Picture this: You’re standing in a hospital room, fluorescent lights buzzing, the air thick with antiseptic and fear. A loved one lies in the bed, eyes closed, machines beeping in a slow, steady rhythm. In that moment, the phrase “we who are about to die” isn’t just a line from history—it’s a mirror. It’s a question: What does it mean to face the end, and what do we do with the time we have left?
Why “We Who Are About to Die” Still Matters
Let’s be honest—most of us avoid thinking about death. We scroll, we binge, we plan for next year. But the truth is, every one of us is part of the club: we who are about to die. It’s not morbid; it’s universal. If you’ve ever lost sleep worrying about your health, or felt a jolt of panic on a turbulent flight, you know the feeling. Death isn’t just an event. It’s a shadow that shapes how we live.
The Origin of the Phrase
“We who are about to die salute you.” The words echo from ancient Rome, where gladiators supposedly addressed the emperor before battle. Historians debate whether it happened often, but the phrase stuck. It’s become shorthand for facing the unknown with courage—or at least, with eyes open. Here’s the part nobody tells you: the phrase isn’t just about literal death. It’s about any moment when you stand on the edge, unsure what comes next.
Facing Mortality: The Real Stakes
Let’s break it down. Why does thinking about death matter? Because it changes how you live. Studies show that people who accept their mortality tend to be happier, more grateful, and less afraid. They spend more time with people they love. They take risks that matter. They say “I love you” and “I’m sorry” more often. If you’ve ever watched someone get a scary diagnosis, you’ve seen this shift. Suddenly, the small stuff falls away.
What We Get Wrong About Death
Here’s a confession: I used to think death was something that happened to other people. I’d hear about “we who are about to die” and picture old men in togas, not myself. But then my friend got sick at 32. Suddenly, the phrase felt personal. I realized I’d been living like I had all the time in the world. Most of us do. We put off hard conversations. We save our best wine for “someday.” But someday isn’t promised.
How “We Who Are About to Die” Changes Us
If you’re reading this, you’re part of the club. We who are about to die aren’t just gladiators or patients in hospital beds. We’re parents, students, dreamers, worriers. The awareness of death can be a wake-up call. It can push you to live with more intention. Here’s why:
- Clarity: When you remember you’re mortal, you stop wasting time on things that don’t matter.
- Connection: You reach out to people you care about, even if it’s awkward.
- Courage: You try things you’ve always wanted to do, because what’s the worst that could happen?
There’s a reason so many people write “bucket lists” after a scare. The phrase “we who are about to die” isn’t a threat. It’s a permission slip.
Who Needs to Hear This?
This isn’t for people who want to ignore reality. If you’re looking for a way to never think about death, this isn’t for you. But if you’ve ever felt the weight of time, or wondered what really matters, you’re in the right place. We who are about to die aren’t doomed. We’re awake.
Lessons from Those Who’ve Faced the End
Let’s get specific. Bronnie Ware, a palliative care nurse, wrote about the top regrets of the dying. The most common? “I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.” That’s not just a nice quote. It’s a warning. If you’re part of “we who are about to die,” you have a choice. You can keep pretending you’ll live forever, or you can start living like time is precious.
What I Learned from My Own Mistakes
I used to say yes to everything. I thought being busy meant being important. But when my friend died, I realized I’d missed birthdays, skipped dinners, and let friendships fade. I was so busy “living” that I forgot to actually live. If you’ve ever done the same, you’re not alone. The phrase “we who are about to die” is a reminder to pay attention.
Practical Ways to Live Like You Mean It
Here’s the part that matters: What do you do with this knowledge? How do you live as one of “we who are about to die” without falling into despair? Try this:
- Write down three things you’d regret not doing if you died tomorrow. Do one this week.
- Tell someone you love them, even if it feels weird.
- Let go of one grudge. It’s not worth it.
- Spend an hour outside, just noticing the world. Smell the air. Listen to the birds.
- Ask yourself: If I only had a year left, what would I change?
These aren’t magic fixes. But they’re a start. The point isn’t to live in fear. It’s to live on purpose.
What Nobody Tells You About Death
Here’s the secret: Most people aren’t afraid of dying. They’re afraid of not having lived. The phrase “we who are about to die” isn’t about doom. It’s about urgency. It’s about squeezing every drop from the time you have. If you’ve ever watched a sunset and felt a pang of sadness, you know what I mean. That’s the gift and the curse of being human. We know it ends, so we care more.
Next Steps
If you’ve made it this far, you’re already braver than most. You’ve faced the truth: we who are about to die are also the ones who get to live. So go call your mom. Book the trip. Say what you mean. The clock is ticking, but that’s what makes every moment count.
