Thoreaus Where Lived And What Lived For Philosophy Essay

Thoreaus Where Lived And What Lived For Philosophy Essay Take a moment and think for a few seconds, what you have done for your typical day. The majority of us would says, we normally rush through our typical daily tasks, or what not, trying to get those accomplished one by one, as much as we could, in a given time. Tasks may differ in each person of different ages, positions, classes or even lifestyles. But those things give us one common thing, a nature of what we called, the chaotic . Then, at the end of the day, we are exhausted with stress from chaos and routines of the day. Very often, we dont have time, or perhaps with lack of willingness, to spend time with our love ones and do things we are passionate about. In the essay Where I lived and what I lived for, Henry David Thoreaus [1817-1862] expression appeals me of the importance and value of living the simple life nature affords, that I believe, it is as necessary now as it was back in his time. I support Thoreaus philosophy and idea of living a simpler life, where one can enjoy ea ch and every activity, where one is content rather than rushing to finish his or her daily chaos. I found Thoreaus writing style is complex and hard to understand throughout in that essay. It has at least 3 to 4 commas in each sentence, which makes me harder to follow all the way though. It seems like Thoreau put his sentences with as much information and words as he could till, as if, they were overflowing from the page. But after a few times repeat reading that, I think I was able to take hold of the basic argument he is trying to make. I discovered Thoreaus Where I lived and what I lived for made a very compelling argument for his going to live in the woods. Many examples have supported his beliefs in that essay. The essay opens with Thoreau seemly stating his purpose for moving to a cabin on Walden Pond. He is claiming the woods to be a supercilious place to live close to life. Throughout his essay, he simplified life to as small possible form as he could. I consent with his argument about simplifying life and cut off those are not essential and the routines that we having in our daily life. Thoreau moves to the woods so as to drive life into a corner, and reduce it to its lowest terms, and the fact that he wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, (Natural acts 33). Perhaps, even in this recession period, some point every year isolate ourselves and relieve from all the stress we have been carried throughout the year and make our life simpler surrounded by nature. But it might only works for those w ho make the time and have the time, for others, they might not be able to dream about it. His respect to the nature and desire of living simplicity as nature is almost religious and glorify God and enjoy him forever (Natural acts 33). Although disagreed as to whether the world as made by God or the devil, Thoreau has uncertainty about it, he wants to live his life as intensely as possible. Let us spend one day as deliberately as Natureà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Thoreaus interpretation toward nature is with admiration, adoration and value (33). But it is only the way he sees the nature, not everyone could agree with him, not even the writers who compose about the nature could. Joyce Carol Oatess [b. 1938] expression, in her essay Against Nature(Natural Acts 42), toward the nature the subject is there only by the grace of the authors language makes suggests that we do not need to rely on our senses but we only rely on language for our understanding of our surroundings (45). If on all sides of her was random, wayward, nameless motion, she would not even know herself that: We all are the product of the Mother Nature. Meaninglessness cannot produce the meaning itself. Her belief that Nature is mouth, or may be a single mouth ignores the privileges of birth and the existence of the death (46). The two authors has the same vision on that, Thoreau also state that when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. None the less, I found that they both have a deep philosophical concern about the meaning of life in their essays. Thoreau is pretty much correct in the sense that he makes us out to be robotic go about our day in a tedious way. Mostly, we all have our own routines that we have been followed through big part of our life that we hate to change. Throughout the reading on his essay, the only one thing I dont completely understand was about the train, sleepers and people that line the track, or buried under the track if some have the pleasure of riding on a rail, others have the misfortune to be ridden upon. My best knowledge to understand that is, at the time period he was written this(1854), he means the people who were wealthy enough to ride on the new trains on the new tracks that are traveling all over the country, and the people who cant afford it, had to build the rail tracks for their living. But I dont know the relationship between this and the simplifying our lives, so maybe I still dont understand what he is trying to say. In conclusion, the description of Thoreaus search for eternal truth is perhaps his finest poetry. Life means not just a physical functioning but also eternal fulfillment inside. Where I lived and what I lived for portray nature as the simple way of life. Henry David Thoreau has a main goal, to reverse the blindness of humanity to nature. People day to day strive for obtaining the most wealth, the most foods, the most of everything. Many of us found that, as we grew older, it is not essentially more money or the fame, or the power that make our lives happier. Oftentimes it is the simple things we can do in our lives that lead to achieve the great happiness in life.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy - JFK Essay -- President Kennedy

