The Human Paradox essays

The Human Paradox essays Human Inconsistency: Dostoevsky's "Notes From Underground" Thesis: Dostoevsky's manic and depressive episodes aided in his ability to properly illustrate the workings of the human mind, through his writing. II. What is Manic Depression and Depression? III. Other Writers with Mental Illnesses Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky, author of several acclaimed books-including "Notes From Underground"-a semi-autobiographical story, introduced a new form of writing, "stream-of-consciousness", to Russia and Europe. Soon, this form of writing that would become the mark of the Existentialist, spread to the America's. Interestingly enough, the "stream-of-consciousness" that manifested itself in his writing was actually the product of a mood disorder, which can be characterized by intensely emotional thoughts. Caught in a rift of contrasting thoughts, the Manic-Depressive-commonly endowed with superior artistic abilities, can be very insightful to the ways of man. Manic-depression can clinically be defined as a mood disorder with two contrasting states: mania and depression. There must be an occurrence of one or more Manic or Mixed episodes and often, the individual has also had one or more Major Depressive episodes in the past. In Manic-Depressive disorder, also known as Bipolar disorder, the manic and depressive episodes recur in varying degrees of intensity. The DSM-IV describes Manic and Depressive episodes as: "The essential feature is a distinct period when the predominant mood is either elevated, expansive or irritable, and when there are associated symptoms of the manic syndrome." These symptoms include hyperactivity, pressure of speech, flight of ideas, inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, distractibility, and excessive involvement in activities that have a high potential for painful consequences, which are not recognized. The manual describes depressive episodes as: "The essential feature is either a dysphoric mood...

Private Lives by Noel Coward Act One

Private Lives by Noel Coward Act One Private Lives is a play written by Noel Coward, first performed in 1930 on the London stage, starring Adrianne Allen and Laurence Olivier as the supporting characters, Gertrude Lawrence as the female lead (Amanda) and Coward (yes, the playwright himself) in the lead male role (Elyot). This witty comedy explores what happens when ex-spouses encounter one another while on their second honeymoon. During Act One, as the synopsis of the script will indicate, we learn that Amanda and Elyot are not suitably matched with their fellow newlyweds. Instead, despite their natural inclination to be petty and argue with each other, they fall suddenly and madly back in love. But will it last? The Setting of Private Lives Act One of Noel Cowards play takes place in a French hotel overlooking a harbor (with an expensive yacht within view of the characters). The two hotel rooms are side-by-side, each with their own balcony. Elyot and Sybil British couple celebrating their honeymoon. It is Elyots second marriage. She wonders how she compares to Amanda, Elyots first wife. (From five years ago.) He explains that doesnt hate his ex-wife, but he does feel sorry for her. Sybil asks if he could ever love Amanda again. He explains that love should be cozy and not filled with drama and jealousy and rage. She also states that she looks for masculinity within her husband: I like a man to be a man. He speculates that his new, feminine wife has designs to shape his character into some masculine ideal. She objects, but he comments that her plans might be subconscious. After ending the conversation about his ex-wife, he suggests that they go down to the casino. Amanda and Victor After Sybil and Elyot exit, another honeymooning couple appears in the next room. The newlyweds are Victor and Amanda (Thats right Elyots ex-wife.) Victor strikes up a conversation similar to he previous couple. He is curious about Amandas ex-husband. She reveals that she and Elyot physically fought each other on many occasions: VICTOR: He struck you once, didnt he? AMANDA: Oh more than once. VICTOR: Where? AMANDA: Several places. VICTOR: What a cad! AMANDA: I struck him too. Once I broke four gramophone records over his head. It was very satisfying. As they discuss her first marriage and their honeymoon plans, we learn a few contrasts about each character. For example, Sybil hates sunburned women because it seems unladylike. On the other hand, Amanda is anxious to get a sunburn, despite her husbands distaste. We also learn that both Amanda and Elyot are found of gambling, not just at the casino, but taking risks in life. In the middle of their conversation, Victor realizes that he does not really know his new bride very well. He is shocked when she says that she is not a normal person. AMANDA: I think very few people are completely normal really deep down in their private lives it all depends on a combination of circumstances. After a romantic kiss, Victor and Amanda exit to prepare for their evening together. Elyot sits alone on his balcony. Amanda does the same. They do not notice each other until begins singing along to music. Amanda notices him first, and although they are surprised to see each other, they attempt to remain calm. Amanda excuses herself and goes inside. Elyot tries to explain to Sybil that they must leave at once, but he does not reveal the reason. When she refuses to allow them to leave, Sybil bursts into tears as Elyot rages about her stubbornness. In the next room, Amanda is in a similar argument with her husband. However, when Victor remains obstinate she reverts to the truth. But Victor believes that she has only imagined her ex-husband. Victor storms off, headed for the bar. Sybil leaves in hysterics, headed for the downstairs dining room. Elyot and Amanda recall their early days together, reminiscing over the pleasant times and walking through the character flaws that led to their downfall. ELYOT: Were not in love all over again and you know it. She asks about Elyots travels throughout the world. In the middle of that conversation, Elyot confesses that he loves her. He wants her back again. They kiss. He proposes that they escape immediately, but she thinks that they should be honest with their new spouses. He convinces her otherwise and together they leave the hotel room. Victor Meets Sybil Sybil and Victor both enter their respective balconies looking for their missing spouses. Victor chats with her, inviting her for a drink. They look off into a distance, noticing the yacht down in the harbor. Act One ends wondering if Elyot and Amandas whirlwind reconciliation will last, and whether or not the jilted spouses Victor and Sybil will find comfort in one anothers company.

