It's been some time since I last posted anything. We've been enjoying/enduring one heatwave after another here and I know we shouldn't complain. But that's what we do in England!
A while ago I was thinking of a Latin phrase that was popularised in the film "Dead poets Society" staring that great comedy actor, Robin Williams. Alas no longer with us, he was taken far too soon. The phrase was Carpe Diem which is often translated as "Seize the day", some other sources argue that it has a slightly different meaning.
Either translation means the same thing, that you should make the most of what the day, or now, has to offer and enjoy it while you can. Whilst researching the various translations I found a reference to another Latin phrase. It is " Memento Mori", which translates roughly as, "Remember you must die"! Not such an inspiring thing to consider. But when I considered the two phrases they take on a very thoughtful, meaningful message, the first has implications to the second.
I got the urge to look into this topic a lot more and, as we've all found, Google was only too helpful throwing up related links to other sources of information. I found myself on a web page about a Greek philosopher. The article was called "Philosophy of Epicurus". He lived over 300 years BC.
I found it fascinating reading and still very relevant to life today, certainly to my life anyway. It has helped me consider how my life was so cruelly changed 3 years ago and how I can make sense of it to, maybe not enjoy it, not yet anyway. But to make the best of the good things that do happen occasionally.
I'm not a very educated person, certainly not in Latin or Greek philosophy, but I have a good friend who studied "The Classics" at Oxford University, he reads my blog from time to time so I know that at least one reader might find this interesting. He might also be a little surprised! 😀
No photo's this time, too hot to go out with a camera, or sit at my PC editing them.
All good wishes, David & Popcorn.
David, it’s the same here. So hot it’s hard to do anything except first thing in the morning. I agree that both those expressions are related even if they appear to send a different message. You’ve now got me interested in Epicurus! I did Latin at school for O Level but haven’t studied the classics any more than that. It sounds interesting. Thank you! Keep as cool as you can! Val and a very hot Zoe.
ReplyDeleteIt's been cooler for the last few days here but the forecasters predict another very hot period beginning in a few days time. Popcorn seems to cope with it better than me, his white coat helps, but I try not to walk him on pavements etc.
DeleteThanks for commenting Val, David and Popcorn
Hello David. We are experiencing a great deal of extreme weather here in the Midwest US. Today the heat index is 107 f with dangerously high humidity and poor air quality from Canadian wildfires. Quite unpleasant! But putting weather aside, I really enjoyed reading your thoughts here. In spite of life’s challenges and disappointments I have to believe that we can all find good things in the world with much to see and do. Many of those pleasures are found in books. I’m so glad you found these interesting ideas and chose to share them. Best wishes from Ann
ReplyDeleteHi Ann, it must be a struggle to carry on your every day things in heat/humidity such as you are experiencing. 107 F converts to 41.6 C which is our scale, no I didn't do that conversion. Google is great, don't you think?
DeleteScotland and some places in England are experiencing wild fires, which must be terrifying.
I haven't posted much this year, one reason is that I haven't taken many photo's, just waiting for something to stimulate me. Meantime Popcorn & I go out for walks, in the shade if possible.
Take care Ann