Immoral Materialism :: essays research papers

Immoral Materialism   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The desire to be rich is part of every American’s dream, but does one change when one becomes rich? Can one be happy and wealthy? Just as the characters in the novel The Great Gatsby, written by Scott Fitzgerald, people believe that money will buy them a happy life. In the almanacks of Poor Richard, quite a different approach at happiness is presented. Poor Richard writes about money as just a supplement to a wise man, that being knowledgeable and having a trade are far more respectable that inheriting money from a relative. Contrary to Poor Richard’s works, the prevalent aspirations of modern Americans are better represented in Fiztgerald’s work The Great Gastby, which shows the ignorance of the rich, the adulterous morality of people, and the correct way to pursue happiness.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Today’s society believes that money can buy happiness. Jordan, a character of The Great Gastby, explains this theme when she says, “Gastby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay'; (79). Gatsby Himself later states “She only married you because I was poor…It was a terrible mistake.'; (131). These quotes explain Gastby’s belief, that if he becomes rich, he will be able to obtain love from Daisy. This is quite contrary to the ideas of Ben Franklin represented in this quote “Content makes poor men rich; Discontent makes rich men poor';, this quote explains that life itself is the reward, not the things that money can bring to it.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many wealthy people assume that it is their right to have others listen to and follow their own wishes, or thoughts. The character, Tom Buchanan is the model superficial rich person. Who attempts to force his poorly thought-out, stolen theories to all those around him. This is shown in the indication of his tone when he states “ ‘Civilization’s is going to pieces,’ broke out Tom violently'; (13). Tom’s use of non-formal English, such as “I’ve gotten to be a terrible pessimist about things'; (13) cause him to stand out from his wife and the other Characters. This view of superiority by white males that have inherited wealth is not uncommon today. Contradicting the stated opinion, Franklin feels that a man that gains his wealth deserves more respect that one who inherited it though family ties when he writes “A Ploughman on his Legs is higher than a Gentleman on his Knees.

Non-Commissioned Officer the Embodiment of the Corps’ History

Cpl. Stalinsky,Travis Class 318-13 20121202 Squad #1 â€Å"How is the Modern Corps’ Non-commissioned Officer the Embodiment of the Corps’ History and Tradition? † The United States Marine Corps non-commissioned officers are the Marines who have proven that they are worthy to handle the responsibility to lead junior Marines. The backbone of the Marine Corps as they have been described as. Their job is not just a few tasks’ it’s a large variety of tasks. It requires them to be professional, have courage, and integrity to set the example for others to follow and look to for guidance; thus emulating the corps history nd traditions.Throughout history the loyalty and commitment previous NCO’s have displayed made it a tradition to teach the new NCO’s picking up rank to carry on the standard, which modern NCO’s can be proud of and carry on with pride. When looking back into Marine Corps history of Medal of Honor recipients, the first on to receive the Medal of Honor was Cpl. John Mackie. He was the very picture of a Marine setting the right example as a non-commissioned. On May 15, 1862 while on board the U. S. S Galena in the Fort Darling attack at Drewry’s Bluff. â€Å"As enemy shellfire raked the deck of his ship, Cpl.Mackie fearlessly maintained his musket fire against the rifle pits along the shore, and when he was ordered to fill vacancies at guns caused by men wounded and killed in action, he manned the weapons with skill and courage†. This standard he set of instant and willing obedience to orders and courage is still what NCO’s to this day uphold. When the word Marine is heard by civilians, the word â€Å"loyal† comes to the top of their head. The modern Marine NCO’s are loyal to everything that is important to them and the Marine Corps. They proudly and loyally serve their country, their Corps, their unit, and themselves.They must show loyalty to their junior Marines. I t’s their job to mke sure their junior Marines have the right tools to be successful, and must always point them in the right for direction; thus gaining the junior Marines trust and respect. The Marine Corps depends on these fundamentals to be able to have efficient units, to have effective leaders to lead Marines into battle, and for Marines to be able to trust one another with each other with their lives. Now we fast forward from Cpl. John Mackie, who was awarded the first Medal of Honor, to a modern day NCO who was also awarded the Medal of Honor.This Marine displayed an abundance of courage, which overshadows all traits; without it we are doomed to fall short in all the other traits. On September 8, 2009 in Kunar province, Afghanistan, Cp. Dakota Meyer maintained security at a patrol rally point while other members of his team moved on foot with two platoons of the afghan National Army and Border Patrol into the village of Ganjgal for a pre-dawn meet with the village eld ers. The patrol ended up being ambushed by more than fifty enemy combatants. Cpl. Meyer heard over the radio that four U. S. team members were cut off on their way back to safety.Cpl. Meyer had a fellow Marine do the driving while he took up the exposed gunner’s position in a gun truck in attempt to disrupt the enemy attack and locate his fellow team members. Cpl. Meyer seizing the courage to make this bold and brave action, while under intense enemy fire, killed a number of enemy fighters, made a couple of trips saving and searching for his comrades. His unbelievable courage allowed him to commit to the dangerous task of helping his fellow Marines. This shows why courage is the most important trait because without it how could you face your fears to make the unpopular decision?How would you have the intestinal fortitude to conduct yourself as a Marine on and off duty always making the right decisions? To stand in front of your peers and subordinates and teach them knowledge? This is why NCO’s can lead is because they have the courage to do what is necessary. Modern Marine NCO’s are the true embodiment of the Corps history and traditions because as leaders they emphasize the professional values of their leadership concepts; such as loyalty to the Corps, loyalty to their nation, loyalty to their units, exhibiting selfless services, and their professional responsibilities as an NCO.The two Marine NCO’s that I have discussed have displayed vital points of the Corps history and traditions. The Corps values, leadership traits, and leadership principles that were demonstrated was courage, loyalty, and setting the example. Their actions have set the standards which modern Marine NCO’s take pride in and continue to uphold the tradition.

