Carpe Diem - Seize The Day
As 2024 takes her last few breaths, many of you may be contemplating a few "New Year's Resolutions".
Resolutions you hope will bring about the change you desire in your life.
In doing so, you may want to consider the simple concept of Carpe Diem, a Latin phrase meaning "seize the day".
It’s a philosophy that encourages living in the present and making the most out of every moment.
This concept isn’t new and has echoed through the ages, from the poetry of Horace, who originally penned the phrase, to the impactful 1989 film "Dead Poets Society."
The film, directed by Peter Weir and starring Robin Williams as the unconventional English teacher John Keating, brings Carpe Diem to life in a way that resonates deeply with audiences.
Today, as we navigate the complexities of modern life, the lessons from this timeless film can guide us in embracing the philosophy of Carpe Diem in practical and meaningful ways.
Lessons from "Dead Poets Society"
In "Dead Poets Society," John Keating inspires his students at the conservative Welton Academy to think for themselves and embrace the Carpe Diem concept.
His famous line, "Gather ye rosebuds while ye may," borrowed from the poem by Robert Herrick, is a call to action for the young men to make the most of their lives before it's too late.
Keating's teaching methods, which include standing on desks to gain a new perspective and ripping out pages of textbooks, encourage the boys to break free from the constraints of traditional education and societal expectations.
One of the most poignant moments in the film is when Keating takes his students to a trophy-filled hallway and has them look at the faces of former students.
He whispers, "Carpe Diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary."
This scene encapsulates the fleeting nature of time and the importance of making every moment count.
The students are moved, and we see them begin to take risks, pursue their passions, and stand up for their beliefs.
The character of Neil Perry, who passionately embraces acting despite his father's disapproval, tragically highlights the beauty and the potential consequences of living a Carpe Diem life.
Practical Examples of Embracing Carpe Diem Today
In our fast-paced, digitally-driven world, seizing the day can sometimes feel like a lofty ideal rather than a practical approach to life.
In the real world, seizing the day isn't about standing on desks and reciting poetry (though, if you're feeling adventurous, go ahead!). It's about living with intention and purpose, making the most of every moment we're given. So, what does that look like in practice?
Imagine waking up in the morning, and instead of hitting the snooze button for the umpteenth time, you seize the day by starting your morning with a rejuvenating yoga session or a brisk walk in nature.
You set a positive tone for the hours ahead by beginning your day with mindfulness and movement.
As you go about your day, seizing the day might mean taking risks and stepping out of your comfort zone. Maybe it's finally submitting that job application for a position you've been eyeing for months or having a conversation with a stranger who could become a lifelong friend.
It's about embracing opportunities for growth and connection, even when they seem daunting.
In the realm of work and career, seizing the day can manifest as taking the initiative and pursuing your passions fervently. Rather than simply going through the motions at your job, Carpe Diem encourages you to seek out challenges and strive for excellence.
Perhaps it's pitching a bold idea in a meeting or volunteering for a project that aligns with your interests. By seizing the day in your professional life, you unlock your potential and inspire those around you to do the same.
But Carpe Diem isn't just about ambition and achievement; it's also about savouring the simple joys of everyday life. It's about relishing the taste of your favourite meal, feeling the sun's warmth on your skin, and cherishing moments of laughter with loved ones.
In a world that often moves at breakneck speed, seizing the day reminds us to slow down and appreciate the beauty surrounding us.
One of the most poignant moments in "Dead Poets Society" comes when Keating's students stand on their desks in solidarity, defying the oppressive norms of their strict boarding school. This act of rebellion symbolises the courage to challenge the status quo and live authentically, a central tenet of Carpe Diem.
In today's world, seizing the day might mean advocating for causes that matter to you, whether social justice, environmental conservation, or mental health awareness. It's about using your voice and platform to effect positive change, no matter how small your actions may seem.
Moreover, Carpe Diem encourages us to cultivate meaningful connections with others and nurture our relationships with care. In a digital age where superficial interactions often take precedence, seizing the day means making time for face-to-face conversations, heartfelt gestures, and genuine expressions of love and gratitude.
