One of the most interesting parts of the triumph was that behind the victorious general in the chariot stood a slave, holding a golden crown over his head, and whispering to him throughout the procession, ‘remember you are mortal’ in the ears of the victorious generals as they were paraded through the streets, reminding him that he is a man. Til that marcus aurelius had a servant follow him around and every time aurelius received a compliment the servant had to whisper in his ear, you’re just a man… just a man,” to keep him humble. In ancient times, when a roman general achieved success and marched through the streets of rome in triumph, an auriga (a slave) was appointed to walk behind him and every so often, whisper in his ear, “memento homo” Remember, you are only a man. The phrase “memento homo,” translates to “remember you are only a man,” and can claim its roots in ancient rome Some may know it as auriga’s whisper but all can understand its lesson.
You are just a man You are mortal.” this was simply to keep alexander from believing what his troops —and his enemies— believed That he was a god among men Auriga would continually whisper memento homo (remember, you are only a man) or memento mori in the duces ears In latin, they say, respice post te
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