I knew that the phrase "Carpe Diem" meant to "seize the day" but I thought I'd read a bit more into it. Like where it originated from and what it means when put into context of it's original sources.
Here's what I found out.Quintus Horatius Flaccus (8 December 65 BC – 27 November 8 BC), or as he's known to English speakers, "Horace" was a leading Roman lyric poet. According to wikipedia (that trusted old source we love to hate) The meaning of "carpe diem" as used by Horace is not to ignore the future, but rather to not trust that everything is going to fall into place for you and taking action for the future today. I think I might print that quote out and fram it because I think it is beautiful. Here is one translation from Latin to English: BkI:XI Carpe Diem Leuconoë, don’t ask, we never know, what fate the gods grant us, whether your fate or mine, don’t waste your time on Babylonian, futile, calculations. How much better to suffer what happens, whether Jupiter gives us more winters or this is the last one, one debilitating the Tyrrhenian Sea on opposing cliffs. Be wise, and mix the wine, since time is short: limit that far-reaching hope. The envious moment is flying now, now, while we’re speaking: Seize the day, place in the hours that come as little faith as you can. Ask not—we cannot know—what end the gods have set for you, for me; nor attempt the Babylonian reckonings Leuconoë. How much better to endure whatever comes, whether Jupiter grants us additional winters or whether this is our last, which now wears out the Tuscan Sea upon the barrier of the cliffs! Be wise, strain the wine; and since life is brief, prune back far-reaching hopes! Even while we speak, envious time has passed: pluck the day, putting as little trust as possible in tomorrow! I think this needs no explaining, and that we can all think about this from time to time when life gets in the way of living.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorI am a 25 year old nurse, who is trying to find herself. This blog will contain epiphanies I have, my yoga progress and other such things. Enjoy. :) Archives
March 2019
Categories
All
|