Tal Bachman: Memento Mori

Steyn On-Line ^ | April 30, 2023 | Tal Bachman

[Twotone]

I was focused on the menu when the pub server approached our table. A cheery voice said, "Are we all ready to order?". This was a few nights ago.

I looked up. She was young and bright-looking—maybe 23 or 24 . But the tattoo just below her neck revealed something more than cheeriness in her personality. Memento mori, it said. It doesn't translate neatly from Latin. An essentially literal rendition would be "remember dying" (or "death"). But a more accurate (if unavoidably wordy) way of conveying what an ancient Roman would feel and think upon hearing their famous saying is: Remember: sooner or later we all die.

The sight of the server and her tattoo flashed across my mind a few minutes ago, because as we waited to board the plane we're now on as I type this, Dad received an email telling him his brother Tim (my uncle) had passed away.

Uncle Tim's passing followed the recent passing of my Uncle Robbie. And just three years ago, my Uncle Gary was the first of the four Bachman brothers to pass. My dad—the eldest—is now the only son left of Charles and Nancy Bachman, my grandparents. And one day, Dad will pass, too, just as I will, and everyone reading this.

What exactly happens upon our death remains a mystery, at least for some of us. Devout theists and mystics feel certain we have spirits, and that they last forever. Most believe that upon our death, those spirits ascend to heaven (or maybe, descend to hell, or at least to some wait station). By contrast, strict materialists feel certain our death is the end of our consciousness. In their telling, we die and that's it.

[Lurker]

Tal is a very talented writer. Thanks for posting that.

L

[xp38]

There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.

[BBQToadRibs2]

Tal and I are brothers. I do not know, what I do not know. But I choose to believe there is more. I have faith, but admit, I do not know. I am human, imperfect, prone to error, just trying to be better. Day by day. But have faith I will be better.

[DAC21]

Oh! that Tal,

Here is another talented Tal. Good enough for Jeff Beck to have her in his band for years.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4_yWGsx034

[martin_fierro]

And one day, Dad will pass, too, just as I will, and everyone reading this.

Maybe the rest of you slobs, but not meee