Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

MansaQu OP t1_j1vnm6b wrote

Reply to comment by billjv in [Dead Poets Society] Isn't Mr. Keating at least partially responsible for the tragedy, and if yes, does that not undermine the philosophy of the film (Carpe Diem)? by MansaQu

Thanks for the input!

If it was Neil and Neil alone who took it too far in the end (is that safe to say?), what are we supposed to make of Carpe Diem? Should we want to live our lives to the fullest no matter the cost?

−15

billjv t1_j1vr7ac wrote

As I recall, Keating told the boys when things went too far in the auditorium that "sucking all the marrow out of life doesn't mean choking on the bone". What he was saying to them was yes, seize the day - but don't lose sight of reality or consequences as you do it. There is a balance to be had. Seizing the day at the expense or harm of others is not acceptable. We cannot do whatever we want to do to please ourselves without considering the cost. In the end, Neil wasn't willing/able to pay the cost, i.e. standing up to his father.

45

matrixfan0831 t1_j1xjt9j wrote

I hear you, and the phrase is absolutist but I don’t think most people employ it that way.

Most short bits of advice are harmful when taken in an absolutist and narrow way.

7