After sobbing about the ending of the movie for three days (why did he have to die!), I began wondering about some of the other aspects of the film. Mainly, the Carpe diem philosophy.
This intriguing word's exact translation is "seize the day." What on earth does that mean? I had to think back to the movie for my answer...
In "Dead Poets Society", all the characters did something extraordinary. For Neil, it was recreating the Dead Poet's Society. Todd finally stood up for himself, and his beliefs, and Knox went out to get the girl (how cliche). They seized the day.
I couldn't help remembering when my teacher would snap at us for saying YOLO, and tell us it was the "dumb-man's" version of Carpe diem. But how does Carpe diem differ from YOLO?
After curious observation of other blogs, facebook, and twitter pages I noticed a strange recurring trend with YOLO and Carpe diem.
#YOLO (you only live once) was most commonly used when:
- A person caused themselves physical injury that could have been avoided
- sneaking into concerts/bars/night clubs
- not preparing for an upcoming event (dinner engagements, oral presentations, exams, etc...)
- drinking and driving
- getting in trouble with the law
On the other hand #Carpediem was seen in cases such as:
- Trying something new
- doing something that sets them apart from the crowd
- changing something in their everyday life
- Acquiring new knowledge
- Going out to concur a fear, or achieve new goals
From what I can tell, YOLO is typically used as an excuse for doing something rather senseless, where Carpe diem was added in a more positive light.
Which trend do you follow? Carpe diem or YOLO?
As a nerdy teenage blogger that is on the constant lookout for new knowledge, I find it only fitting to put:
#Carpediem
I agree. Carpe Diem FTW!!!!!
ReplyDelete#SWAG #YOLO #THUGLYFE #NARWHALES
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Hi5...
i don''t know. I think its open for interpretation. It can go both ways on both saying. Carpe diem says to seize the moment today and YOLO says you only live once so take a chance when you can. Its the outcome of what you do that interprets the way the meanings of these saying goes. Actions speaks louder than words. Either way, if you have an opportunity to do something take it and live without regrets Good or bad.
ReplyDeleteI’m more of a “Carp Diem” kind of person than a “YOLO” kind of person. I’m all for having good fun as long as it doesn't involve hurting anyone. Just remember, it’s easier to do something for the wrong reasons than to do the right thing for the right reasons. It’s about impressing yourself and not focusing so much on impressing others.
DeleteMaybe the reason that all of the times people say "YOLO" when they do something senseless is because the people that say it and follow the trend are... um... senseless (rowdy teenagers ;) ).
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