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. Marcus aurelius instructed the servant to whisper this reminder in his ear 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. 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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