John Fitzgerald Kennedy - JFK John Fitzgerald Kennedy was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, on May 29, 1917, the second son of financier Joseph P. Kennedy, who served as ambassador to Great Britain during the administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt. He graduated from Harvard University in 1940, winning note with the publication of Why England Slept, an expansion of his senior thesis on Britain's lack of preparedness for World War II. His part in the war was distinguished by bravery. In August 1943, as commander of the U.S. Navy torpedo boat PT-109, he rescued several crewmen after a Japanese destroyer off the Solomon Islands rammed the boat. His heroic rescue of survivors of his crew won him the Navy and Marine Corps Medal as well as the Purple Heart. In 1953 He married Jacqueline Lee Bouvier, daughter of a wealthy Wall Street broker, they had two children Caroline & JFK JR. In 1946, and with the enthusiastic help of his brothers and sisters won the Democratic nomination to the House of Representatives in the ele venth district of Massachusetts. His mother and sisters organized teas at the homes of voters, while his father furnished campaign funds. He won the election and as Congressman voted for Truman's welfare programs, including expanded social security benefits, aid to veterans, and old-age benefits. In 1952, Kennedy upset the veteran Republican Senator Henry Cabot Lodge by winning his seat in the US Senate. He and his family began working tirelessly for his presidential nomination as early as 1956. In 1956 Kennedy almost gained the Democratic nomination for Vice President, and four years later was a first-ballot nominee for President. Millions watched his four television debates with the Republican candidate and current Vice President, Richard M. Nixon. Winning by a narrow margin in the popular vote, Kennedy became the first Roman Catholic President. His Inaugural address offered the memorable injunction: "Ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country." As President, he set out to redeem his campaign pledge to get America moving again. His economic programs launched the country on its longest sustained expansion since World War II; before his death, he laid plans for a massive assault on persisting pockets of privation and poverty. This plan was named the new frontier; his ideas were used for years to come. Ke... ... â€Å"of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth† The space program fascinates the American people. In the early 1960s whenever space flights were launched during school hours students would gather in gyms and auditoriums to watch the lift offs on television. The race to the moon continued through the 1960s. It is one of the nations single most expensive projects of the decade, costing $56 billion. On November 22, at 12:30 PM CST, while riding in an open limousine through Dallas, Texas, Kennedy was shot in the head and neck by a sniper. He was rushed to Parkland Memorial Hospital, where efforts to revive him failed. A commission headed by Chief Justice Earl Warren concluded in September 1964 that the sole assassin was Lee Harvey Oswald, a former U.S. Marine. Oswald, who was captured hours after the assassination in a nearby theater, was himself killed two days later by Dallas nightclub owner Jack Ruby while being moved from the city to the county jail. The state funeral of President Kennedy was watched on television by millions around the world. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. To this day JFK is still considered one of the nations best presidents.

Morality vs Duty Essay

When we hear stories about soldiers and about war, it’s usually about patriotism for one’s country, their duty, the bravery of the soldier who died in battle, and the pride at a soldier’s return. The story that is not typically heard is what it really feels like to put on a uniform, go to war, and come home. The psychological and emotional trauma these young men and women face in war is nothing short of moral anguish. This is evident in Haruki Murakami’s gruesome story, â€Å"Another Way to Die.