20 Cognitive Biases That Screw Up Your Decisions

20 Cognitive Biases That Screw Up Your Decisions A cognitive bias, according to Wikipedia  refers to a systematic  deviation from rationality whereby our judgement of other people and situations are drawn from an illogical line of thinking. What this means is that we often make our decisions based on emotions rather than logic. And this can lead us to make very bad decisions that could be detrimental to our quality of life. Okay, so we make bad decisions. What can we do to fix that?   We can start by learning what the more common biases are. If we learn what they are, we will be able to identify when they are in the process of happening  . That being said, here is a list of 20 cognitive biases that screw up our decisions.  Source: [BusinessInsider]

Thomas Jefferson Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Thomas Jefferson - Essay Example The purpose of education is to enlighten and promote inquiry. Religion has an antithetical purpose. It closes the mind, discourages inquiry and promotes dogmatism. As Jefferson writes, the churchmen who taught him betrayed a deeper interest in "how many angels could dance on the head of a pin" while they should have taught their students "how to make that pin work better for mankind." The implication here is that religion in the classroom and churchmen as teachers will not promote investigative inquiry and may stifle students' natural curiosity. Jefferson advocates a practical approach to education, one which will teach students that which they need for their own intellectual maturation and that which the nation itself requires for its development and advancement. With that objective in mind, Jefferson first proposes "general diffusion of knowledge," as in the provision of public education to all citizens. Within the context of public education, the subjects which should be taught are reading, writing, arithmetic and history. Beyond the parameters of a curriculum whose goal is the promotion of numerical and linguistic literacy, Jefferson proposes that the more advanced, the more talented of the students receive a higher education at the expense of the taxpayers. The subjects which should be taught should be reflective of enlightenment and reason. These subjects are "anatomy, medicine, modern languages, and science." The selection of these subjects is predicated on Jefferson's belief that they promote practical and useful kn owledge. Opposed to the "tyranny of the traditional curriculum," Jefferson's education plan revolves around three core objectives. The first is the propagation of knowledge for the purposes of developing a literate, knowledgeable populace who is capable of constructively contributing to the nation's growth and advancement. The second is a more intensive and focused period of higher education, provided at the taxpayers' expense, to those who have displayed intellectual talent and who have the potential to constructively contribute to national advancement. The subjects that these students will be taught are practical, useful and determined by their inclinations. The third core principle upon which Jefferson's education plan is founded is the exclusion of religion from educational system in response to the "tyranny of religious dogma" and the extent to which it functions as an obstacle to the promotion of investigative inquiry, knowledge and critical thinking. It need be noted that despite the fact that Jefferson's own educational experience left much to be desired, his education was typical of his peers. At first, he was educated by his father and taught basic literacy and survival skills. Following that, he was educated in a family schoolhouse by both secular and teachers and churchmen. At this point, his education was traditional and focused on the classics. As he explains, fear was the primary motivator in his education; fear of being beaten by his teacher. Added to that, from Jefferson's perspective, his education, while typical of that of his contemporaries, was impractical. In commentary upon the stated, one may affirm the validity of Jefferson's evaluation of the educational system of his time. Besides diffusing knowledge, education is supposed to broaden the mind and contribute to the development

History Education in Primary Schools Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

