Carpe Diem (Thoughts on "The Dead Poets Society")

Free thinking. It is something that many people take for granted. Growing up in America, we are protected by the First Amendment, which grants us freedom of speech and freedom of thought. But most countries around the world have their right of free thought controlled, manipulated, even used against them. Welton Academy is, in a sense, one of these suppressed countries, maybe not to an extent as extreme, but suppressed none the less. The boy’s lives are controlled. Every move they make is scrutinized. Every flaw reprimanded. Everything in their existence at the Academy is to prepare them for their futures in college and beyond. But being as suppressed as they are makes them shells. Husks, that, when asked their opinions on the world, their memories of it thus far, have nothing truthful to say. That is why I believe Robin Williams character Professor Keating had such a strong effect on the boy’s at this school. He taught them to think, to feel, to accept death as an inevitability and in doing so free themselves of its fears and live life to its fullest extent. This how I try to live my life, how I believe we should all live our lives. Don’t ever let anyone take away your freedom of thought. Defend it. Fight for it. For if it is taken. You are taken. And nothing is yours.

Carpe Diem, everyone. Carpe Diem.