† Here is a lieutenant struggling with the barbaric orders he was given to execute three prisoners with a bayonet and a fourth prisoner with a baseball bat. Throughout the story the lieutenant would often repeating his orders and muse over the senselessness of the act. In sum, he says, â€Å"What the hell good is it going to do to kill these guys? †¦adding a few bodies to the count isn’t going to make any difference. But orders are orders. I am a soldier and I have to follow orders† (1039). Ultimately, the lieutenant employs another soldier to execute the final prisoner with a baseball bat. Perhaps this is an example of the lieutenant’s inability to go against his moral fiber. He does his duty by making sure the order is carried out, but he cannot do it himself. As one can only imagine, it can be difficult to bludgeon someone to death. This soldier, ordered to carry out the task, had never even held a baseball bat before. Yet, they were all surprised when the prisoner, â€Å"with his last drop of life,† sat up, â€Å"as if he had fully come awake† and then grab on to the veterinarian standing nearby (1041). The lieutenant had to fire his gun for the first time ever at a human being. However, he chose not to think about it until after the war was over. How could he? Certainly he wouldn’t be able to do his duty if he let his morals get in the way. In Frank O’Connor’s story, â€Å"Guests of a Nation,† one can assume that duty would become obsolete-Especially since the prisoners and captors had become friends. The tone of this story seems hopeful. The scene is in a cozy little cottage run by an odd, but likable old woman. The characters are all cheerful and friendly towards each other. It is difficult to keep in mind that there is a war going on and that these four are enemies. Even the narrator, Bonaparte, has a hard time believing they are hostages and is surprised and saddened when he learns that he may have to shoot them (1024-1025). Hawkins, the more animated hostage, has a hard time believing it as well. It’s not until the very last moment that he realizes they’re earnest. He says to Donovan, â€Å"What have you against me, Jeremiah Donovan?† (1027). That he knows his full name and it comes naturally to say it aloud, should be enough proof that these men are not enemies. Hawkins asks if anyone thought he would shoot Noble if he had to and Donovan points out, â€Å"yes, you would†¦. Because you’d know that you would be shot for not doing it.† Regardless, Hawkins insists he would never shoot a pal. Hawkins contends that his morals are higher than his duty. But then again, he’s not the one holding the gun. Bonaparte, keenly aware of the gun in his pocket wishes they would attempt to run away, knowing he wouldn’t shoot at them if they did (1027). Donovan, their leader, never did get too close to the hostages and seemed to have no problem firing at them. His sense of duty was high. He asks Belcher if he understands that they are only doing their duty, to which Belcher remarks, â€Å"I never could make out what duty was myself. I think you’re all good lads, if that’s what you mean. I’m not complaining† (1029). I’m not actually that sure Belcher would have shot either of them if the roles were reversed. It is difficult enough to cope with the loss of a friend. One can only imagine if you were the one ordered to kill your friend. How does one come out of something like that? Noble turned to God. Bonaparte never feels the same about anything again. Surely this is not something that they will easily move past. Think about it; all our lives we’re taught what is right and what is wrong. Then, one day, you are ordered to torture or kill a stranger. Even when they’re interrogating a prisoner the right way-that is, not torturing them- they are gaining intimacy just so they can exploit them. At what point does duty beat morality? The truth is, for most soldiers, it doesn’t. Despite the task they are ordered to execute, virtually every soldier has an overwhelming sense of guilt and regret. Is a soldier’s guilt worth their sense of duty in the end? I highly doubt it. Perhaps, this is the reason those stories are often swept under the rug. The shame is too much to admit out loud.

The Journey Of Taking Film - 986 Words

The journey of taking Film 1 has been very eye opening when it comes to analyzing film. I myself have always been a very harsh movie critic, however through taking Film I have been exposed to many different art styles of film. Resulting in me being more appreciative of different genres of film. Although my knowledge and criticism of films have matured throughout taking this course, there is still one director that I find to be a level above the rest. With knowing Tarantino has worked on a film , the audience can be rest assured that they will be in for a treat. Quentin Tarantino has consistently proven that he is in the top echelon of film making. Spanning from the start of his director career to now, Tarantino has released the highest tier of films to date. Films like Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, Django Unchained, and my personal favorite Kill Bill 1 and 2. Taking a closer look at Kill Bill Vol 1 and Vol 2, it becomes apparent how amazing of a film director Quentin Tarantino truly is. First of all Tarantino had never filmed or worked on a martial arts film before, so Tarentino learned as he filmed the movie. Although he did his research and talked to his peers Tarentino ended up shooting scenes over and over again to get every little detail correct. Tarantino has utilized many cinematography techniques The fact that Tarantino stepped out of his comfort zone is unheard of for a director, and on top of that to film a masterpiece as well is absolutely remarkable. Those leapsShow MoreRelatedRole of the Woman in Film1171 Words   |  5 PagesRole of the Woman in Film For many years, feminists have believed that the success of classical film is based on portraying women as objects and something to be acquired by men, but I don’t think that is the case. While this hypothesis can be seen in some much older films when that type of thinking was accepted, I believe that