By Joshua Corcuera
Carpe diem is a Latin expression commonly translated as seize the day. Chances are you have read or heard this phrase from a movie or a literary work; I encountered such exclamation from the 1989 drama film Dead Poets Society, for instance. However, I had some time figuring out what it is trying to tell us and where did such expression come from in the first place.
As it turns out, carpe diem is an ancient expression taken from the Roman poet Horace’s work Odes which was published in 23 BCE. To put into perspective how old the phrase is, the Colosseum in Rome was not yet built during the time. Through the ages, the phrase managed to be in the people’s conscience and awareness. In fact, it has been commonly mentioned recently in popular culture — from films, books, songs, and so on.
Beyond reasonable doubt, it is devastatingly clear and compelling that we live in interesting times. With the advancement of technology that can make our lives better and more comfortable, the 21st century is filled with enthusiasm and excitement. But also with agony and anxiety as issues such as climate change, widespread inequality, and political conflicts among others, threaten humanity’s well-being. With this in mind, to seize the day is an essential message which resonates loud and clear; one that may want to tell us that we can properly address the challenges which we currently face by making the most of today. For example, we, humans, must seize the day taking care of our home planet before it’s too late. Besides this, we must seize the day in lifting the marginalized out of poverty.
Aside from the ancient phrase’s importance in achieving significant social change, carpe diem can also be relevant in our own individual lives. To take advantage of our time by doing the things we wanted to do may lead us towards a meaningful and successful life. If you want to graduate with honors, then you must seize the day studying effectively. If you want to attend college in the country’s prestigious universities, then you must seize the day reviewing important notes. If you want to land a decent job, then you must seize the day preparing for interviews. If you want to confess to your crush, then you must seize the day facing your fears. Otherwise, you are bound to suffer from regrets and ask ‘what if’ questions in the future.
Since time immemorial, carpe diem, particularly the message it may want to tell us, is important and will continue to do so for the years to come. To make the most of the present time and our existence in this world is a message that remains more relevant than ever, one that challenges us to do the things we must do for society as well as those we wanted to do for ourselves. After all, our time here on earth is limited and we won’t be here forever whether we like it or not. Even though we don’t know when or how we will perish from the face of the world, we must make sure that we lived our lives well without any regrets.
As the maxim goes, people tend to regret not the things they have done, but the things they haven’t done.
