The quote, “There is a law of time, a law of oblivion: glory to the dead; life to the living,” speaks to the inescapable reality of mortality and the transience of human life. It suggests that with time, all things, including human beings and their achievements, are eventually forgotten or obscured. This is what is referred to as the “law of oblivion.” However, despite this inevitability, there is a sense of reverence and respect accorded to those who have passed on, hence the phrase “glory to the dead.”
On the other hand, “life to the living” implies that while we are alive, we have the capacity to experience, to grow, to change, and to make a difference. It’s a reminder to seize the day and live life to the fullest, because life is fleeting and temporary.
In today’s world, this quote could serve as a reminder of the importance of living in the present moment. In an era where people are often preoccupied with their past mistakes or future anxieties, this quote emphasizes the need to focus on the present, to appreciate what we have right now, and to live our lives fully and meaningfully.
In terms of personal development, this quote could inspire us to strive for greatness, not for the sake of glory or recognition, but for the sake of making the most out of our lives. It could also teach us to value the journey more than the destination, and to appreciate the process of growth and development.
Furthermore, the “law of oblivion” could also remind us to be humble and to keep our achievements and successes in perspective. No matter how much we achieve, time will eventually erase all traces of our existence. Therefore, it’s more important to focus on the impact we can make while we’re still alive, rather than obsessing over how we’ll be remembered after we’re gone.