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California Baptist University

Carpe Diem
Multimodal Project

Lance Sao Melendez-Heart

English 113
Professor Sung
August 2016

Carpe Diem, "seize the day", "live one day at a time", "you only live once", most of us
have heard these phrases at least once in our life, but what do they mean? According to MerriamWebster Carpe Diem is defined as " the enjoyment of pleasures of the moment without concern
of the future." Carpe Diem now has many different interpretations, and the meaning has certainly
evolved over time. In todays society this generation has its own version of Carpe Diem. YOLO
meaning you only live once is said in todays popular music, advertisements, hashtags and is
used to bring awareness of exiting events in todays society. This can be used as rhetorical device
in order to have a reaction or emotion for the young generation. For Christians however Carpe
Diem may carry weight because this puts a clock on life. No day is guaranteed to us; we must
live our lives one day at a time and try to follow a holy path as we live day to day.
I will argue that the original interpretation of carpe diem has changed over time, because
every generation created their own interpretation of the phrase. I will be discussing the history of
this phrase through the work of poets like Horace, Robert Herrick, and Charles Baudelaire. I will
also be analyzing and evaluating this concept through passages from the bible through a
Christian perspective; as well as work from literary author F. Scott Fitzgerald, and contemporary
mediums to explain the use and change in variations of carpe diem throughout history.
The original phrase of Carpe Diem was "Carpe Diem quam minimum
credula postero which translates in English to "pluck the day, trusting as
little as possible in the next one." Quintus Horatius Flaccus also known as
Horace a Roman poet first defined the phrase Carpe Diem in (65 b.c. - 8 b.c.).
When Horace first introduced the phrase he implied that one should make
the most of the present moment, and grab at the chances for happiness
instead of believing it will work out in the future. His idea indicated simply

that life is short and tomorrow is not promised. For example, if we are with
loved ones we should enjoy that moment, because we do not know if we will
live it again. This can be seen in the last couple of lines "While we are
speaking, envious will have a lifetime: seize the day, as little as possible
trusting the future" This line suggests that we don't know what the future
holds so we must seize whatever comes our way in that moment.
Horace developed this idea from the philosophy Epicureanism which is
where the origins of Carpe Diem lies. Epicureanism originated in 307 B.C
and was based heavily on the belief that the way to gain pleasures was to
live a modest life while acquiring knowledge about the world. This philosophy
did not believe in superstition or any type of divine intervention. People who
followed Epicureanism allowed them to lead a peaceful life away from fear
and bodily pain. Being able to achieve both states brought them to a state of
total happiness. Epicureanism is a reflection of the concept of Carpe Diem
which Horace incorporated in his odes.
In the 17th Century Robert Herrick used Carpe Diem as a rhetorical
device in his poem "To The Virgins, To Make Much of Time". He employed
carpe diem as a tool of persuasion to encourage young woman to pursue
opportunities of marriage before they become old maids. During this time
frame it was more common that young people delve into marriage and live
under matrimony. His message was for young people to experience life and
its adventures before embarking in marriage, and losing their virginity or in

essence their innocence. This was a time when society was expected to
follow certain "rules", Herrick's was trying to persuade society especially
young women to think a different way. His idea of Carpe Diem was to give
women empowerment over their lives, and a sense of freedom they did not
have.
Charles Baudelaire 19th Century Poet used Carpe Diem in his poem
"Be Drunk". He used Carpe Diem to encourage people to live life by enjoying
what makes them happy. This poem is not strictly based on being drunk from
Alcohol, although he does state You have to be always drunk. Thats all
there is to itits the only way". When first reading this the reader may think
he is speaking about alcohol but as you read on you realize that he is not
speaking only of alcohol. He later states to be drunk on life including wine,
poetry, virtue and anything you wish just be drunk.
Baudelaire wanted to implement change in the thinking process of
people. He believed people do not have time to do what they want, and are
often consumed with things that give them money and power. He believed
that they werent giving enough time to their hobbies and passions.
Baudelaire questions the act of doing business just for sake of becoming
prosperous or earning money. He wants the reader to look inside themselves
and evaluate whether they truly like the work that they do. He uses the
example of the birds, stars, wind, and waves as examples and things people

could enjoy. He uses the theme of carpe diem to convey and persuade
people in society to get something meaningful out of life.
The main belief between these three poets was that Carpe Diem was a
way to enjoy life to the fullest. Although they used the phrase in various
ways they wanted their readers to enjoy the moments that make them
happy. Horace explains what Carpe Diem means, as well as how to live in the
moment. He tells the reader to seize the day and not trust that tomorrow will
come. Herrick's interpretation of Carpe Diem was by stating that people
should pursue their dreams before settling down and love the life that they
want to live. Baudelaire wanted people to do what they love and do what
they needed to do in order to be drunk on life. Their focus was to encourage
their readers to embrace their lives and truly enjoy the here and now.
While the poems they wrote have similarities they are also different,
one difference is that they were written in different time periods. These
interpretations differ as time passes; the way Carpe Diem is used seems to
get more complex. Initially when Carpe Diem is explained we think of seize
the day, but as time passes this concept is used in a variety of ways
including as a tool to persuade readers. Carpe diem has been a very
important literary device through history and will continue to do so because
of its versatility.
F. Scott Fitzgerald uses Carpe Diem as a theme in his short story
Winter Dreams to emphasize the materialistic things in life and the symbol

