Top Ten Movie Quotes from Dead Poets Society

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.

"Sucking all the marrow out of life doesn't mean choking on the bone."

In our pursuit of feeling alive, we must remember to not be reckless. We all still have a responsibility to our institutionalized roles and ourselves.

"Don't just jump off like lemmings! Take a look around!"

Do not just do what others are doing just because they are doing it. Step back and make sure what you are doing makes you feel whole.

"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.