Embracing the Philosophy of Carpe Diem: Living Life to the Fullest
Horus once said, "Carpe diem, seize the day, do what you can do today for tomorrow we all will die." These words, though simple, hold a profound meaning that resonates with many individuals. The idea behind carpe diem is to make the most of each day, to live fully in the present moment, and to not worry excessively about the future. It is a philosophy that encourages us to do our best today, without getting caught up in the uncertainties of tomorrow.
As Horus suggests, life is fleeting, and none of us know what the future holds. Instead of dwelling on the unknown, carpe diem urges us to embrace the present and make the most of every opportunity that comes our way. It is a call to action, a reminder that life is meant to be lived, not merely observed from the sidelines.
A warrior lives life to the fullest, even in the face of its apparent meaninglessness and pointlessness. Rather than sitting around and complaining about how awful life may seem, a true warrior engages with life wholeheartedly, finding purpose in the smallest of moments. They understand that the true value of life lies in the experiences we have and the connections we make.
The stoics of ancient Rome, such as Seneca, Cicero, Marcus Aurelius, and Plinney, along with literary writers like Virgil, embraced a similar mindset. They possessed what we would now refer to as tough-mindedness. Despite the inevitable reality of bloodshed, death, and dying, they refused to let these aspects of life prevent them from enjoying the simple pleasures it had to offer.
Virgil, in his epic poem "The Aeneid," beautifully captures the essence of carpe diem. Through the journey of Aeneas, he emphasizes the importance of embracing the present and living courageously. Aeneas faces numerous challenges and obstacles, but he never loses sight of the beauty and joy that life has to offer.
Carpe diem is not about ignoring the realities of life or pretending that everything is perfect. It is about finding strength and resilience in the face of adversity. It is about recognizing that life is a mixture of both joy and sorrow, and that we have the power to choose how we respond to it.
So how can we embrace the philosophy of carpe diem in our own lives? Here are a few practical ways:
1. Be Present
One of the fundamental principles of carpe diem is being present in the moment. It's easy to get caught up in the past or worry about the future, but true fulfillment comes from fully immersing ourselves in the present. Practice mindfulness and try to appreciate the beauty and wonder of each moment.
2. Embrace New Experiences
Life is full of opportunities for growth and discovery. Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things. Whether it's traveling to a new destination, learning a new skill, or pursuing a new hobby, embracing new experiences can bring a sense of excitement and fulfillment to your life.
3. Cultivate Gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful tool for embracing carpe diem. Take time each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for. It could be something as simple as a beautiful sunrise, a delicious meal, or the love and support of friends and family. By focusing on the positive aspects of life, you can cultivate a mindset of appreciation and contentment.
4. Prioritize Relationships
Life is ultimately about the connections we make with others. Take the time to nurture and prioritize your relationships. Make an effort to spend quality time with loved ones, listen attentively, and show kindness and compassion. These meaningful connections can bring immense joy and fulfillment to your life.
5. Pursue Meaningful Goals
Having a sense of purpose and working towards meaningful goals can give your life direction and fulfillment. Take the time to reflect on what truly matters to you and set goals that align with your values and passions. Whether it's advancing in your career, making a positive impact in your community, or pursuing a personal passion, having a sense of purpose can bring a deeper meaning to your everyday life.
Carpe diem is a philosophy that reminds us to live fully engaged with life, even in the face of its uncertainties and challenges. It encourages us to make the most of each day and find purpose and joy in the present moment. By embracing carpe diem, we can create a life that is rich in experiences, connections, and fulfillment.
After UCLA College of Letters where I obtained PhD is Philosophy, Psychology and Religion I got a teaching job at the University. I felt uneasy teaching. I applied for a job in the mental health field; I got many offers and within two years was running the mental health center where I worked, supervising psychologists and psychiatrists who have been in that field for many decades.
Eventually, I felt bored by the job (of been executive director...I was barely thirty two years old when I was the executive director of the largest mental health agency in the city where I lived) and quit and tried doing other things.
Nothing I tried worked out for me. So, I did other executive director jobs but eventually wound up quitting and returning to college teaching until I felt that teaching is too easy for me; I felt unchallenged being a college professor (I filled my time writing on assorted subjects that interested me).
Eventually, I realized that I have a destiny and fate. My normal routine is to read until I go to sleep (although there is a huge TV in the house, I seldom watch it) and get up around 5 AM, think for a while, and then go to my computer and type the thoughts that I just had in my sleep.