of the American dream. His interpretation of Carpe Diem was achieving

status and seizing every opportunity to get there. The main character in
Winter Dream is Dexter Green, the son of an owner of the second-best
grocery store in Black Bear, Minnesota. Dexter who is infatuated with the
beautiful Judy Jones wants to possess her and will do anything to do so.
However, when he learns that Judy is not just an object he realizes that not
everything is attainable.
In the beginning of the story Dexter develops an urge for the finer
things in life. During the warmer months he caddies at the Sherry Island Golf
Club, he is proclaimed by a wealthy patron of the club "best caddy in the
club." Although he is not poor and caddies for spending money, he sees the
wealth of the members gives them power and glory which is something that
he so longs for himself. He decides to quit his job after, and makes a
successful laundry business.
The story continues when Dexter becomes an adult and his idea of
Carpe Diem has not changed much from when he was young. Dexter became
an entrepreneur, and one afternoon was playing golf with men that he once
caddied for. Dexter contemplated his humble beginnings, when all of a
sudden Mr. Hedrick was hit by a ball right in the stomach. He was shocked to
see that it was Judy Jones now a beautiful woman of who was twenty years
old. Dexter has certainly followed the path he set out for the American
dream.

Dexter seems to always run after wealth and power, and this is
materialized when he meets Judy Jones, a new "symbol" of his desires. He
sees Judy as beautiful, perfect, and wants to attain her as an object rather
than her love. The object of Dexters desire has become Judy Jones. For him
she is the object and status he had so long desired. As he glanced at her for
the first time Dexter stood perfectly still, his mouth slightly ajar. For Dexter
Judy Jones is his Carpe Diem by seeing Judy he realizes that he is too old to
caddy and quits to pursue bigger and better things.
Dexter realized that he now had most of what he wanted to
attain but was missing one more thing which happened to be Judy Jones. And
began a relationship that was not exclusive, nor a healthy. Dexter begins to
feel as though Judy has treated him with many different emotions of
encouragement, malice, interest, contempt, and indifference (Fitzgerald,
316). At the same time Dexter and Judy seem to be engulfed by lust rather
than love. Judy realizes that even though she is more beautiful than others,
she is frustrated and lonely. Judy begins to take Dexter for granted, which
leads him to get engaged with Irene Scheerer.
The loss of Judy Jones effected Dexter deeply, and although he still
loves her he knew he could not have her. He was able to materialize all he
wanted instead of fantasizing about it. However, the loss of Judy Jones
changed something in Dexters excitement and eagerness for life slowly
began to fade. But he couldnt give up the idea of Judy. He eventually broke

up with Irene and escaped his feelings by going to war. When he returns he
learned that Judy is no longer beautiful and with a man who mistreats her. He
cannot accept that Judy was not the beautiful young woman that he once
knew and feels as though she died.
F. Scott Fitzgerald reveals through his character Dexter that he seized
many opportunities to achieve his status, however could not obtain Judy. The
author emphasizes that every ones ideas of the American dream and living
in the moment can vary depending on the person. Dexters version of Carpe
Diem was fueled by success and later the idea of Judy Jones and all that she
represented to him. When he thinks of Judy Jones he expresses his desires to
fulfill the American Dream. When he realizes that she has fallen from a
pedestal he is struck with reality that he was not willing to accept. Although
he does not say this exactly he expresses this by reflecting on how much this
affected him personally.
Dexter was unprepared to hear that the image he had of Judy Jones
was not the image everyone else saw. After realizing this " a sort of dullness
settled down upon Dexter. Dexter has always lived his life to the fullest,
always wanting to obtain whatever his heart desired. Judy Jones has had a
significant importance in Dexters life, she was the driving force and symbol
for him. During this time period many Americans wanted to achieve the
American dream which was an equal opportunity to achieve the pursuit of
happiness through hard work. Dexter tried to validate his success by

pursuing Judy. Fitzgerald proves even with money and power this can restrict
happiness and emotional fulfillment.
The concept of Carpe Diem has appeared in our culture in many ways
especially in social media pop culture,movies, graduation speeches, and
Sunday sermons. In todays society the new term for Carpe Diem is Yolo
meaning you only live once. Many interpret this meaning as living in the
moment without thinking about the consequences of tomorrow. It is used as
tool in order to encourage the youth to take chances and live their life to the
fullest. From the Christian perspective the phrase is used to embrace every
moment because it is a gift from God. They believe that people should not
focus on materialistic things and instead appreciate everyday as though it
was their last.
Yolo is a major theme in todays society especially in pop culture and
social media. The meaning has spread to social media websites like
Instagram, twitter, Facebook, and snap chat. These websites allow the new
generation to share their most precious moments with their family and
friends. It gives people the opportunity to reflect on their adventures and
keep their experiences alive. This phrase is also used in movies, litteratue,
and Music.
In Pop culture many singers and song writers have written about
their interpretations of YOLO. Some encourage people to party the night
away without thinking of tomorrows consequences. Others encourage the