Here are some practical examples of what it could mean to seize the moment in modern times:
Starting a Business: You have a brilliant idea for a startup that could revolutionise an industry. Seizing the moment would involve taking action to turn that idea into a reality by conducting market research, developing a business plan, and seeking funding. Failing to do so could mean missing out on the chance to capitalise on your innovation, allowing someone else to bring a similar idea to market first.
Travelling: You've always dreamed of exploring exotic destinations and immersing yourself in different cultures. Seizing the moment might involve booking that plane ticket, planning your itinerary, and embarking on an adventure of a lifetime. Failing to do so could result in letting fear or hesitation hold you back, causing you to miss out on valuable experiences and memories.
Pursuing Knowledge: You're passionate about a particular field of study and eager to further your knowledge and skills. Seizing the moment could mean enrolling in that online course, applying for that scholarship, or pursuing that advanced degree. Failing to do so could result in stagnation or missed personal and professional growth opportunities.
Expressing Love and Gratitude: You cherish your relationships with family and friends and want to ensure they know how much they mean to you. Seizing the moment might involve expressing your love and gratitude through heartfelt gestures, spending quality time together, or reaching out to reconcile conflicts or misunderstandings. Failing to do so could lead to regrets and missed opportunities to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.
Taking Care of Your Health: You recognise the importance of prioritising your physical and mental well-being. Seizing the moment could involve adopting healthy habits, seeking professional help, and making self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Failing to do so could result in neglecting your health and experiencing negative consequences in the long run.
The consequences of failing to seize the moment can vary depending on the situation, but they often include missed opportunities, regrets, and feelings of dissatisfaction or unfulfilled potential. By allowing fear, procrastination, or indecision to hold us back, we risk staying in a state of inertia and settling for a life that falls short of our aspirations and dreams.
Moreover, failing to seize the moment can also lead to complacency and resignation, where we become passive observers of our lives rather than active participants.
It can result in frustration, disillusionment, and a lack of fulfilment as we look back and wonder what could have been if only we had taken action when the opportunity presented itself.
Conclusion
The philosophy of Carpe Diem, brought to life so vividly in "Dead Poets Society," continues to be a powerful reminder to live each day to its fullest.
John Keating's lessons encourage us to think independently, pursue our passions, and take meaningful risks. By incorporating mindfulness, pursuing our passions, stepping out of our comfort zones, nurturing relationships, embracing change, and prioritising our health, we can embrace the essence of Carpe Diem in our modern lives.
Ultimately, Carpe Diem is about making conscious choices that align with our true selves and values.
It's about recognising the preciousness of time and the potential within each moment. As we navigate the complexities and demands of today's world, let us remember Keating's words and strive to "make our lives extraordinary."
Whether we find ourselves standing on desks like the students of Welton Academy or simply embracing the small moments of joy in our everyday lives, the spirit of Carpe Diem reminds us that life is fleeting. Still, its beauty lies in the moments we choose to seize.
As 2025 makes her appearance, which moments will you choose to seize?
Until next time, I urge you to seize the day with all the enthusiasm you can muster: Carpe Diem, my friend, Carpe Diem.
Dion Le Roux
References
1. "Dead Poets Society" (1989). Directed by Peter Weir. Touchstone Pictures.
2. Herrick, Robert. "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time." (1648).
3. Mindfulness practices: Kabat-Zinn, Jon. "Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life." Hyperion, 1994.
4. Vera Wang's career change: "Vera Wang: Biography." Biography.com, A&E Networks Television.
5. J.K. Rowling's perseverance: "J.K. Rowling: Biography." Biography.com, A&E Networks Television.
6. Oprah Winfrey's resilience: "Oprah Winfrey: Biography." Biography.com, A&E Networks Television.
7. Obama family's Friday Night Dinners: Kantor, Jodi. "The Obamas." Little, Brown and Company, 2012.
8. Wellness trends: "The Rise of Wellness Tourism." Global Wellness Institute, 2018.