Shape-Changers the Chronicles of the Cheysuli

Book Report Trevor Mendham While i was in the library with the class. Shape-Changers the Chronicles of the Cheysuli written by Jennifer Roberson had caught my interest. This book was published in 1984 while the author was living in a castle. Jennifer Roberson has said that the eight book series had been inspired by the castle in Wales. Although this book is part of a large series, I strongly believe this book is about the choices that we make. The main character Alix has the choice to play it safe or to take a risk and truly find the answers she seeks. I personally would enjoy continue reading this series. Although the book was very short and left quite a few lose ends for the next book. This book set in the land of Cheysuli within the Kingdom of Homana. Alix the daughter of a man who was a religion leader whom resigned after the war on shape-changers started. After this he started running a under-croft, where dead body are displayed for the public viewing, taking a major reduction in wage and honourable work. Alix has fallen for the prince named Carillon a childhood friend, from the fathers previous profession. Soon after they are captured while walking in the woods by the shape-changers. Alix finds that she is half blooded shape-changer and has to decide to accept who she is, and lose the love of price Carillon and be at war with his race. This story was very odd but was a good book. The fiction of this story is tied to reality in a very unique way, that is very effective in making the story not feel very fantasy. This feature made the book truly more enjoyable. Other writing techniques like not having any foreshadowing. The book keeps you guessing until the very end. Even within the story parts that I had never seen coming, Like releasing the prince. Allowing Alix to run away and eventually return on curiosity. I would recommend anyone who wants a quick read of a quality story. Overall I would give this story eight out of ten stars without reading the rest of the series.

