Carpe diem (/ˌkɑːr.p eɪˈdi.əm/) is a Latin short saying that means "seize the day." It comes from Book 1 of a collection of poems called Odes, written by the Roman poet Horace around 23 BC.
Translation
Carpe comes from the Latin verb carpō, which means "to pick or pluck." Horace used it to mean "enjoy, seize, use, or make use of." Diem is the form of the word dies, which means "day," used in a specific grammatical way. A more direct translation of carpe diem is "pluck the day [as it is ripe]," meaning to enjoy the moment. Some scholars believe this interpretation reflects Horace's original meaning more accurately. Maria S. Marsilio, a Latin scholar and former professor at Saint Joseph's University, explains that carpe diem is a metaphor related to gardening. In the context of the poem, it means "plucking the day," which suggests gathering ripening fruits or flowers. This phrase highlights enjoying a moment connected to the natural world and the experiences that involve the senses, like sight or smell.
History
Text from Odes 1.11:
Do not ask, it is not allowed to know what fate has decided for you or me, Leuconoe, and do not try to understand the numbers of the Babylonian seers. Instead, accept whatever comes. Whether Jupiter gives many more winters or this is our last, which now weakens the Tyrrhenian Sea with its waves against the shore. Be wise, drink your wine, and quickly cut short your long hopes. While we speak, time will pass. Seize the day, and trust the future as little as possible.
Perhaps the first written example of this idea is the advice given to Gilgamesh by Siduri in Mesopotamian mythology, telling him to stop mourning and enjoy life. Some scholars believe this advice is meant to help Gilgamesh stop mourning and return to the normal ways of Mesopotamian society.
Meaning
The phrase "carpe diem" comes from a longer Latin expression, "carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero," which is often translated as "Seize the day, put very little trust in tomorrow." This line appears in a poem by Horace, who wrote that the future is uncertain and that people should not leave important matters to chance. Instead, individuals should work hard today to create a better future. This idea is connected to Horace's philosophical beliefs, which were influenced by Epicurean teachings.
The line "Collige, virgo, rosas" ("gather, girl, the roses") is found at the end of a poem called "De rosis nascentibus" ("Of growing roses"), also known as "Idyllium de rosis." This poem is attributed to Ausonius or Virgil. It encourages young people to enjoy life before time runs out. This message is similar to the line "Gather ye rosebuds while ye may" from Robert Herrick's 1648 poem "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time."
The work "De Brevitate Vitae" ("On the Shortness of Life"), often called "Gaudeamus igitur" ("Let us rejoice"), is a well-known song in medieval Latin from 1287. It is commonly used in academic settings and reminds people to enjoy life while they are young, even though they know they will eventually die.
A related but different phrase is "memento mori" ("remember that you are mortal"), which shares some similarities with "carpe diem." For Horace, thinking about death helps people understand the importance of living in the present. The phrase "Remember that you are mortal, so seize the day" reflects this idea. Over time, "memento mori" became linked with themes of regret and repentance, as seen in vanitas paintings. Today, some people see "carpe diem" and "memento mori" as opposing ideas, but this was not Horace's original meaning.
Contemporary mentions
In modern English, the phrase "YOLO," which means "you only live once," shares a similar idea.
In the 1989 American movie Dead Poets Society, the English teacher John Keating, played by Robin Williams, is famous for saying: "Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary." This line was later named the 95th greatest movie quote by the American Film Institute. (Note: The sentence is grammatically incorrect because "carpe diem" should be "carpite diem" when speaking to a group of boys.)
In the season 2 finale of Phineas and Ferb, titled "Rollercoaster: The Musical!", the episode ends with a song called "Carpe Diem."
The 2012 album ¡Uno! by Green Day includes a song titled "Carpe Diem" as its third track.
In the 2017 Korean drama Chicago Typewriter, a club named "Carpe Diem" is owned by Shin Yool. This club is where members of the Joseon Youth Liberation Alliance, led by Seo Hwi-young, plan activities.
In his 2017 book Carpe Diem Regained, social philosopher Roman Krznaric suggests that "carpe diem" offers a response to modern routines, work schedules, consumer habits, and planning activities for weeks and weekends. He encourages people to act on the moment rather than relying on calendars or strict plans.
The song "Carpe Diem" by Joker Out was chosen to represent Slovenia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023.
In the video game Guilty Gear Strive, the character Unika has a music theme called CARPE DIEM. The song was composed by Daisuke Ishiwatari and performed by Naoki Hashimoto.