The Daily Stoic You Could Leave Life Today. What Would You Do Differently?
46 snips
Dec 27, 2025 
Join Dr. Laurie Santos, a Yale psychology professor and happiness expert, and grief specialist David Kessler as they explore the Stoic concept of Memento Mori. Laurie shares how being aware of mortality enhances our enjoyment of life, while David maps grief onto the hero's journey, revealing how it can lead to profound meaning. They discuss the pitfalls of obsessing over longevity and highlight how understanding death can enrich our present lives. The conversation is both illuminating and deeply moving, urging us to savor each moment.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Near-Death Bee Sting In Greece
- Ryan Holiday recounts nearly dying in Greece after a bee sting to the back of his throat during a run.
- The moment made him immediately prioritize being with his son and family over trivial worries.
Mortality Awareness Boosts Presence
- Laurie Santos explains that awareness of death (memento mori) reliably increases presence and appreciation.
- She cites research showing mortality salience shifts behavior toward valuing current experiences.
Use Short, Specific Negative Visualization
- Use imagination deliberately: simulate specific bad outcomes briefly to prepare, then move on.
- Avoid prolonged rumination by limiting the practice to short, purposeful sessions.