An Examination Of Albert Einsteins Early Years

An Examination Of Albert Einstein's Early Years One of the greatest heroes of American(and international) science and culture in the past century has been German physicist Albert Einstein. Born in 1879, Einstein used his early years to educate himself and began to think up his own methods for solving his newly found inquiries into science and higher-level mathematics. In a short time during the beginning of the twentieth century, Einstein pulled together his research and incredible intellect for unprecedented gains in science and theory used throughout the world. One need not go far to view the incredible impact that innovative genius Albert Einstein has had upon the twentieth century. His impact stretches far beyond the reaches of physics and life in the early 1900s. This physicist of phenomenal philosophy, logic, and imagination has been and still is the subject of countless catch phrases and expressions of intelligence. Albert Einstein is a forerunner of influential American icons. Because of his contribution to American science and society as an immigrant, intellectual accomplishments, and discoveries in nuclear technology, it is my belief that Albert Einstein was the most influential person of the twentieth century. First of all, Albert Einstein was the most important figure of the twentieth century because of his contribution to American science and society as an immigrant. This is foremost important because of the U.S.s status as the premier nation of the world. Albert Einstein has had one of the greatest ever influences upon the American way of life. He is responsible for many of the most famous scientific and philosophical standards used in America today. He was born in Germany in 1879, but Albert did not come to America until 1933, when he feared for his life and fled from Nazi Germany. It was at this time that he was at his greatest fame.(PBS 1) He then began his work for the United States. His discoveries have impacted all facets of American culture. The sophisticated Special Theory of Relativity in physics that he created models the behavior of the entire universe. As stated on Nova, General Relativity has spawned the most important results in modern astronomy.(Levenson 4) Perhaps his largest contribution to America, Albert Einstein played a role in preserving American power. Einstein provided the biggest contribution to American science, setting most precedents for scientific study and standards. He evoked theories then thought radical and was then able to prove them and have since been followed. Albert Einstein catapulted into a revolution for U.S. defense as well as higher intellectual thought and goal-setting. After all, there have been many revolutions in the vast field of science, but that of Einstein has become the most famous. Albert Einsteins work was vastly important Sadly, his revolution has been taken for granted by this generation. Einstein was a visionary, a new mind that saw through the limitations of his day. Without Albert Einsteins research into motion and relativity theory, there would be no quantum theory or MRI for medical research. Einsteins reach extends through every fiber of American independence and ingenuity. Albert Einstein epitomizes even today the cutting edge of technology. As Genius Among Geniuses states, From 1905 to 1925, Einstein transformed humankinds understanding of nature on every scaleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Now, nearly a century after he began to make his mark, we are still exploring Einsteins universe. The problems he could not solve remain the ones that define the cutting edge, the most tantalizing and compelling.(Levenson 5) In addition, Albert Einstein was so important because of his intellectual accomplishments. He is considered by most to be an incredible genius. Einstein had a knack for inventive ideas. Imagination thrilled him more so than science. Of this matter, Albert said, When I examine myself and my methods of thought, I come to the conclusion that the gift of fantasy has meant more to me than my talent for absorbing positive knowledgeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.(Knowledgeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ 1) Einstein leapt into the vast expanses of physics and accomplished more in that short period of time than had ever been discovered before. While trying to hold down a job at the patent office, he was busy working on physics on his own. He developed his extremely famous Special Theory of Relativity(which states that measurements of time and distance vary systematically as one object moves relative to another), proving Newton wrong. In March, Einstein creates the quantum theory of light, followed by two papers in Apri l and May on atom size and motion(proving that atoms exist), and then completes Special Relativity in June.