carpe diem

1. The definition of carpe diem is a Latin phrase that means “seize the day,” encouraging people to embrace and make the most of their time.

The phrase is part of the longer Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero, which can be translated as “Seize the day, put very little trust in tomorrow (the future)”. The future is unforeseen and that one should not leave to chance future happenings, but rather one should do all one can today to make one’s future better.  It is important to note that the carpe diem phrase is often misinterpreted and misused in contemporary popular culture, to justify reckless behaviour (“you only live once”). However, the meaning of carpe diem is not to ignore the future, but rather not to trust that everything is going to fall into place for you and taking action for the future today.