this could mean finding beauty in nature, spending time on hobbies, or connecting deeply with friends and family. It can also be as simple as enjoying a quiet moment with a book or a cup of coffee.
Living in alignment with Memento Vivere does not require dramatic changes. Instead, it often involves small but impactful shifts. Practicing gratitude, journaling, and taking time to pause can create space for a richer, fuller life. Remembering to live encourages us to connect with others, share experiences, and recognize the value of our journeys.
Celebrating Life Through Collectibles and Art
The revival of Memento Vivere in contemporary bookmaking, art, and collectibles reflects the enduring appeal of this principle. A work like Memento Mori: Memento Vivere by Incline Press is priced at $315 and created in a limited run of 175 copies. This book holds value not only as art but also as a reminder of life’s preciousness. Each copy features intricate design and hand-bound craftsmanship. These details remind us that while our lives are finite, the impact of our choices and memories lasts.
In celebrating Kathy Whalen’s life, Graham Moss created a masterpiece that highlights everyday moments and small joys. Each page turn offers a glimpse into the past. Mementos like address cards and preserve labels showcase the essence of her life. Each page emphasizes that even the smallest memories contribute to a larger tapestry. This narrative tells the story of a person’s existence, blending Memento Mori and Memento Vivere beautifully.
Applying Memento Vivere in Everyday Life
If we view Memento Vivere as a personal call to action, it can shape how we approach each day. Start by setting intentions in the morning. Decide whether you want to be more patient, find joy in your work, or take time for yourself. At the end of the day, reflect on moments that brought you joy or taught you something new. Over time, these daily practices can help you live with more awareness and appreciation.
Tips to Embrace Memento Vivere:
- Savor Small Moments – Find joy in ordinary experiences, like a warm meal, a beautiful sunset, or a meaningful conversation.
- Prioritize Connections – Spend time with people who uplift and inspire you, and create shared memories.
- Practice Mindfulness – Slow down, breathe deeply, and be present, even in the midst of a busy day.
- Celebrate Wins – Take time to acknowledge both big and small accomplishments, appreciating how far you’ve come.
- Embrace Art and Expression – Explore art, literature, or music that reminds you of life’s beauty and the importance of cherishing it.
Conclusion: A Timeless Reminder to Cherish Life
Memento Vivere is a gentle yet powerful reminder to live with awareness and gratitude. In a society that often prioritizes productivity and achievement, this phrase encourages us to find fulfillment in the present. It reminds us not just to focus on our accomplishments. Just as Memento Mori: Memento Vivere by Incline Press celebrates Kathy Whalen’s life through heartfelt recollections, we can honor our own lives by treasuring our moments and remembering to live fully.
The principle of Memento Vivere is as relevant today as it was centuries ago. It serves as a reminder that our lives are fleeting but filled with opportunities to appreciate, connect, and grow. Whether through the pages of a beautifully crafted book or a simple daily ritual, let Memento Vivere inspire you to live meaningfully every day.