(Levenson) Amazing, but thats not all. This incredible outbreak of study is compounded by the daddy of them all. Yes, the world-renowned E=MC2, the most famous relationship in science. So many amazing discoveries, and the magnitude of any of them would be astounding for someone in any field. All of this sprang forth from the mind of Einstein in one year! It is best phrased by PBS associate Thomas Levenson: In sum-an amazing outburst: Einsteins 1905 still evokes awe. Historians call it annus mirabilis, the miracle year. Einstein ranges from the smallest scale to the largest (for special relativity is embodied in all motion throughout the universe),through fundamental problems about the nature of energy, matter, motion, time, and space-all the while putting in forty hours a week at the patent office. Well said. But, the best had yet to appear. After achieving a lifetimes work in 1905, Einstein achieved what Thomas Levenson calls a twenty year run at the cutting edge of physics. For all the miracles of his miracle year, his best work is(was) still to come. In 1907, he taught that gravity and acceleration are equivalent. He began to solve the central problems in all of physics in 1911, followed by developing his theories of relativity through the twenties, searching through quantum mechanics for some years, and then developing more theories about dimensions of the universe.(Levenson 4-5) Some of the most influential work of the century, 1915s General Theory of Relativity had taken eight years to complete and was quite a feat. This theory and the accompanying ideas that he proved come close to encompassing the vastness of Einsteins mind. Just think about how revolutionary his ideas were. Albert himself said, Physical Objects are not in space, but these objects are spacially extended. In this way the concept of empty space loses its meaning.(Relativity, vi) This theory was deep! While formulating in 1915, Einstein took his mind to the edge. He wrote a letter telling about his discovery. This month, he wrote to physicist Arnold Sommerfield, I have lived through the most exacting period of my lifeand the most fruitful. Sommerfield was not immediately impressed, a fact which induced Einstein to send him a postcard: You will become convinced of the General T heory of Relativity as soon as you have studied it. Therefore I will not utter a word in its defense.(Clark, 252) Nor was it needed. This principle, which took so long to perfect, was completed in 1915 and states that all matter and energy in the universe mold the shape of space and the flow of time. Its a little deeper than that, but Einstein explains it well in his book Relativity. Although not initially recognized as so, Albert Einstein was perhaps the most intelligent human ever. Finally, Albert Einstein was extremely influential in the research toward Americas (as well as the worlds)nuclear technology, demonstrating his ability as the most influential person of the twentieth century. The aforementioned E=MC2 proved that energy and matter are linked. At first, even Einstein did not understand what he had, but even then he suggests that the heat produced by the element radium could mark the conversion of tiny amounts into energy. (Levenson) This led to the work toward the infamous atomic bomb, making Einstein the father of the most famous weapon in history. Because of his studies and his efforts to make President Roosevelt aware of the potential crisis at hand, Albert Einstein has helped to put America in place as perhaps the greatest and most powerful nation in the world. He is credited with the development of the most powerful energy supply ever. Although mo st notable, Albert himself was not that pleased with the work on the atomic bomb. He took full responsibility for the creation of the effort toward it but absolutely despised the fact that harm could arise. Regardless, Einstein stated, The discovery of nuclear chain reactions need not bring about the destruction of mankind than did the discovery of matches. We only must do everything in our power to safeguard against its abuse.(War/A-Bomb 1) Over a short period of time, Einstein wrote four letters to president Franklin D. Roosevelt regarding the use of atomic energy. The first in this series launched the arms race. It was a warning to president Roosevelt of the possibility of the German government constructing powerful new bombs. Nevertheless, Einstein took full responsibility for its consequences, calling it the greatest mistake of his life.(Elert 1) In his letters to the president, Einstein and his associates wrote out exactly what were the best interests to pursue. Einstein did not want war, he simply thought that his only recourse was to notify the U.S. government of the possibility of producing chain reactions of nuclear energy so that they would have it before Germany did.(Elert 2) In his letters, Einstein states that it is extremely important to pursue the development of radium(element of the atomic bombs) before Germany can.(Clark 678-9) This was due to the fact that the war had already begun and Einstein was trying to ensure that the federal government had the advantage and that some order of peace, if at all possible, would be reached by the efforts of America. Albert Einstein differed from other scientists and professionals because of the incredible importance attached to the philosophical aspect of physics. Through the practical application of his teachings, the world becomes more educated on intelligence and technology. As we look behind at what he achieved and ahead to what his legacy holds for the future, we see the magnitude of this genius of a mans impact upon the twentieth century. Through his immigration and contribution to American science and society, extreme intelligence, and preservation of the United States through intuition in nuclear technology, Albert Einstein was the most influential person of the twentieth century.