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youth to take advantage of opportunities that have been put in their path. A
popular song that is designed around this concept is "Give me everything" by
Pitbull ft. Ne-Yo, Afro jack, Nayer. This song is a popular summer anthem for
many people " tonight I want all of you tonight. For all we know we might not
get tomorrow. Let's do it tonight." This song is very persuasive because it
sends the message of just having fun and living in the moment, even for just
one night.
Music has the power to change the mood of the environment or the
people themselves. Like the concept of carpe diem the song emphasizes
"can't promise tomorrow but, I promise tonight". This idea encourages people
to act out their version of carpe diem; whether it is doing something you
have never done before, conquering your fears and dancing in public, or just
enjoying that moment in time like it is your last. These types of mediums are
able to reach so many people at one time and teaches them to enjoy or
pursue their versions of the phrase.
The rhetoric of Carpe Diem is very versatile, it can be a powerful tool
and used to send a powerful message. For example, we have all heard
graduation speeches that have many different inspirational purposes. Carpe
Diem has certainly evolved over time in todays society the acronym YOLO
(you only live once) has become the new Carpe Diem. Graduation speeches
are designed to inspire, encourage, and be reflective words for the
graduates, the staff, friends, and family. This allows them to take with them

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and remember a day of accomplishments or be reminded of past

accomplishments. In a commencement speech done at Vassar in 2001 by
Stephen King he asked the class to picture their inevitable deaths, "what will
you do?" King asked "well, I'll tell you one thing you're not going to do and
that's, take it with you." Meaning in life we have materialistic things, that we
cannot take with us when we die. However, we can take life experience and
treasure moments that we have lived.
The Christian viewpoint of YOLO is similar to the concept of writers
like Stephen king, and Charles Baudelaire. They believed that people should
give little value to materialistic things, and instead give more value to
experiences of life. Christians follow the concept of Carpe Diem, and use it as
a tool to glorify God, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness
(Matthew 6:33). This passage encourages Christians to take advantage of
every moment to live by Gods word. In other words, if Christians are living
everyday doing Gods work they will find their way to the kingdom of heaven.
When Christians follow Gods path and live every day to the fullest,
help others, and glorify Him, they are living by the phrase Carpe Diem. If we
interpret this phrase in a way that does not glorify God, and use it for our
own material gains, Christian values will be compromised. Living life to the
fullest can have great outcomes for many. On the other hand, if interpreted
incorrectly it can be hurtful to many. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow, so
it important that we follow in Gods footsteps and live like it is our last day.

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Making sure that we have a relationship with God, and give to others.
Ecclesiastes (5:15-16), NIV "Be very careful, then, how you live not as
unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity"
In todays generation Carpe Diem has taken a life of its own. It has
persuaded many to seize the moment and capture it. With new technology it
allows us to keep a diary of life experiences. In music and graduation
speeches it is used as a tool to encourage and uplift others through their
future ventures. The theme of YOLO has changed slightly from the original
phrase Carpe Diem. For Christians YOLO is used to encourage them to live by
Gods word and to not get distracted by materialistic goals. Instead It is used
now to encourage the young generation to celebrate their youth by
attending music festivals, listening to different genres of music, and taking
risks.
Over the years the phrase Carpe Diem pluck the Day has evolved
to seize the day, live one day at a time, and you only live once. Horace
believed that one should grab lifes moments instead of believing they will
come in the future. From here it started to develop new interpretations
through the generations. Robert Herrick used carpe diem to send the
message that women should experience life before getting married and
settling down. During this time his views were outside of societies standards.
In the 19th century Charles Baudelaire re-introduced carpe diem as a way to
be drunk on life rather than materialistic things.

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Fitzgerald on the other hand, took a different perspective on the

phrase through his novel Winter Dreams. He focuses on achieving the
American dream through carpe diem and seizing every opportunity.
However, the main character finds himself unhappy because he focused on
the idea of what the American dream was about. Instead of living his life
humble and seeking happiness away from materialistic goods. Carpe diem
made its way to the 21 century and the interpretation changed to YOLO and
encourages youth to worry about consequences tomorrow and to live in the
here and now. People are able to capture their experiences and share them
with their loved ones through social media. When looking at carpe diem
through a Christian perspective they are encouraged to put God first, and not
focus on materialistic virtues. All in all, carpe diem has the power to not only
persuade but to encourage and inspire people to do things that help them
achieve happiness. Even though through the generations the message has
changed the root of the meaning has stayed the same. Like live in the
moment, peruse your dreams, and never take any moment for granted
because we never know when it will be our last.