What Does Death Have To Do With Purpose?

In ancient Greece, Spartan women would bid their men farewell as they marched off to war with a stirring command: "Come back with your shield, or on it."

Dying with unwavering courage was (and still is) a testament to the way one lived.

Today, we no longer face the constant peril that our ancestors endured. We live longer, and our life expectancy continues to rise thanks to remarkable technological advancements.

As a result, many of us have become adept at glossing over the topic of death until it can no longer be ignored.

However, contemplating the "art of dying" holds profound significance for each and every one of us, not just for philosophers.

In his captivating work "THE BOOK OF DEAD PHILOSOPHERS," Simon Critchley delves into the fascinating connection between how philosophers met their end and how their deaths reflected the ideas and lives they left behind.

Rediscovering and reflecting on the "Ars Moriendi" (the art of dying) can inspire us to live our lives with greater intentionality and meaning – the very essence of defining purpose and unlocking our individual or organizational potential.

What if we approached life with the same steadfast resolve as those Spartan warriors of old?

Might we not discover a deeper understanding of ourselves and our true purpose?