Is Romanticism a celebration of life or a futile attempt at escapism?

Question

Is "seizing the day" nothing more than an excuse not to grow up and take responsibility for one's actions?

Answer 1

Yes, Romanticism is a true celebration of life. There's nothing futile about escapism; it's a legitimate personal choice. Being judgmental about other people's choices in life is a futile attempt to justify our own and usually reflects a dissatisfied person. I think we should never judge other people's way of life by our own standards. Growing up and taking responsibility for one's actions is not incompatible with the 'seizing the day' philosophy.

Romantics as an art movement were searching for the sublime in nature. It's a state that transcends the mundane feeling of the state on Earth as we know it and for them it was freedom. The immensity of nature can render us small and insignificant, yet through it we're in touch with eternity.

I see Romanticism more or less like that, and I don't mind if others only see it as escapism.

Answer 2

Romanticism certainly has elements of escapism.

Perhaps your view of 'seizing the day' has been tainted by it being appropriated by a number of people using it as a reason for not taking responsibility. In doesn't mean that and can certainly align with the notion of taking full responsibility - for living ones life with a clear purpose each day.