"Glory paid to our ashes comes too late"

This quote by Marcus Valerius Martial speaks with the concept of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. It recommends that no matter how much splendor or recognition we might receive in life, it will be of no use to us after we have passed away. The quote suggests that once we are gone, any acknowledgment or appreciation we may have gotten will be far too late to benefit us. It is a suggestion that life is brief and that we must take advantage of it while we can.

The quote also speaks to the concept of legacy and how our actions in life will be kept in mind after we are gone. It suggests that the only method to ensure that our tradition will reside on is to ensure that we are remembered for our kindness and achievements. We should aim to make a favorable influence on the world while we live, as any splendor paid to our ashes will come too late.