Carpe diem

For the rock band, see Carpe'diem

Carpe diem (KAHR-pay DEE-um) is Latin for seize the day. The phrase is taken from the work of the Roman poet Horace. Most references to this phrase mean for one to take full advantage of their present opportunities.

This sentiment is not only found in classical literature, but in much of English literature as well.

In the 1600s, Robert Herrick reminded young women that beauty is fleeting and thus that taking advantage of the present was a good idea..

To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time

"Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,
"Old Time is still a-flying:
"And this same flower that smiles to-day
"To-morrow will be dying.

"The glorious lamp of heaven, the sun,
"The higher he's a-getting,
"The sooner will his race be run,
"And nearer he's to setting.

"That age is best which is the first,
"When youth and blood are warmer;
"But being spent, the worse, and worst
"Times still succeed the former.

"Then be not coy, but use your time,
"And while ye may, go marry:
"For having lost but once your prime,
"You may for ever tarry.

In modern usage, the term has been used most notably in the film Dead Poets Society. The message of this film, however, is not as clear as the Herrick poem it references.