I think The Dead Poets Society's central theme is "carpe diem." It's what Mr. Keating tells his English students when he takes them to look at photos of long dead alumni from the school. He wants them to make their lives extraordinary, to do some different or bold, to follow their dreams. The inspiration for Mr. Keating and for his students is poetry and writing. The boys are inspired by Mr. Keating to restart the Dead Poets Society to, in my opinion, live more intently and with grace and elegance through the means of reading poetry of well-known and respected poets. It’s possible that the central theme of carpe diem is the main factor that inspires Neil to follow his passion for theatre, Knox to peruse the girl he loves, and for the shy Todd to eventually learn to be bold enough to speak up. In conclusion, the movie is about seizing the day - making the most of your time before you die - and about being unique and following your passions and being unafraid to stand up for those things.