Mary Blanche C.

Dauz
STEM 11-24

Dead Poet Society

We are living in a systematic world where practicality is over, freedom, wants, and
passion. Those who chose to have careers that have a below the “average salary” are judged by
many. Often called “tanga” or stupid. But actually those who have the courage go along with their
passion and living in a world we often feel afraid to be judged is astonishing.

“We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we
are members of the human race. And human race if filled with passion. Medicine, law, business,
engineering: these are the noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance,
love – these are what we stay alive for.” – John Keating.

We, the future of the society as Dr. Jose Rizal said, needs to establish an environment
where people do not have to conform to anyone’s standard, where they can freely express their
opinion and do anything they are passionate without being judged or hindered. Just like what Prof.
Keating did, we just need a little push to help us feel empowered, to help us discover the things
we are really passionate about.

We are surrounded by oceans and oceans of poets. Only a few recognize its true form and
meaning. We don’t have to be smart to write a poem. We need to savor the word and language.
No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world. Only broken souls can
produce the most beautiful poems.

Carpe Diem, these two words empowered the class to attend to their wants and needs. It’s
a great shield in battling the storms of life. Life is not really about the result of our actions, it’s
about the feeling of doing the things you love even though you are unsure of the outcome.

“Can’t I even enjoy the idea for a little while?” – Neil Perry. Trying out things
that spark our attention is the best feeling to have. Failure and success is not the most important
part of life, it is about the process whether we lose or win.

“His father killed him” – Tod Anderson. Although not physically and literally, (Neil’s
father) killed his son’s dream of acting therefore killed his hope of living the true form of life. We
have to understand that following our passion comes with a heavy price tag. It’s really a battle of
heart and mind. We are confined in a world where we have to meet the “standards” of the society.
Not everybody may be happy, but the familiarity that tradition brings provides comfort and
security.

Keating was able to reach to his students like none of the teachers before him. He made his
student involved and learn the subject not just by the book from something they can carry through
their life. We have the power to change that failure into success. We just have to look on a different
ground, find another perspective, stand by our beliefs and never let the tide drown you. O captain!
My captain! Carpe Diem!