Stoicism · The Stoic Way, part 18 of 20 · 4 October 2026 · Charlotte Himsworth
Amor Fati and Memento Mori
Loving what happens, and remembering that life is precious.
Two phrases are often linked with Stoicism. Neither was coined by the ancient Stoics themselves, but both capture something true about their way of seeing.
Amor fati: love of fate
“Amor fati”, love of one’s fate, is a phrase made famous by the nineteenth-century philosopher Nietzsche. Yet the attitude is deeply Stoic. Epictetus advised: “Seek not that the things which happen should happen as you wish; but wish the things which happen to be as they are, and you will have a tranquil flow of life.”
This is not resignation. It is meeting life as it is, rather than as we demanded it to be, and then acting wisely from there.
Memento mori: remember you will die
The Latin phrase “memento mori” comes from later tradition, but the Stoics often reflected on mortality. Marcus Aurelius reminded himself that life is short and that each day is a gift.
Gently held
This reflection is not meant to frighten or to deepen sorrow. For the Stoics, remembering that life is finite made it more precious: a reason to be kind now, to say what matters now, and not to waste our days in resentment.
A simple practice
At the end of today, think of one person you love. Tell them, in a small way, that they matter to you. Remembering that life is precious is, above all, an invitation to love.
If thoughts of death feel heavy or frightening for you right now, please set this practice aside and reach out for support. Samaritans are available on 116 123, any time.