women have actually played great roles in some classic films. In Howard Hawks’ His Girl Friday, the whole film revolves around Hildy realizing that she plays a significantRead MoreLord Of The Rings : The Two Towers1049 Words   |  5 Pagesand concluding with The Return of the King. The movie was film throughout New Zealand, show cases the beautiful scenery the country has to show case. This film series is one of the biggest movies ever made making almost $3 billion at the box office. This making it one of the most successful trilogies. Continuing on from where the first film concluded, the film intercuts three storylines. Starting off with Frodo and Sam continuing their journey to Mordor to destroy the ring. The second story line thatRead MoreRevenge In Films : Django Unchained And Inglourious Basterd1210 Words   |  5 Pages Films provide audiences with the opportunity to experience actions they could not in the real world. Revenge is one such action. The act of taking revenge is often frowned upon and those who do pursue revenge typically face heavy consequences. Revenge driven movies such as Django Unchained and Inglourious Basterds, two films by Director Quentin Tarantino, allow audiences to experience the feeling of revenge without pursuing it themselves. The plots of these two films focus on historically oppressedRead Morejourneys in handmaids tale1334 Words   |  6 PagesJourneys Essay We learn from the journeys we take, through experience, not from the destination itself. This statement is supported by both Margaret Atwood’s fictional dystopian novel ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and Oliver Stone’s crime fiction film ‘Natural Born Killers’. Through the use of multiple techniques Atwood makes it clear that the protagonist Offred undertakes inner and imaginative journeys during the course of the novel and learns from them. Likewise, Stone uses an array of film techniquesRead MoreAnalysis Of The Film Baraka And The Daughter Of Keltoum 1211 Words   |  5 PagesThe films Baraka, directed by Ron Fricke, and The Daughter of Keltoum, directed by Mehdi Charef, are two very well done films that give the viewer a glimpse of what it is like to live in different parts of the world. Both directors do an excellent job of capturing an incredible sight for each film while also telling a unique story. The film Baraka, is a documentary that takes the viewer on a fantastic journey around the world. One thing that is unique about this documentary is that it FrickeRead MoreThe Movie Apocalypse Now By Benjamin Willard1096 Words   |  5 Pageswent crazy and now commands his own troops in Cambodia. Benjamin Willard the army captain joins the navy commanded by â€Å"Chief† and his crew in Cambodia. Benjamin and his men are now in a Helicopter transported by an Helicopter and they began there journey up the river in Cambodia. Benjamin Willard reads up on Walter Kultz and what he has done learning about the officer and possible techniques to capture him. Benjamin and the crew inspect a civilian for weapons but panics and Willard shoots dead theRead MoreHeros Journey Analysis989 Words   |  4 Pagesexactly is ‘the Hero’s Journey’? Well, the answer lies in Joseph Campbell’s book â€Å"The Hero with A Thousand Faces.† Back in the early 20th century, Campbell studied myths from all over the world and he started noticing something similar in all the stories. He noticed that heroes and heroines from every time period were taking more or less the same journey. This became known as ‘the Hero’s Journey’ or the Monomyth. This principle archetype follows a person who goes on a journey, endeavours new challengesRead MoreAnalysis Of The Movie Madame Tutli Putli 1493 Words   |  6 PagesMadame Tutli-Putli is a 2007 stop motion animated short film by Montreal fil mmakers Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski, collectively known as Clyde Hyde Productions. This stop motion animated film takes viewers on an elating existential adventure into the completely envisioned, material universe of our main character, Madame Tutli-Putli, as she ventures alone on a train weighed down with all her natural belongings and the phantoms of her past, she confronts both the consideration and threat of outsidersRead MoreAnalysis Of Grant Heslovs The Men Who Stare At Goat1036 Words   |  5 Pagesrole in an individuals journey. The nature of a journey is wildly unpredictable and exhilarating, solely directed by the universe. This is further demonstrated in the mathematical theory of the ‘butterfly effect’ which states small causes ultimately have large effects, a constant motif subtly portrayed in Grant Heslov’s The Men Who Stare At Goats, a film which tracks the journey of Bob Wilton in his attempt to find himself whilst letting go of his past life. On his journey, Bob is stirred by multipleRead MoreAnalysis Of O Brother Where Art Thou 961 Words   |  4 PagesTwo Journeys One Tale The Odyssey is an eight century epic by Homer which depicts the journey of Odysseus as he attempts to return to his home at Ithaka after the fall of Troy. During his travels, Odysseus faced many obstacles whom he had to overcome. In order to do so, Odysseus had to prove his intellectual capacity, strength and determination. â€Å"O Brother Where Art Thou† is a 2000 adventure film which follows the journey of a man named Ulysses Everett McGill as he attempts to make his way back home