Carpe Diem originates from the Roman Poet Horace, whose Odes contained the Latin dictum, “carpe diem quam minimum credula postero” (“pluck the day, trusting as little as possible in the next one”). The phrase carpe diem has been absorbed into modern-day parlance as “seize the day,” but a more precise and nuanced translation would be “pluck the day,” which connotes “the plucking and gathering of ripening fruits or flowers, enjoying a moment that is rooted in the sensory experience of nature” (Liu, Chi. “How ‘Carpe Diem” Got Lost in Translation.” JSTOR Daily, 2019). Nonetheless, the phrase has been assimilated into American culture independently of its original intent; it is now an enjoinment to take action and snatch opportunity when it arises.

Tribes espouses a carpe diem attitude with exhortations like “Through your actions as a leader, you attract a tribe that wants to follow you” (37); and “The sooner you [act], the more assets and momentum you have to put to work” (54). The book interlaces anecdotes and encouragement with inspirational rallying cries. Godin concludes with a pragmatic appeal: “Are there thousands of reasons why you, of all people, aren’t the right one to lead? […] Probably.