On time, death, and eternity

Reflecting on death is particularly important, especially when contemporary culture often seeks to deny or trivialize its reality, reducing human life to something disposable. Just as we recognize the dignity of life, we should approach death with the same seriousness, considering its deeper meaning. Though thinking about death is difficult, it offers us perspective and could inspire positive change and purposeful living. In this reflection, I will explore briefly death as portrayed in the Bible, Socrates’ views on death in Plato’s Apology, and three historical concepts related to time and mortality: Tempus Fugit (Latin for “time flies”), Carpe Diem (Latin for “seize the day”), and Memento Mori (Latin for “remember you will die”). 

The Bible addresses death and the passage of time in various ways. In Ecclesiastes, the cyclical nature of life—birth and death, planting and harvest—is highlighted, reminding us that our lives unfold in seasons: “There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens” (Eccles. 3:1). While life’s challenges are inevitable, including the mystery of death, the author encourages us to enjoy the present and view life as a gift from God.  

Jesus also spoke about death in ways meant to comfort and guide us. In John’s Gospel, he reassures his disciples with these words: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places… I am going to prepare a place for you” (John 14:1-2). Christ reminds us that while death is difficult to understand, it is not the end. He has already prepared a place for us in his Father’s house, offering us hope and the promise of eternal life. 

In the Classical period, the reflections on death by Socrates, as recorded in Plato’s Apology, offer a different but complementary perspective. Facing execution, Socrates expressed no fear of death, viewing it as either a dreamless sleep or a transition to another existence. He described death as “a sleep that is undisturbed even by dreams” (Apology 40d) and suggested that death, could be good or bad, depended on how one lived. Socrates believed that living virtuously led to a “good death,” while a life of vice led to a “bad death.” Socrates’ reasoning aligns relatively well with the Christian understanding of heaven and hell, as both emphasize that how we live determines our eternal fate. 

The concept of Tempus Fugit reflects the fleeting nature of time. First found in Roman literature and often attributed to Virgil, the phrase means “time flies.” In his Georgics, Virgil writes: “But meanwhile it flees: irretrievable time flees away.” (Georgics 3.284). This idea echoes the biblical passage: “You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14). Both reflect the transient nature of life, urging us to make the best use of our time. The hourglass symbol often seen on tombstones further represents this idea: time is always slipping away, and we are called to reflect on how we spend it. The next time you visit a cemetery, look for this symbol. 

Moving forward in history, we encounter the concept of Carpe Diem, expressed by the Roman poet Horace in his Odes (1.11, 23 BC): “Seize the day, put very little trust in tomorrow.” This phrase has often been seen as a hedonistic way, focusing on immediate pleasures and disregarding the consequences of immoral actions. It aligns more with modern views of instant gratification and consumerism. However, from a Christian perspective, Carpe Diem can be reinterpreted to mean that each day is a gift from God—an opportunity to practice charity, grow in virtue, and live with eternity in mind. In this way, we truly “seize the day.” 

The last concept, Memento Mori, is deeply rooted in the Catholic tradition. It reminds us to keep our mortality in mind and live in preparation for eternal life. The phrase finds its origins in the Bible, particularly in Ecclesiastes: “Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity” (Eccles. 1:2). This verse reflects the futility of worldly pursuits when considered in light of death. Material wealth, fame, and pleasure are all temporary and are only shadows in comparison to the fullness of eternal life that awaits us. Skulls and bones were commonly used to visually represent the body stripped of its earthly identity (flesh), reduced to the most enduring element of the human body—the skull. Bones, meanwhile, symbolized the universality of death. Memento Mori encourages us to focus on what truly matters: our relationship with God and our love for others. 

In contemplating time, death, and eternity, we are invited to see beyond the distractions of the present moment and direct our lives toward what is lasting. These reflections—biblical, philosophical, and historical—do not have a goal to evoke fear but to show us the dignity of life and the hope of eternal communion with God. 

1. How do Classical views on death, like Socrates’, align with the Christian understanding of virtue and the afterlife? 

2. Do you think that praying at a cemetery could deepen your awareness of mortality and strengthens your hope of eternal life?