Most movie quotes are immortalized because they capture the essence of the scene in a few memorable words. The award winning movie, Dead Poets Society (1989), possesses a few of these memorable quotes that, not only creates that dramatic feeling but challenges us to contemplate just how happy we are with how we lead our lives.
Mr. Keating, played by Robin Williams, is a teacher who was hired to teach students to interpret literature. Keating takes his teaching a step further by inspiring his students on how to live “extraordinary” and enriching lives. This movie is saturated with quotes which remind us that we do have a choice in how we foster our individuality.
Here are my top ten quotes from Dead Poets Society and how I interpreted it. All of the following quotes were said by the character, Mr. Keating.
“We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.”
This is a straight forward quote that reminds us to not be afraid to pursue those ventures that make us feel enriched.
“Two roads diverged in the wood and I, I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”
This is a quote first written by the classic poet, Robert Frost. This simple, yet hard hitting quote reminds us to take the road we feel is right for us, no matter how many people believe it is not worth the effort.
“… carpe diem, seize the day boys, make your lives extraordinary.”
Do not be afraid to pursue your passion. Take control of every single day and bend it to your will.
“Now we all have a great need for acceptance, but you must trust that your beliefs are unique, your own, even though others may think them odd or unpopular, even though the herd may go.”
Believe in yourself. Do not abandon your convictions because it is not what others believe.
“This is a battle, a war, and the casualties could be your hearts and souls.”
Do not let anyone tell you what you want. Decide for yourself and pursue your passions.
“I stand upon my desk to remind myself that we must constantly look at things in a different way.”
Do not let your perspective narrow. Always find a way to see situations and life from a different angle.
“Boys, you must strive to find your own voice. Because the longer you wait to begin, the less likely you are to find it at all. Thoreau said, “Most men lead lives of quiet desperation.” Don’t be resigned to that. Break out!”
If you wait to discover what you believe in, you will fall victim to conformity and your chances to discover your values and passions will wither away.
“I went into the woods because I wanted to live deliberately. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life... to put to rout all that was not life; and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.”
Another quote from Henry David Thoreau, which is my favorite in the movie, reminds us to do what makes us happy. The essence of life will not fall into your lap. Do not let fear keep you from “deliberately” experiencing all that life has to offer.
Although the movie did not have the happy ending that one would expect with such a message, the movie illustrates the human condition when individuality takes a back door to conformity. This movie challenges us to explore what we really want, despite what family and friends may try to make us think. This movie, along with its quotes, truly is an inspiration to, not only find what we want in life but accept what others may want for themselves.
