the bird on fire

The Bird is the Word: Sophisticated Schoolyard Shenanigans

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Time passes

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By Katelin Slosky

Time passes, and 

We must live in the moment,

But never think about living in the moment

Or else the moment is ruined

If we think ahead, how will we focus on finding happiness now?

I miss my old friends

Because one day we’ll cross paths

and i’ll say “hey”

and they’ll say “who are you?”

‘cause they won’t know who i am

and i suppose i won’t know who they are either

We’ve changed so much through all this time

We’re practically strangers now, with only the memory of who we once were

Where did Time go?

But I guess, when you live in the moment, you don’t think ahead

You don’t think about trying to enjoy it, because you already are

And just like that, it’s gone

I wish we could go back

I wish I could go back

Carpe Diem Editor: Quintus Ni

Live in the Moment

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By Doreen Yuan

Life is an existence towards death. It is a completely different state for a person to think about death when he is young, and to think about death when he is old, or even to think about death when he is dying. In the face of life there is death, writer Bi Shumin said, a writer who tries “to help people see [death] as a natural thing.”

It’s not unreasonable to say that life is short. People’s birth means death. The countdown of life has begun quietly, and we are one step closer to death. Therefore, when one is alive, one has done all one wants to do. One’s life will be complete.

Although none of us can predict what will happen in the next second, death and the end are inevitable. So, take advantage of the time to visit; take advantage of our young enthusiasm; and do all the things you want to do in order so as to leave no regrets and pass away peacefully.

With her original graphic, Doreen encourages all to “have fun” and live in the moment. She says the above is reminiscent of PVS Scarefest nights.

Carpe Diem Editor: Quintus Ni

Source Referenced: http://en.chinaculture.org/library/2008-01/09/content_75971_2.htm

These Quotes May Inspire You To “Seize the Moment”

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By Student of Philosophy James Zheng

The philosophers we have known are often classified as pessimists due to their cynical criticism. But, I’ve found, when things appear in life that give them a positive mood, they intend to write something contrary to their usual negative and realistic statement. So, for “Carpe Diem” theme week, I picked some typically pessimistic philosophers who proffered some intriguing quotes. And, I thought to share them with you in these challenging times.

Whoever has much to proclaim one day, Must long remain silent unto himself: Whoever intends to ignite lightning one day, Must long — be a cloud. – Friedrich Nietsche 

And we should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once.

And we should call every truth false which was not accompanied by at least one laugh. – Friedrich Nietsche

Ordinary people merely think how they shall “spend” their time; a man of talent tries to “use’”it.- Arthur Schopenhauer.

Schopenhauer

A man is never happy, but spends his whole life in striving after something that he thinks will make him so; he seldom attains his goal, and when he does, it is only to be disappointed; he is mostly shipwrecked in the end, and comes into harbour with mast and rigging gone. And then, it is all one whether he is happy or miserable; for his life was never anything more than a present moment always vanishing; and now it is over.- Arthur Schopenhauer

Isn’t life meant to change something short into something permanent? To do this, we need to know how to cherish the short and permanent- Johann von Goethe

von Goethe

*Nothing is more worth than this day, You cannot relive yesterday. Tomorrow is still beyond your reach.- Johann von Goethe

Depending on how you understand these quotes, you will harvest different meanings. But, I hope you enjoy reading these refreshing contents as well as helping you to perceive more deeply about “Seizing the Moment.”

*Indicates this quote has been paraphrased.

The quotes are from http://www.ruiwen.com/mingyan/1415384.html

https://www.zybang.com/question/8877bb836d82b1dd1f00a10c55f11f10.html
https://www.zhihu.com/question/21615908/answer/424800878

Carpe Diem Editor: Quintus Ni

How to live in the moment

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In these trying times, Chelsea reminds us to Seize the Day and grab on to what is positive.

By Chelsea

Hello everyone!! Are you having an amazing day? If so, then you are living in the moment! You are experiencing probably some of your happiest and most memorable memories that you’ll forever remember in your brain.

Here are some tips on how to live in the moment:

  • Try to relax and enjoy nature’s scenery without the distractions of technology.
  • Go on fun field trips with your family and friends. Then you’ll leave your stress behind and enjoy the moments filled with happiness and joy.
  • Do something you enjoy doing, like singing, drawing, playing sports, playing instruments –all to relax your mind and live in the moment.
  • Talk to people. Some conversations will lead to the best moments of your life, and you’ll never know–unless you engage.
  • Accomplish something that you are proud of.  That will fill your heart with confidence and pride.

These are some simple steps for you to live some of the best times of your life! Look for the happiness and the gratitude even when times are challenging around you.

Carpe Diem Editor: Quintus Ni

Carpe Diem. . . and Other Latin Phrases to Say

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“Carpe Diem” Editor Quintus Ni says, “Don’t worry what will happen tomorrow; enjoy now; enjoy the moment.“

Luke says, “Thanks, Quintus. Good advice.” Now, follow it in Latin.

By Luke Langlois

Do you know why characters in movies and TV shows are so much more hip and cool than people are in actual day-to-day life? It’s one-liners. Unfortunately, saying one-liners in real life will probably not spark the reaction that they do in movies. Instead, people may look at you and ask why you are speaking exclusively in witty, planned responses. But, what if you decide to start saying Latin one-liners? Would you be able to Latin-one-line your way into a promotion? Is there anything better than the dying language of what used to be one of the largest empire the world has ever seen? Enough with the rhetorical questions; here are some Latin one-liners that may help you be the mightiest around. Please note that a pronunciation guide isn’t included, just sound it out, or something. 

  1. Lupus non timet canem latrantem: A wolf is not afraid of a barking dog. If you’re ever being relentlessly insulted by someone, this should be your go-to catchphrase. Depending on your tone, you may be asking for a fight. 
  2. Ad meliora: Toward better things. Did you just drop your $1,000 iPhone on the asphalt and have it promptly shatter? Ad meliora, for when your day isn’t going well, but you know that better things await. 
  3. Faber est suae quisque fortunae: Every person is the artisan of their own fortune. If you ever feel like life is just not going your way and that things could be better, remember this phrase. Craft your future!
  4. Audentes fortuna iuvat: Fortune favors the bold. Obviously, you’ve heard this one before, but have you ever seen it in Latin? As cliche as it is, life won’t just happen to you; YOU happen to life. Be bold. 
  5. Carpe diem: Seize the day. Yeah, yeah, we all know this one, but it’s Quintus’s theme, so I had to include it. It’s not half bad advice, you know. 
  6. Carpe vinum: Seize the wine. For you over 21-ers, this is a fun alternative to carpe diem when you really don’t feel like seizing the day. 
  7. Acta deos numquam mortalia fallunt: Mortal actions never deceive the gods. Honestly, parents should use this line more. If they know their kid is stealing candy from the candy jar, they should use this phrase and strike fear into their child’s heart forever.
  8. Ad astra per aspera: Through adversity to the stars. This is one of the more common phrases on the list, but that does not detract from its coolness factor. When you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, whether it be an essay or a drive home that seems extra long, remember that you are well on your way to the stars. If you’re an astronaut, feel free to take this literally! 
  9. Dulce periculum: Danger is sweet. Feeling edgy today? Dulce periculum! 
  10.  Aquila non capit muscas: The eagle does not catch flies. Basically, this phrase is used when you are feeling too mighty to be dealing with petty matters. Perhaps you are the CEO of a multibillion-dollar company and someone asks you to make some copies for them. The eagle does not catch flies! Be wary, though. If you use this phrase too much, people will just dislike you. 
  11. Flectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo: If I cannot move Heaven, I will raise Hell. If you’re looking for a good hook for your triumphant supervillain monologue, this might be it.
  12. Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt: Men generally believe what they want to believe. Do you want to cleanly win and end an argument at the same time? Use this phrase. Your opponent (likely) won’t understand you, but you’ll know that you have left them with a zinger.
  13. Ars longa, vita brevis: Art is long, life is short. If you’re working on the next great American novel, but people aren’t supporting you in your endeavor and think it’s a waste of time, hit them with ars longa, vita brevis. 
  14. Aut viam inveniam aut faciam: I will either find a way or make one. While this can be used for some self-motivation, it can also be used for vague threats. Try it out! 
  15. Factum fieri infectum non potest: It is impossible for a deed to be undone. Think before you act, now in Latin. 
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Carpe Diem Editor Quintus Ni