October Blog post: Roman culture in Modern culture

Carpe Diem is a well known Latin phrase that is used in the modern world frequently (to the point of overuse). It is usually translated as 'seize the day', but a more literal translation would be to 'pluck the day [as it is ripe]'.  It is actually apart of a longer phrase which translates into 'pluck the day, put very little trust in the tomorrow'. It is taken from Horace's work Oades from book 1, which he wrote in 23 BC. The concept of seizing the day is so ancient that it goes back all the way to Mesopotamia literature where a similar phrase was first used and used again in Greek literature by the poet, Epicurus. Carpe Diem is used incredibly frequently in modern society, the phrase is a memorable line from Robin William's character in The Dead Poets Society, and has been used by many artists as the names for songs like Green Day's song Carpe Diem. The phrase is often used as an inspirational line which can be found on anything, from tattoos to rugs, to coffee mugs to social media post. Like its first intended use, the goal of the phrase Carpe Diem is inspired each person to live each day to the fullest, with the future in mind but not the main focus. That each day is special and should be 'seized'. The phrase I would say is meaningful to many people as a cliche reminder to live. Its used so many people think of it as corny, however, the sentiment is very sweet and very powerful.

By Katie Lawson