Go ahead! Do it! Carpe Diem! You only live once!

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Why is it that I'm always immediately suspicious of these type of statements? I know I tend to be overly cautious about things, and I realize a little more risk taking on my part would improve my life. And for people who are looking for an excuse, and rightly so, for a path to lead themselves off a mundane road, this type of attitude often works out than not. So, it's all good.

Still though, I have this neurosis where alarms go off in my head when I see "Do it!" be seemingly flung about en masse as a fix-all positive remedy to any problem involving wanting to "take on" something. (I stress the word "seemingly"). It's just that I tend to rigorously analyze problems to make absolutely sure that a green light is a good idea. Maybe it's some kind of engineer syndrome? Maybe I'm a mental poo-poo head?

― donut bitch (donut), Monday, 16 June 2003 22:33 (twenty-two years ago)

living the opposite of these dictums has ended up with me jobless, fat, and boring. so maybe there's some truth to them after all.

― jess (dubplatestyle), Monday, 16 June 2003 22:36 (twenty-two years ago)

I just think it's a good thing to remind yourself every once in a while, not a reason to do any and all stupid shit you can think of.

― oops (Oops), Monday, 16 June 2003 22:36 (twenty-two years ago)

DB, you're probably suspicious of the "do it" terminology cause Nike hijacked it to sell their shoes.

Mind you, tis good advice to follow...as long as you aren't trying to force it down others' throats.

― Nichole Graham (Nichole Graham), Monday, 16 June 2003 22:40 (twenty-two years ago)

on splashing it all over their legs

― electric sound of jim (electricsound), Monday, 16 June 2003 22:40 (twenty-two years ago)

― electric sound of jim (electricsound), Monday, 16 June 2003 22:41 (twenty-two years ago)

Go ahead! Do it! Carpe Diem! You only live once!
Why is it that I'm always immediately suspicious of these type of statements?

Because you're a-gonna live forever?

― t\'\'t (t\'\'t), Monday, 16 June 2003 22:42 (twenty-two years ago)

life is a highway

― James Blount (James Blount), Monday, 16 June 2003 22:43 (twenty-two years ago)

I don't think it's just Nike-allergy. This sort of thinking seems to me uniquely embraced by people who aren't actually doin' jack shit. People who middle-manage for fifteen years at the Xerox distro center telling people to be fearless in their pursuit of excellence and shit. Oh Christ don't even get me started.

Living not for the moment but for the rich potential inherent in moments that won't come around until ten or more years from this one = underrated classic

― J0hn Darn1elle (J0hn Darn1elle), Monday, 16 June 2003 22:43 (twenty-two years ago)

keeping wary of this sort of absurd talk has helped me stay employed, out of jail, and free of venereal disease. Then again, I'm also really really really lucky.

― Millar (Millar), Monday, 16 June 2003 22:43 (twenty-two years ago)

But Millar wouldn't you want to go to jail at least once? After all you only live once. Anyway, "you only live once" is one my favorite cliches. I say it all the time. Not too fond of "carpe diem" or "do it" though. "You only live once" is a lot more nuanced.

― Mr. Diamond (diamond), Monday, 16 June 2003 22:47 (twenty-two years ago)

Actually, Nichole, I think you hit it closer than you realized. :)

It is true, though, that this whole "Do it!"/"Take Charge" sentiment seems just a degree of seperation from a line of "manly" marketing campaigns like "Kick ass!", "Drive It Like You Stole It!", or similar faux-rebellion empowerment soundbites that REALLY FUCKING GRATE on me. Insert any number of SUV, beer, or Weird-ass-Chewing-Gum-with-Crazy-Dyed-Sugar-Shit-In-Them commercials.

Yes, my inner hippie speaks.

― donut bitch (donut), Monday, 16 June 2003 22:47 (twenty-two years ago)

Do the Dew!

― oops (Oops), Monday, 16 June 2003 22:52 (twenty-two years ago)

I spent one night in the tank, Mr. Diamond, I have no intention of returning.

― Millar (Millar), Monday, 16 June 2003 22:54 (twenty-two years ago)

i like it when ppl speak in latin

i translated "pioson roxx u r all gay" into latin somewhere on ile but no one noticed

― mark s (mark s), Monday, 16 June 2003 22:56 (twenty-two years ago)

poor mark!

― James Blount (James Blount), Monday, 16 June 2003 23:02 (twenty-two years ago)

Take it from a guy who is pushing 50 and has taken more than one turn around the block - get your values in order, then arrange your life as best you can to deliver on those values. No other approach can get you through middle age without massive regret.

You do only live once. It is very important to grasp that as soon as possible and act accordingly. But slogans like 'Just do it!' merely invite sloppiness and impulsiveness. First, know why you would do it, what you expect it to get you, and what the risks are, then do it because it is right for you. Succeed at this (it's as hard as it sounds) and you will be an inspiration to all those around you who can't ever seem to shake off their funk.

Sorry for the tone. It's key and urgent, you know.

― Aimless, Monday, 16 June 2003 23:05 (twenty-two years ago)

Actually, Nichole, I think you hit it closer than you realized. :)

I know, and that's what is sad about the current media culture: all these tv ads lately are about doing something: Verb: It's What You Do and others of that ilk. I realise it's meant to be positive, but after the 20th one giving the same message, you get desensitised to it.

― Nichole Graham (Nichole Graham), Monday, 16 June 2003 23:17 (twenty-two years ago)

Aimless, how come we never see you on AAD any more? You're needed.

― Matt (Matt), Tuesday, 17 June 2003 00:24 (twenty-two years ago)

Matt, there is little in this world more tragic than the dried-out husk of a once heroic drunk. My descent into sobriety was rapid and shocking. I am but the jot (or perhaps the tittle) of the man you knew. Mourn me, friend, but do not try to call me back to the living glories of drunkeness. I am beyond recall.

― Aimless, Tuesday, 17 June 2003 14:12 (twenty-two years ago)

TS: "Go ahead! Do it! Carpe Diem! You only live once!" vs "See Jungle! See Jungle! Go Join Your Gang, Yeah, City All Over! Go Ape Crazy!"

― Dan Perry (Dan Perry), Tuesday, 17 June 2003 14:34 (twenty-two years ago)

I figure that any 'Do it!' type advice is usually just a drop in the ocean of self-doubt, and therefore worth saying, if only to redress the balance a TINY bit.

Anyone asking 'should I do x or not?' is obviously already feeling cautious. So advising caution is redundant.

I'm not sure I really believe the above.

― Archel (Archel), Tuesday, 17 June 2003 14:40 (twenty-two years ago)

"think about it, carefully consider the options and make an informed decision!!" :)

― jel -- (jel), Tuesday, 17 June 2003 14:58 (twenty-two years ago)

Anyone asking 'should I do x or not?' is obviously already feeling cautious. So advising caution is redundant.

I disagree. Much of the time, this is really saying "I'm going to do this, and I'm going to change the topic of discussion right now to this thing i'm gonna do"

― donut bitch (donut), Tuesday, 17 June 2003 18:38 (twenty-two years ago)

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