WITH reference to Paulina's column Heart of the Matter Why just seize the day, why not seize the whole year? Evening Post January 24) she highlights all that is selfish in modern society, which leaves no time for other people. I advise other people not to follow her advice. As well as originating the phrase 'carpe diem' – make the most of every opportunity – the Roman poet Horace, who originated the phrase, also advised us to follow the 'golden meeen'. Personally I prefer the latter!

I could also quote Edward Fitzgerald's 'Rubaiyat':

The worldly hope men set their hearts upon,

Turns ashes or it prospers; and anon,

Like snow upon the desert's dusty face

Lighting a little hour or two ...is gone.

Martin Greenstreet

Cadbury Heath