Today we dive into the philosophy behind the phrase carpe diem, a Latin expression that originated with the Roman poet Horace in 23 BC. Although it’s often translated as “seize the day,” scholars note that a more accurate meaning is “pluck the day,” suggesting that life should be gathered and appreciated like a ripe fruit. Horace’s intention was to urge his listeners to pluck the day and trust as little as possible in the future, embracing the impermanence and unpredictability of life according to Odes I.11.

Across history, carpe diem has been a guiding principle for poets, thinkers, and everyday people. According to Britannica, this mindset echoes ancient Greek philosophies, especially Epicureanism, which emphasized living fully in the present rather than deferring happiness. The phrase has inspired English poets like Robert Herrick, whose famous lines encourage us to “make much of time” before it slips away.

Living a meaningful and fulfilling life often means resisting the pull of procrastination and regret. Individuals who have adopted a carpe diem approach frequently describe moments of boldness that changed the course of their lives: launching a passion project, relocating to a new city, or mending an important relationship. For instance, entrepreneur Jada Lin shared how her decision to leave a stable job and pursue culinary school was rooted in a carpe diem attitude. Lin recalls, “I was more afraid of regretting what I didn’t try than what might go wrong.” Her story echoes countless others broadcast on podcasts and news outlets, especially in the wake of recent world events that have challenged our sense of time and normalcy.

While there’s an undeniable allure to spontaneity, experts like productivity coach Laura Vanderkam caution against abandoning all structure. Vanderkam suggests that planning essential tasks can actually create more space for unplanned joys, noting that “planned open space allows for serendipity.” This balance, listeners, is key: embracing the spirit of carpe diem does not mean living chaotically, but remaining attuned to what matters most while leaving room for life’s surprises.

As we move through another day, let’s challenge ourselves to pluck the moments that matter—to reach for fulfillment, connection, and growth—while remembering that every day truly is ripe with possibility.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI