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.
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
*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
Carpe Diem Editor: Quintus Ni
Thank you, James! I really appreciated your post in these times of confusion. In my opinion, optimism is alway the way to go!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Deshpande
PVS Third Grade, previously First Grade, teacher
Nice to read through your choices, James. “Seize the Day!”