Book Review The Road Less Traveled: A New Psychology of Love, Tradition Values and Spiritual Growth. Author: M. Scott Peck
Book Review The Road Less Traveled: A New Psychology of Love, Tradition Values and Spiritual Growth. Author: M. Scott Peck Year: 1985 Publisher: Simon and Schuster, New York In his book, M Scott Peck addresses critical issues of life, love and facing and resolving our problems. He begins the book with a line that jolts the reader even at first glance. It reads "life is difficult". I thought "how true". This statement created a catalyst for me wanting to read further. The book is written in a systematic way and addresses a number of issues we face as individuals. The first chapter speaks intensively about discipline and the lack there of and how becoming better disciplined we can enhance our lives. The greater points of this chapter will be dealt with later in this paper. The second chapter, and rightly so, speaks of love for example agape, phillo and eros. I believe there can be no discipline without love, and no love without discipline. Both are enjoined and go hand in hand. For the purpose of this paper only these two chapters will be dealt with. Peck describes discipline as "the basic set of tools we require to solve life's problems". He makes the point that without discipline we can solve nothing and in contrast discipline enables us to solve the most complex problems. He goes on to state that this 'lack of discipline' has caused people generally to
Using the readings by B. Malinowski, briefly describe the Kula exchange and its importance in Trobriand society.
TAKE-HOME ASSIGNMENT Topic: Using the readings by B. Malinowski, briefly describe the Kula exchange and its importance in Trobriand society. Essentially Kula is a form of exchange that is carried on by communities that inhabit a ring of islands to the east of Papua New Guinea, known as the Kula Ring. The Kula consists of the giving of a ceremonial gift, which has to be repaid by an equivalent counter-gift after a lapse of time. Gifts of two kinds known as vaygu'a are constantly travelling in opposite directions. Travelling clockwise are 2-3 meter necklaces known as soulava. Soulava are made up of flat, round, spondylus shell discs which range in colour anywhere from red to muddy brown. Travelling anti-clockwise are arm-shells known as mwali. Mwali are made by breaking the top and narrow end of a big cone-shaped shell to form a polished white shell ring. Mwali and soulava are used as ornaments on occasions of significant importance however though usable this is not the main function of these articles. The ceremonial exchange of mwali and soulava is the fundamental aspect of the Kula. To understand how the simple exchange of two articles results in an vast, complex and deeply rooted institution one must look at every detail of this exchange which is fixed and regulated by a set of traditional rules and conventions. Not every man who lives within the cultural sphere of the
THE CHIVALRIC CODE IN DON QUIXOTE & THE IDIOT
Loresa D. Matarazzo European Novel 195:352 April 26, 2005 Professor Janet A. Walker THE CHIVALRIC CODE IN DON QUIXOTE & THE IDIOT In Cervantes' The Idiot, Kolya refers to an earlier discussion about a poem, and exclaims, "There's nothing better than the poor knight!" (288). Alluding to Don Quixote, of course, in the ensuing veiled discussion Aglaya submits that the poor knight of whom she is speaking "is Don Quixote, but a serious, not a comical one (291)." The unspoken name of the "serious Don Quixote" being referred to is, obviously, Prince Myshkin-"a man who is capable of having an ideal,, and...having set himself his ideal, of believing in it,...blindly devoting the whole of his life to it (290)." This ideal, in medieval times prescribed the code of behavior for a chivalrous knight. It included, among others, the requirements that he act honorably, that he is to be virtuous, brave and self-sacrificing and that he is to protect the weak In both of the novels, Don Quixote and The Idiot, the lives of the main characters are inspired or guided by these chivalrous ideals; however, neither Don Quixote nor Prince Myshkin is able to fully realize those ideals within their respective societies. Don Quixote consciously aspires to possess and display all of the above-mentioned attributes. He deliberately sets out to emulate the knights-errant he
The Hungry Dr.
