Dead Poets Society

"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. 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. To quote from Whitman, "O me! O life!... of the questions of these recurring; of the endless trains of the faithless, of cities fill'd with the foolish…what good amid these, O me, O life? Answer. That you are here—that life exists, and identity, that the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse." That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?"

"When you read, don't just consider what the author thinks, consider what you think."

"There's a time for daring and there's a time for caution, and a wise man understands which is called for."

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

"They're not that different from you, are they? Same haircuts. Full of hormones, just like you. Invincible, just like you feel. The world is their oyster. They believe they're destined for great things, just like many of you, their eyes are full of hope, just like you. Did they wait until it was too late to make from their lives even one iota of what they were capable? Because, you see gentlemen, these boys are now fertilizing daffodils. But if you listen real close, you can hear them whisper their legacy to you. Go on, lean in. Listen, you hear it? - - Carpe - - hear it? - - Carpe, carpe diem, seize the day boys, make your lives extraordinary."

"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! Break out! Now is the time!"

"[Last words of film] Thank you, boys. Thank you."

"[at Neil's ceremony] The death of Neil Perry is a tragedy. He was a fine student. One of Welton's best. And he will be missed. We've contacted each of your parents to explain the situation. Naturally, they're all quite concerned. At the request of Neil's family, I intend to conduct a thorough inquiry into this matter. Your complete cooperation is expected."

"He was their inspiration. He made their lives extraordinary."

"Robin Williams — John Keating"

"Robert Sean Leonard — Neil Perry"

"Ethan Hawke — Todd Anderson"

"Josh Charles — Knox Overstreet"

"Gale Hansen — Charlie Dalton"

"Norman Lloyd — Headmaster Dean Nolan"

"Kurtwood Smith — Mr. Perry"

"Dylan Kussman — Richard Cameron"

"Allelon Ruggiero — Steven Meeks"

"Alexandra Powers — Chris Noel"