Analysis of the TV Shows Friends and How I Met Your Mother Essay

Analysis of the TV Shows Friends and How I Met Your Mother - Essay Example As far as friendships go this group has it very tightly knit. They live the life in New York City and never seem to want for money even though they are rarely seen working. They seem to spend most of their time just hanging out together and sipping coffee, having the heart to heart talks or just getting into one sort of hijinks after another. Just as in the real world, these group of friends somehow end up dating one another and eventually, one or two they have highly successful hookups. However, that is not to say that the show takes relationships lightly because it is, after all, a comedy show. It was the way that they handled the seriousness of these relationships in a light manner that set this show apart from the others in their time slot. That is the characteristic that made the show and its characters special. Friends was a ground breaking show during its era. It had all the common characters from everyday life that the viewers could identify with. The men were comprised of the â€Å"looking for love† kind, the career women, the players, and the spaced out friends who are always good to hang out with when you need a good laugh. Everybody knew somebody who was exactly like Monica, Chandler, Rachel, or Joey. The show helped the term â€Å"extended family† and take it a whole new level. Friends showed everyone that family need not be confined solely to the relations based upon blood and direct DNA. They are the people that we connect with on a level that we would not even normally connect on with our own family.

Flannery Oconnor's a good man is hard to find Essay

Flannery Oconnor's a good man is hard to find - Essay Example After the cat jumped on Baileys shoulder and caused the car to wreck, the grandmother was scared of Baileys reaction. She was relieved to see the other car coming at first. Upon recognizing the Misfit, the grandmother blurted out who he was. If she would have not recognized him, maybe the men would have just stole the car. Maybe they would have fixed the car and had the family take them somewhere. However once the grandmother said the Misfits name, she signed their death warrants. When Bailey said the nasty phrase that made his mother cry, he knew that they would all be killed. The Misfit and the grandmother had a conversation as his friends were killing her family in the woods. In some ways the Misfit heard the grandmother and vice versa unlike their respective friends and families. The grandmother was trying to relate to the Misfit by insisting he must be a good man. The Misfit was trying to explain that he was not a good man. The grandmothers words are what condemned her to death. The grandmother was trying to conform the Misfit into her idea of a good man. The Misfit was not that man. In many ways the Misfit was more honest than the grandmother. He knew who he was; a thief, killer, and reprobate. The grandmother had lived a hypocritical life. Her goal was to be seen as a lady, when in reality she was not. She lied, manipulated, and twisted her son daily. The Misfit knew this. "She would of been a good woman," The Misfit said, "if it had been somebody there to shoot her every minute of her life." The violence is what made her real. In this way she was just like the Misfit. The violence made him

Meaning of Labels Aspergers Syndrome Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Meaning of Labels Aspergers Syndrome - Essay Example There are five different types of pervasive development disorders (PDD) that are more often referred to as autism spectrum disorders (ASD) (nimh, 2006). Asperger's syndrome is the mildest form of the disorder. All the disorders "are characterized by varying degrees of impairment in communication skills, social interactions, and restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior."(nimh, 2006) Another definition makes similar points: "A disorder that is present from birth or very early in development that affects essential human behaviors such as social interaction, the ability to communicate ideas and feelings, imagination, and the establishment of relationships with others." The spectrum of conditions that make up autism often lead to great family disruption and to unfulfilled lives for many children, so any teaching methods that may alleviate the effect of the condition are very important. One of the problems with the whole of autism, and with Asperger Syndrome in general, is the fact that it describes a pattern of symptoms rather than just a single symptom (Powers, 2001). In most ways Asperger's resembles autism, but in a very mild form. Thus a child displays qualitative impairment in social interaction, and often repetitive/limited activities and interests (Tsantsanis, 2003). As it is rather mild autism, children with Asperger's may actually be reasonable functional. At the moment there is actual study that addresses the long-term prognosis for a child with Asperger syndrome. These children appear have a greater tendency towards psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety and perhaps schizophrenia (Klin, 2006). Treatment options tend to include educational development and a search to exploit the often singular talents that some children with Asperger's display. PART 2. Critically discuss the concepts of labels and labeling in relation to Aspergers The concepts of labels and labeling are always controversial when they regard children and possible mental conditions. The results of labeling a child as "autistic" or "Asperger's" will be profound and will effect the child for the rest of his/her school years and beyond. Thus it is important that the 'labels' be given in an accurate manner, and, concomitantly, that they are associated with clearly defined conditions. With Asperger's Syndrome it is diagnosis at the very mildest and most severe form that is most important. For the mildest cases, it may be difficult to distinguish between actual Asperger's and a simple eccentric or anachronistic view of the world being displayed by the child (Muller, 2007). Unfortunately, the syndrome is so loosely defined that it may be simply a matter of subjective opinion rather than objective fact as to whether a child is labeled as displaying Asperger's Syndrom