There are many similar and contrasting elements between Franz Kafka's The Country Doctor and The Hunger Artist. The Country Doctor is a short story about an old doctor's struggle to save a dying boys life. He must make many difficult choices as well as deal with the fact that most in the villagers have lost sight of the fact that doctors are healers, yet cannot always save the lives. The doctor is first set with the task of finding another horse to borrow as his had died the day before. After finding two steeds out of his pigsty, the groom sends the carriage along the way before the doctor can save his servant from him [the groom]. After getting to the ill boys house, the doctor, upon first glance believes the boy to be fine but upon further examination finds a wound festering with worms. The doctor understands that the boy is beyond saving, however it is demanded of him that he either save the boy or die. After he is left alone with the boy he comforts him and helps him to pass on then sneaks out the window but the horses move too slowly. It is to be assumed that the doctor dies shortly after. The Hunger Artist tells the story of a man who fasts for days on end for the enjoyment of onlookers. Eventually his craft losses its appeal and the man is forced to join a circus, as he is not skilled in any other craft. He is all but forgotten as he fasts, eventually
With careful reference to Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw and Medea by Euripides, show how attributes traditionally associated with masculinity and femininity are contrasted.
With careful reference to two of the works studied in Block 5, show how attributes traditionally associated with masculinity and femininity are contrasted. In the play Medea by Euripides, Medea expresses many attributes traditionally associated with the female role whilst also contradicting them quite profusely. The play opens with the heartbroken and distraught Medea grieving over the loss of her husband, Jason, to another woman, Glauce the King's daughter, "Ah, me! A wretched suffering woman I! O would that I could die!" These words spoken by Medea and emotions expressed are very symbolic of how a woman would reacted to such betrayal traditionally, however it is suggested that Medea's character has a darker side as we learn that she murdered her brother, "O my father, my country, that I have left to my shame, after slaying my own brother." This mood of devastation soon changes to one of anger as Medea begins to plot her revenge against Jason, "I can some way or means devise to avenge me on my husband for this cruel treatment" This is a typical reaction of a woman betrayed by her husband which shows Medea's conventional femininity. We see a more masculine, heroic side to Medea's character as she warns "Let no one think of me as humble or weak or passive; let them understand I am of a different kind: dangerous to my enemies." Plotting to kill
The Lexus and the Olive Tree
The Lexus and the Olive Tree The Lexus and the Olive Tree, written by Thomas L. Friedman, is a though provoking non-fiction book. The book talks about interesting topics, such as globalization and what countries all around the world need to do and are doing in order to keep up with the high pace of the world. Friedman takes subjects such as these, and with politically imbued rhetorical finesse, makes them pleasurable to read. He makes his book topics and issues captivating by the way he exposes them to the reader. Friedman's uses examples that are captivating, humorous and easy to identify with as well. The main topics Friedman uses in his book are: The Golden Straight Jacket, globalization, the Lexus and the Olive tree, and the Golden Arch Theory. Friedman's theme for the book is the first element a reader is presented with. The theme is portrayed on the cover page, "The Lexus and the Olive Tree." The Lexus symbolizes today's modern technology and period of globalization. Globalization is a key subject in which "The Lexus and the olive tree" revolve around all through out the book. The Lexus name occurred to Friedman while at a Lexus car factory in Japan. Friedman was astonished at how one machine was able to do a complex movement just to eliminate one drop of excess glue. Friedman's Lexus symbolizes the process and pursuit of higher living standards, better computer
The Role of Slavery in 'Oroonoko'. Aphra Behns Oroonoko, published in the late 1600s, was undoubtedly progressive for its time. Not only is the story written by a woman and incorporates some traces of feminism (i.e. Imoinda is depicted as a fearles
