Mortality (Θνησιμότητα)

-From the Meletic Scrolls.

The notion of immortality has long been a subject of deep philosophical contemplation, religious conviction and literary imagination. It is often portrayed as a mystical or divine phenomenon, which is an existence beyond the constraints of time, where one remains untouched by decay, aging or the ultimate certainty of death. For all the discussion and speculation surrounding immortality, it remains an abstraction, an idea that exists in the realm of belief rather than experience. We as mortal beings do not possess the means to verify it, nor can we claim to have witnessed it firsthand. What we can experience, and what we seldom discuss with meaningful relevance is mortality itself.

Unlike immortality, which is debated and speculated upon, mortality is an irrefutable reality, which is an immutable principle that defines the intrinsic nature of our existence. Whilst we evolve, learn and change throughout life, the essence of our mortality remains unchanged. It is an inherent truth woven into the fabric of our being, as natural and inescapable as the rising and setting of the sun. Our bodies may grow, adapt and endure the passage of time, yet beneath the surface, we are bound to the same fate. It is akin to peeling away the layers of our physicality, only to find that beneath the flesh, we are still actual bones. This fundamental truth is both humbling and illuminating.

Understanding who we are at our core teaches us to accept the genuine reality of our physical existence. It also serves as a stark reminder of the limitations that govern our mortality. Unlike the celestial or the divine, we are finite beings, dwelling within a world that is itself, subject to constant transformation. Our lives are not eternal, nor are they guaranteed beyond the present moment. Every breath we take is a testament to our transient nature, a reminder that time does not wait, nor does it promise permanence. Accepting this fate is not a resignation to despair, but the beginning of a deeper, more meaningful journey, which is a journey that allows us to make peace with our existence and seek fulfilment in the here and now.

Meleticism as both a philosophy and a belief system, seeks to bring us closer to a greater truth, a reality that is best understood through exploration and self-awareness. In contemplating mortality, we often find ourselves inevitably drawn to the subject of death, for it is death that defines the actual boundaries of our mortal existence. To dwell on death alone is to miss the essence of mortality itself. The objective should not be to fixated on the end, nor to live in fear of it; we should embrace the impermanence of life, as an opportunity for growth and enlightenment.

We cannot alter the inevitable. Death is not a force that can be reasoned with; it comes when it wills, irrespective of our desires. This does not mean we should surrender to it in passive acceptance or cease to live meaningfully. Rather, we should cultivate a heightened awareness of life’s uncertain nature and focus our energy on seeking fulfilment, wisdom and happiness. Instead of fearing what is beyond our control, we should appreciate the time we have, for the present moment is the only certainty we possess. The future remains uncertain, and tomorrow is never guaranteed. Thus, our responsibility is to make the most of the life we are given and to live with intention that has meaningful purpose.

Wisdom is the guiding force of the soul and the self, which are the two elements that shape our character and virtues. A truly enlightened life is one that seeks balance, both in thought and in action. The ethical pursuit of harmony in our choices and deeds is as significant as the actions themselves. Being human in the mortal sense is not simply a biological state, but a reflection of our capacity for reason, growth and self-awareness. It is what qualifies us for our intuitive understanding of existence and our ability to engage with the deeper questions of life.

Once we attain philosophical awareness, we open our minds to a higher contemplation. Only then can we begin to understand mortality in relation to immortality. It is important to distinguish between what we know to be true and what remains speculative. Mortality is a certainty, an observable fact that governs all living things. Immortality, on the other hand, remains an unproven concept. One that cannot be substantiated beyond religious doctrine or philosophical conjecture. The notion that we might exist eternally in some divine or celestial form is an idea that, whilst compelling, lacks empirical validation.

If we were to assume that human beings are destined for immortal existence, we would be basing this assumption on belief rather than reason. It is an enticing thought, yet one that contradicts our understanding of logic and nature. There is no evidence to imply that we transition into an everlasting state beyond death, nor is there a rational foundation to support such a claim. To presume that we are divinely endowed with an eternal essence is to engage in wishful thinking rather than philosophical enquiry. Thus, it would be more prudent to focus on the reality of our mortality than entertain illusions of an afterlife that may never come to pass to its fruition.

What is apparent, and what cannot be denied is that to be human is to be mortal. Our condition is defined by the limitations of our bodies and the passage of time. We function within the foundations of our societies, guided by reason, intellect and experience. The knowledge we gain throughout our lives contributes to our understanding of existence, yet it does not grant us escape from the ultimate fate that awaits all living beings. Death is not a flaw in our design. It is an intrinsic part of it, which is an inevitable transition that marks the conclusion of our earthly journey.

Rather than fear the impermanence of our existence, we should embrace it. There is no need to create illusions about what lies beyond mortality, nor should we allow the unknown to diminish the beauty of life itself. What we can do is seek wisdom in the present. Philosophy as an expression of thought and understanding is a powerful means of making sense of our existence. Through contemplation and introspection, we can come to terms with our mortality and recognise it not as a burden, but as an essential component of what it means to be human.

If we were eternal in body, mind and soul, we would never cease to exist. This would fundamentally alter the way we perceive life, stripping away the urgency that gives our existence actual meaning. Mortality is not a curse; it is what makes life precious. The transient nature of our existence is what compels us to seek purpose, forge connections and strive for enlightenment. Without the certainty of an end, life would lose its depth, its significance and its beauty.

In the foundation of Meleticism (To Ένa) the One represents the totality of all things, which are the cosmos, nature and reality itself. It is from To Ena that life emerges, and it is through life that we come to know mortality. This does not imply that we are destined for eternal existence, nor does it guarantee that we shall reach old age simply, because we were born into this world. Our journey is one of philosophical discovery, a path that leads us towards understanding rather than divine intervention. No god bestowed upon us the essence of our mortal being, nor could any presumed deity be equated with To Ena.

Mortality is not something to be feared or denied. It is a reality to be understood, accepted and embraced. It is through our awareness of this truth that we can live fully, not in the search of an unattainable eternity, but in the pursuit of wisdom, virtue and enlightenment. Life is a fleeting moment in the vast expanse of existence, and within that moment, we have the inherent power to think, to feel and to create meaning. That in itself, is a gift that should not be taken for granted.

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