Carpe Diem

In wake of the tragic news of the demise of actor Robin Williams, a movie that comes to mind is 1989's ‘Dead Poets Society’. Williams plays maverick English teacher John Keating who gets his class of male students to step close to a photograph of achievers from a previous generation... and whispers in the background:

‘You've walked past them many times. I don't think you've really looked at them. They're not that different from you, are they? Invincible, just like you feel. The world is their oyster. They believe they're destined for great things, just like many of you. Their eyes are full of hope, just like you.

Did they wait until it was too late to make from their lives even one iota of what they were capable? Because you see gentlemen, these boys are now fertilizing daffodils. But if you listen real close, you can hear them whisper their legacy to you. Go on, lean in. Listen. Do you hear it? Carpe. Hear it? Carpe. Carpe Diem. Seize the day boys. Make your lives extraordinary.’

‘Carpe diem’ is a Latin maxim from a poem in Odes by Horace. The phrase ‘carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero’ is translated as ‘Seize the day, put very little trust in tomorrow (the future)’. The verse says that the upcoming is unforeseen and that one should not leave future happenings to chance, but rather one should do all one can today to make one's future better.

The phrase is used by some to justify reckless behaviour. However the gist of ‘carpe diem’ as used by Horace is not to ignore the future, but rather to skip procrastination and do things on time. In the film, Keating urges his students to follow their heart and break free from indecision. He inspires them to unite passion with timely actions related to a set of purposeful goals. This Muse is dedicated to that inspirational union of Horace, Keating and Williams.

Carpe Diem... do not get caught in procrastination...
 ‘unite to impact’ passion, purpose and timely actions!

                              

- Pravin K. Sabnis

Goa, India.