Veronica Gorlovsky LI 203 Professor Dulgarian June 7, 2011 Analyzing Oroonoko: An Anti-Slavery Text? Aphra Behn's Oroonoko, published in the late 1600s, was undoubtedly progressive for its time. Not only is the story written by a woman and incorporates some traces of feminism (i.e. Imoinda is depicted as a fearless woman), but most importantly, it deals with issues of slavery, depicting a royal and noble African prince taken captive. Although Behn's work may be perceived as an abolitionist narrative, in my opinion, Oroonoko is far from an anti-slavery text. In introducing the text, the editor, Catherine Gallagher states: "In Oroonoko, slavery is portrayed as a practical, economic matter..." (p 16). In fact, it seems that the narrator of the story, who is arguably based on Behn herself, does not oppose the institution of slavery itself but instead is appalled at the British slave traders' and plantation owners' brutality toward the slaves, specifically towards Oroonoko, heir to the throne of Coramantien. A modern-day understanding of racism complicates any scrutiny of the story. Gallagher affirms that "Oroonoko's narrator assumes that she must overcome her readers' biases, especially their refusal to believe that Africans could be truly heroic, and yet many of her efforts themselves now strike us as racist" (p 15). This predicament is evident throughout the piece,
Book Review Essay - My Jim, by Nancy Rawles
Loresa D. Matarazzo 21st c. African American Literature November 3, 2005 ENG 350:445 -- Dr. Evie Shockley Book Review Essay My Jim, by Nancy Rawles There is much literature on the subject of and/or set during the era of slavery in America, and our archives brim with books describing antebellum life. Except for slave narratives, however, there is scarce literature written from the slaves' point of view. To date, novels, in particular, have failed to depict the lives of slaves accurately or in a way that even approaches the true accounts of slave narratives. Further, most novels have provided us with little authentic information of the inner life of slave communities and even less about the personal lives of slaves-their everyday horrors, their loves, hopes and incredible strength in transcending evil. The majority of books set in the time of American slavery present us with a white person's point of view, an incomplete and skewed version of the facts that some would say sits well with the comfort level many of us have had for the subject. Gone With the Wind is a prime example of a largely romanticized representation of slavery from the white slave-owners' perspective, and it does not include a true reflection of African American experiences before or after the Civil War. Yet, a few authors have attempted to expose the myth perpetuated by such works as
Virtue is defined as self reliance in mid Victorian Britain Choosing two texts, consider evidence for and against this view.
'Virtue is defined as self reliance in mid Victorian Britain' Choosing two texts, consider evidence for and against this view. Being able to rely on one's own resources is a desirable quality yet can behaviour showing high moral standards be described as entirely self reliant? In order to gauge how true this statement is, it is important to look at evidence from the time to establish the behaviour of those who were considered virtuous or self reliant. It is also important to determine whether any other qualities are virtuous and if self reliance can exist without virtue. It is difficult to see how self reliance and virtue can be described as the same when so many more qualities may be present in a virtuous person. Virtue can be described as behaviour showing high moral standards or someone who has a morally good or desirable quality. Samuel Smiles describes the true gentleman in mid Victorian Britain; 'his qualities depend not upon fashion or manners, but upon moral worth - not on personal possessions, but on personal qualities.' Smiles, S. (1859) The True Gentleman. Smiles considers that a gentleman can be either rich or poor providing he had a high standard of morals. Dr Donna Loftus, however, writes that 'thrift, responsibility and self-reliance were important aspects of Victorian middle-class culture'. Loftus, D. (2001) The Rise of the Victorian Middle Class [online].
Charles Dickens charts the development of several major characters in Hard Times to conclude that the only characters who have can see through both fact and fancy are successful.
The Two Things Needful The head is the factory where linear facts are passed down brain cells to form packaged products: our loveless actions. On the contrary, the heart is the circus where non-linear performers dance and sing and clown around to ultimately win the love of the audience. But as the men of reason themselves have shown us, the heart is truly in the head, as the heart is only a pumping organ and the head has the true capacity to love. In Hard Times, Charles Dickens explores the causes and consequences of both head-heavy, linear thinking and of heart-heavy, non-linear thinking through symbolism and the vivid characterization and progression of several characters to ultimately convey that a balance of both fact and fancy, social and natural order, is needful for a fulfilling life. Due to the influence of social order, Gradgrind establishes a home based solely on facts, restricting his wife and his children from using their hearts and being fanciful. Gradgrind grew up in the midst of the Industrial Revolution, a time where the “ascendancy of the clock and the machine tore [man] from nature.” Believing that social order was solely the foundation of life, he establishes a home called Stone Lodge, a name symbolic of how his family is dull and lacks loving relationships between members. When Louisa was young, he father told her to never wonder, indicative of how