Carpe Diem

Carpe diem is a Latin word which means the enjoyment of the pleasures of the moment without concern for the future.  After watching the Dead Poets Society, I feel like that was the main theme throughout the movie.  That was Mr. Keating's motto on everything in life.  He was an English teacher at Welton Academy, an all boys' school, which he himself attended many years ago.  Keating is the kind of teacher you love or hate.  Some people viewed his teachings techniques as unusual.  They felt like he was teaching the boys to break the rules and requirements that their school and parents have put in place for them.  The boys that were in his English class, Keating was an inspiration to them.  They enjoyed going to his class and learning about different poets, like Whitman and Thoreau.  They loved him so much that they brought back is old poetry group, Dead Poets Society, back without anyone knowing.  He taught the boys to believe in themselves and to think for themselves.  One example was when Neil followed his heart and tried out and made the school play.  A real good example is when at the end of the movie when Todd, who is very shy, spoke out to Keating telling him it wasn't his fault.  Todd also got up on top of his desk and quoted Whitman by saying farewell O Captain! My Captain! So make the most of your life before you die by following your dreams.