"Carpe Diem"
Carpe diem - you read these two words again and again and for many it is even the motto of life. But did you know that this is a quote from ancient Rome?
The origin and translation of "carpe diem"
In the year 23 BC Chr. wrote the Roman poet Horace (65 B.C. Chr. – 8 B.C. BC) the ode "To Leukonoë". In the last line of the work he writes:
"Dum loquimur, fugerit invida aetas: carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero."
The German translation of this is:
"Even as we speak, the envious time has already escaped us: Enjoy the day and trust as little as possible in what follows!"
"Carpe diem" means "enjoy/seize the day" and encourages people to enjoy their limited lifetime. After all, no one knows what tomorrow will bring.
Literally translated, "carpe diem" actually means "pick the day". But "enjoy the day" is by no means a mistranslation, because picking it is metaphor. Horace thus draws a picture of the picking of fruit and flowers and thus the timely enjoyment and sensual experience of the world and its nature.
Implement "Carpe diem" in everyday life
When it comes to the implementation of "carpe diem", you can find it right here in Germany a common misunderstanding due to the possible translation "seize the day".
Because this encourages many to be as productive as possible and to get a lot done. The day is too short to relax and you shouldn't waste your time.
But that is actually the exact opposite of what "carpe diem" actually means. Finally, "Carpe diem" calls for the short time we have in our lives to do so use to enjoy the joys and fruits of this world and not just with work spend.
The German poet Martin Opitz wrote the poem "Carpe diem" in 1624, which is both …
But how is this applicable in our society? After all, we all have to work to earn a living.
Forgoing work in order to just enjoy every day from morning to evening and pursue hobbies is unfortunately not an option for most people. Nevertheless, "carpe diem" can find application in our everyday life.
For example, you could spend your lunch break outside in nature or in a park to get out more if you are not already working in the fresh air. After work, it's easy to just throw yourself on the sofa and look at the TV or cell phone - understandable after a long day. But perhaps it can help you to create a routine that includes your hobbies so that you can pursue your own interests alongside work. For example, you could set aside at least an hour to read every night. Or you deliberately take the time to draw something again or ride a bike.
Of course, it's important that you enjoy doing the things you intend to do - as I said, it's not about being as productive as possible, but about enjoying your time. And of course that includes your own interests and hobbies, which all too often get neglected alongside a full-time job. "Carpe diem" can also mean simply doing nothing on days off or the weekend, relaxing and not feeling bad when you're not productive. Everyone can find the right implementation of "carpe diem" for themselves and try to bring it into everyday life.
