Hi Ali: I like your take on Dead Poet's Society. Your essay was filled with perceptive insights that offered better explanations to the actions of the protagonist. Having served in Vietnam as leader of a Special Ops team, I know what "Carpe Diem" means. On my battlefields every direction offered an existential threat. Nothing prepared me for the experience. But, if I may, I would like to invite you to read the first chapter of my Vietnam memoir for free at vietnamjerry.com and to scroll down to MEDIA and listen to the NPR broadcast about Cpl. Cummings. A true event. I appreciate your support for my writing. Regards, Jerry