We have combined seven of our favorite lessons learned from Mr. Keating! He taught us to break free from the norms of the society and to live life unapologetically. He encouraged his students to go against the status quo and challenge the existing rules. That’s the first step to change and revolution and we should learn this mantra by heart!
- “No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.’’
In life, no matter what you want to achieve or become people will demean you, mock you, ridicule you and demotivate you. They will belittle you to a point where you’ll feel as if you’re not worth anything. But let’s not forget it was individuals in the past that brought change in this world through their words and ideas for e.g. Martin Luther King. So don’t beat yourself up about it and make yourself believe that even you can and you will because your ideas and words are important.
2. “There is a time for daring, and there is a time for caution. And a wise man understands which is called for.”
There is always a boundary, a limit to everything. For e.g. in the movie we see how one student goes a bit too hard against the rules of the school and he gets into a jam. Mr. Keating helps his students and motivates them to use their wisdom whilst making decisions and to avoid rash decisions.
- “We must constantly look at things in a different way.”
When you enter a room, go with an open mind. Learn to respect the values and opinions of others no matter how strongly you disagree with them. A person who is eager to understand and respect different perspectives is wiser and respected in the society. Pro-tip: You always learn more by hearing to other people and their perspective!
- “And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.”
This couldn’t have been pieced together any better! For sure we opt practical professions but we must never forget those spheres of life that feeds our soul, which nourishes us and helps us gain a different and a better perspective. Life is not just about work or accumulating shinny things, it is far more than that. It is Art and the artist, music and the musician that helps us celebrate little things in life.
- “You must strive to find your own voice.”
Don’t ever let someone else hold the reins to your life! It is easier to follow a flock of herd and to become a part of it but your individuality, your thoughts and perspectives are the elements that will help you stand out from other people. You need to find your own voice. Mr. Keating helped us realize that the sooner we find our voices and speak up the better, otherwise we will forever remain as a follower.
- “What will your verse be?”
Mr. Keating has talked about the harsh reality of life. He talked about the people who passed before us and how some way or the other they left their marks and touched souls. How they one way or the other may have contributed to the society. He reminds us how one day we too will be history, so what will our contribution be? Our verse be?
- “Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.”
Whenever someone shouts “Carpe diem” it reminds me of the movie and makes me nostalgic. The phrase means to seize the day and it sure has inspired number of people to realize that life is too short. So it is better to live our lives passionately, make every moment count, have a purpose and enjoy every day as if it’s our last!
Dead Poets Society will forever remain in our hearts! This movie has had a long lasting impact on my life, it has left a permanent mark on my life and Mr. Keating has made me realize the simplest things in life that we should enjoy. For me joy, passion and excitement are three such elements that keeps me going! “O Captain, my Captain,” I will always be grateful to you and the lessons you’ve taught me! It wouldn’t have been possible without you. Thank you for touching souls!
