The translation of carpe diem is associated with "harvesting the day."
Carpe diem is an expression with Latin roots that was conceived by the Roman poet Horace . Its literal translation gives relevance to the phrase “harvest the day” , whose content attempts to encourage the use of time so as not to waste any second.
The complete phrase popularized by Horace , historians say, was “carpe diem quam minimum credula postero” , which in Spanish can be understood as the following advice: “take advantage of each day, do not trust tomorrow” .
Carpe diem as a literary topic
Carpe diem is also what is defined as a literary profile topic ; That is, a theme that, recurrently, appears throughout history in works framed within universal literature . This expression can be approached from two perspectives: on the one hand, it is an exhortation for no one to let time pass; On the other hand, it can refer to enjoying every pleasure in life in the present time, without thinking about the future, a period impossible to know.
A meaning of the latter that, nowadays, has been taken by many people almost as the leitmotiv of their lives. And they consider that we must live each day as if it were the last, without thinking about what a tomorrow that is totally uncertain will bring, since an illness, an accident or a similar event can change our destiny irremediably and quickly. .
The expression carpe diem is an inspiration for many people.
The lack of responsibility
In this sense, a phrase that could reflect what we want to express is the following: “Manuel, after recovering from the traffic accident, has adopted the maxim carpe diem as the driving force of his life. Therefore, now he enjoys every moment he lives, his family and his friends and the small pleasures of life, without making any type of long-term plans .
However, not everyone is in favor of this Latin expression and the advice it gives us. And they consider that it is truly irresponsible to dedicate oneself only to living in the present without thinking about the future and without establishing insurance so that life in a few years is calm and does not have complications that have been able to be controlled.
Of course, the motto of living in the moment should not be associated with immediate pleasure or hedonism . This intention of instant satisfaction is risky, especially if the consequences of the actions are not taken into account.
However, when the notion of carpe diem is linked to seizing the day, the joy of living or the enjoyment of life, it is motivating. In this context, the idea of mindfulness or full attention becomes important, which invites us to focus on each of the life experiences at the same moment in which they develop.
In short, there is a lack of responsibility if the expression carpe diem points to ephemeral happiness or to behave impulsively. On the contrary, when it is understood as an invitation to act with passion and enthusiasm, maintaining vitality and making use of personal freedom without debauchery, it is inspiring .
In other words, carefreeness is positive up to a certain point: there are issues that require taking care of in advance or at the moment to avoid future problems. To give a simple example: if the carpe diem premise leads someone to quit their job to "enjoy the present moment" without obligations, that decision does not mean a better use of the day but will most likely lead to economic problems for the future. difficult resolution and, by extension, a worse quality of life.
Carpe diem can be understood as a way to maximize the present and the potential of the now.
Carpe diem in books and movies
The carpe diem concept was widely used during the Baroque Era and in Romanticism , although it was also very present during the Renaissance , three movements during which it was taken as a philosophical basis for the creation of multiple works.
On the other hand, it should be noted that the phrase carpe diem gained a lot of popularity from the movie "Dead Poets Society" , a film that starred Robin Williams and Ethan Hawke , among others. . The material, which was honored with an Oscar Award in 1990 , shows how a poetry teacher (played by Williams ) tries to motivate his students with this Latin concept, seeking a change in their minds and promoting an active attitude on their part.
The teacher highlights that carpe diem is not a simple combination of words, but that to fully understand it and take advantage of its meaning it is necessary to use reason and know how to face in advance the consequences that its compliance entails.
Advice and teaching that the aforementioned teacher offers to all of his students, who decide to apply them. Thus, there will be those who dare to write a text criticizing the fact that absurd sexist traditions are maintained at school and the initiative taken by another young man who decides to fight with all his might to do what he likes will also be established: interpreting about a scenery.