John Cena’s Pocket Watch and a Rabbi’s Two Pockets

In a recent talk show interview, wrestler-turned-actor John Cena shared that he carries a broken pocket watch.

Pointing to his wristwatch, he said, “This one tells time.” Then he held up the broken one. “This one tells perspective.”

On one side of the watch are the words: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” This helps him when he is feeling of low self-worth, reminding him that he is enough and worthy of love.

On the other: “Memento Mori,” Latin for “remember you must die.” This statement is for when his ego gets too big, reminding him that he is human and above no one.

It’s a simple, effective way of keeping the ego in check and in balance. Two hundred years ago, a Polish rabbi offered nearly the same advice.

Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Peshischa taught:

Everyone must have two pockets, with a note in each pocket, so that he or she can reach into one or the other, depending on the need. When feeling lowly and depressed, discouraged or disconsolate, one should reach into the right pocket, and, there, find the words: “For my sake was the world created."

But when feeling high and mighty one should reach into the left pocket, and find the words: "I am but dust and ashes."

Both Cena and Rabbi Bunim were trying to answer the same question:

How do you keep your self-worth steady when life keeps swinging between pride and insecurity?

Joy vs. Purpose

Cena’s first inscription, “Comparison is the thief of joy,” is a reminder not to measure yourself against others. There will always be someone richer, faster, or more accomplished. Even an Olympic gold medalist eventually slows down. So don’t waste your energy comparing yourself to others. Do what you do and do it the best you can.

Rabbi Bunim’s quote offers a different take, focusing not on joy, but purpose. “For my sake was the world created.” implies there is a reason you were brought into the world. You’re not just important, you’re essential. Living that purpose will lead to joy. In fact, the real meaning of the Hebrew word simcha refers to joy when you know you’re on the right path and living a life of purpose.

Cena’s watch reminds us not to lose joy through comparison while Rabbi Bunim’s pocket informs us how to find it.

Dust and Ashes

On the other side of Cena’s watch is “Memento Mori.” It’s a powerful call to humility, a reminder that time is short and that none of us are invincible. We like to forget that we’re going to die. On some level, many of us don’t even believe it is true.

Judaism encourages facing your mortality. King Solomon wrote that if you have a choice between attending a wedding and a funeral, choose the funeral (Ecclesiastes, 7:2). Because by observing death, you get in touch with life.

Rabbi Bunim’s phrase “I am but dust and ashes” reminds us that the clock is ticking and none of us live forever. So get off the couch and stay focus on what really matters in life.

Two Sides of the Same Paper

Rabbi Bunim’s two statements, along with Cena’s double-sided watch, contain two essential reminders, one for confidence, one for humility. The point isn’t to switch between feeling proud and feeling humble. The ideal is to embrace both of them simultaneously, realizing you are dust and ashes, and at the same time the world was created for you. Know your worth without arrogance, and your smallness without despair.