random thought of the moment:
It’s incredible how long science has succeeded in keeping men’s minds off their fundamental unhappiness and its own very limited power to remedy their fundamental unhappiness. One marvel follows another—electric light, phonograph, motor car, telephone, radio, airplane, television. It’s a curious list, and very pathetic. The soul of man is crying for hope of purpose or meaning; and the scientist says, ‘Here is a telephone’ or ‘Look, television!’—exactly as one tries to distract a baby crying for its mother by offering it sugar-sticks and making funny faces.
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September 30th, 2006 by Jerry
A BoingBoing contributor interprets a Latin sign on a church wall as being a threat, but the "memento mori" message is a Medieval reminder to us that we are mortals. Rather, I think the message is really a reminder to those goofing off outside that the fun won't last forever (and therefore they should consider going into the Church to help ensure a pleasant eternal hereafter!).
Jerry
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Comments 4
I'm reminded of the fable about the ant and the grasshopper.
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Posted 30 Sep 2006 at 1:22 pm ¶Speaking of memento mori…
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Posted 30 Sep 2006 at 1:27 pm ¶Well I wouldn't disagree that it's a threat, but rather I'd argue that it is a threat that a church hasa the right to make, if only because it's been making it for thousands of years. There is an element of intimidation in any religion.
Also, I had always thought that "remember though art mortal" was what the whispered in Roman general's ears as they marched into the city in triumph.
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Posted 30 Sep 2006 at 7:15 pm ¶The "memento mori" images, devotions, and practices are all things the Church could really use a revitalization in — how comfortable are we moderns with death? Not at all. Perhaps unnaturally uncomfortable with death.
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Posted 01 Oct 2006 at 5:22 am ¶Post a Comment