Do Not Ignore This Warning

Dec 31, 2019

Exploring the myth of Cassandra reveals the plight of insight ignored. Her prophetic warnings serve as a stark reminder of life's impermanence. This conversation encourages listeners to embrace urgency and act intentionally, rather than waiting for obvious signs. It challenges the assumption of endless time, urging reflection on our readiness and the choices we make. As we face a new year, it prompts contemplation on how we truly live in the shadow of mortality.

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ANECDOTE

Cassandra's Prophecy

Cassandra, cursed with true prophecies that were ignored, predicted Agamemnon's death.
He disregarded her, walked into a trap, and was murdered.

INSIGHT

Memento Mori

We know we're mortal, yet live like we're immortal, wasting precious time.
We should live with an awareness of our mortality, making choices accordingly.

ADVICE

Don't Wait for the Prophecy

Don't wait for a life-altering diagnosis to realize life's fragility.
Prepare for death by living fully now, not later.

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In Greek mythology, the god Apollo curses the Trojan princess, Cassandra, with the power of accurate prophecy that will always be ignored. In Aeschylus’ play Agamemnon, Cassandra is brought back to Greece after the capture of Troy as one of the great spoils of war. Unlike Agamemnon, who is happy to be home, Cassandra predicts ominous deaths for both herself and her new master.

“I know that odor,” she says, “I smell the open grave.” She warns him that death is near, but he won’t listen. Agamemnon ignores the obvious signs and walks right into a trap—taking her with him. Soon enough, they are both murdered by Clytemnestra, his jealous, cheating wife.

Cassandra might not be real, but the essential truth of her warning to Agamemnon is real enough: Memento mori. The grave is dug and waiting for each us. We know this, it was prophesied to us at birth—that one day we would die—and yet we go around living as if that isn’t true. We spend our time as if we have an infinite amount of it, as if someone isn’t waiting to steal our kingdom like Clytemnestra.

A new year sits before us, but how many of us are holding our noses? Plugging our ears? Closing our eyes? Pretending as if we know for certain that we have plenty more left. Blithely acting as if nothing threatens us, as if we can afford to be entitled and unprepared. As Marcus said, we could leave life right now. We could leave life this week, this year, this morning. Are you ready? Have you been living with that in mind? Or have you been in denial?

Do not wait for the doctor to deliver the prophecy to you a second time: You have cancer. You have leukemia. We’re not able to stop the bleeding. It will be too late when you hear these words. You’ll never get back what you wasted.

Don’t ignore Cassandra’s warning. Do not doom yourself to a rude awakening—or rather a very rude and sudden sleep. Be ready. Be prepared. Listen. Live. While you still can.

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