“O Captain, My Captain”— An Ode To John Keating

For Dead Poets Society — one of the most beautiful films ever made, and John Keating — one of the most inspiring characters ever written.

Source: https://theconversation.com/as-dead-poets-society-turns-30-classroom-rapport-is-still-relevant-and-risky-115448

John Keating (Robin Williams) said “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 the human race is filled with passion. 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.”

And my God, have these words struck a chord in people’s hearts.

Dead Poets Society revolves around a spirited professor imparting life lessons to 17 year old students through poetry, and urges you to express with an open heart, live to the fullest and just…be free. A film so far ahead of its time, so relevant to every generation and so utterly beautiful that it makes you come back over and over again just to relive Professor Keating’s passionate teachings. Even today, 31 years later, the film continues to remain an absolute, pure masterpiece untainted by the qualms of the world. The entire film, with its soulful dialogues, is like a compilation of verses harmonising into one long, inspiring poem.

Another exemplary exhibit of John Keating’s thoughts —

“No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.”

The words of great poets and leaders have been immortalised and passed on through generations- why? Because words have the power to move us in a way no other art form possibly can. They inspire us. They enable us to take action.

Showcasing the purest form of teaching, here are a few more of the all-time favourite lessons from John Keating which will forever ring in our hearts —

“Carpe, carpe. Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.”

“There’s a time for daring and there’s a time for caution, and a wise man understands which is called for.”

“Boys, you must strive to find your own voice. Because the longer you wait to begin, the less likely you are to…