History Education in Primary Schools - Essay Example The pedagogical imperative of such historic education was to harbor conformity, rather than the modern notion of enabling critical though. 1 Colonialism and the World Wars brought about a change in how history would be taught, especially after Education became the state’s function. The emphasis then shifted towards a nationalistic approach of teaching history, what we term as propaganda. We now we live in an era where history is studied in a global context, with the supplementary aim of creating a sense of multiculturalism and diversity. Among the roles of history education, especially in the current context of increased cross cultural interaction, the role of History Education includes: 2 Schools as Social transmitters Promoting active Citizenship Making History Real Promoting Positive Values The same study suggests that debate on the role of history education usually occurs on: Nature of truth Tempering truth Avoiding Moral Relativity While the methodology and focus of histo ry education might be a matter of debate, the importance of this area of study remains uncontested, particularly from a functional aspect. FOCUS OF HISTORY EDUCATION: The focus of history education has often been a matter of debate between politicians and the academia, the crux of which has primarily been the purpose of teaching history. Politicians like the British education secretary, Michael Gove3, claim that the purpose of history education is to inculcate a sense of nationalism in the students so that they are in touch with their political and cultural roots. A score of policy makers believe that the history currently being taught in schools deviates from important British history and is more inclined towards European history and global events. This would obviously imply trimming and framing the curriculum with selected facts and information that would reinforce patriotic sentiments in the targeted students. Academians like Dr Marcus Collins, of Loughborough University, claim t hat such a selective approach of history education is reminiscent of a subtle form of propaganda, that has been a feature of undemocratic nations. This school of thought believes that the most pressing issue with history education isn’t the curriculum, but the amount of time that is devoted to teaching history. Where history education should be made compulsory to higher levels of education, policymakers are bent towards further curtailing the time that is allotted to teaching history. If this notion is translated to educational policies, then history education will indeed become impotent in imparting the necessary analytical skill set it sought out to cater to. It is believed that British history cannot be isolated from European history as much of Britain’s political activity took place beyond its borders, across continents. This debate is part of the government’s frustration over the liberal academic approach that is prevalent in schools, citing a lack of focus and discipline as major issues. As a consequence, the government4 has erected a new program where military officials will be planted as teachers in school to maintain decorum and cement a more focused approach to teaching with the notion of the ‘

Biology DB 5 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Biology DB 5 - Essay Example Support is a function that is mainly conducted by the stem, and for this reason a yam is modification of a normal plant. Botanically yams are in the family of monocotyledonous referred to as Dioscoreaceae and genus Dioscorea. The main reason as to why they are grown is because of their tuber or storage organs. The root cortex of a yam as compared to that of a corn is huge, which enables it to store sugar, starch and other substances. Casparian strip, which is water-impermeable strip of waxy material situated in the endodermis does not control uptake of minerals into the xylem as compared to other plants such as corn plants. This is because most of the minerals are stored and retained in the root, which functions as a stem. Yam as a plant can be said to support leaves because a stem is absent, the anatomy of yam as a plant can be said to be a modification of other standard plant. Animals and animal products are beneficial to human beings for different purposes other than for food. Animal products are highly beneficial in production of materials for clothes. Pigs are essential in production of valuable products such as suede for manufacture of clothes and production of shoes. Cattle produce leather which is sourced from the hides in the animal skin. The leather is used in the manufacture of clothes, shoes, purses, wallets and car upholstery. Feathers from poultry especially from geese and ducks are important in stuffing down clothes such as pillows and jackets. Sheep is a great source of wool that is used in processing yarn for knitting socks, shirts and other different cloths. Rabbits are a source of far used in knitting socks, yarn and other types of clothing. The most important benefit of animals is medicinal applications. Animal products have been tested methodically as a source of drugs especially in modern medicine. For instance, a snake venom is used as an

Strategic Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Strategic Management - Assignment Example Starbucks purchases Fair Trade coffee. This arrangement helps local farmers by guaranteeing a minimal price of $1.26 per pound of wholesale coffee. It also provides them with technology transfers and access to financial assistance such as short term loans to finance the crops of Coffee. Starbucks believes in the value of implementing wellness programs to help out different stakeholder groups including customers, suppliers, and employees. Starbucks purchased 269 million pounds of coffee in 2010; 84% of its purchases came from C.A.F.E. Practices approved suppliers (Starbucks, 2011). The Starbucks stores are designed to save as much energy as possible through the acquisition of superior technology and innovative processes. Water conservation is another practice that Starbucks Cafe practices. The average American uses more than 6 times more water per year than the average African. The company supports social causes such as world hunger and the AIDS/HIV epidemic. The company refers to its employees as baristas. The baristas are supposed to help the company create the â€Å"Starbucks Experience.† The wastage that Starbucks stores produce is minimized through the implementation of its recycling program. The implementation of the firm’s recycling program is customized per store since it is dependent on the availability of existing recycling programs in the community. # 2--Week 3 Discussion Question 2 A company is constantly in the news due to its dominance of the retail marketplace is Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart is the most successful retail store in the history of the United States. The company creates value by offering products at lower prices than the competition. The firm has a superb supply chain that allows the company to source products at lower costs. The company also uses bulk purchasing to achieve savings. Wal-Mart is the world’s largest employer with over 2.1 million employees worldwide (Walmart, 2011). The competitive advantage the company enjoy s is composed of a variety of factors which include: better customer service, lower prices, superb marketing, size of product offering, and superior locations. The firm offers over one million products to its customers. Wal-Mart is a multinational corporation that is publicly traded in the NYSE that operates in 28 countries. My employer does business in the United States solely. The core strategy used by Wal-Mart of beating the competition in terms of price is not aligned with the strategy the company I work for uses. My employer uses a differentiation strategy to attract customers. The products and services offered by my employer are unique, which is contrary to Wal-Mart’s strategy of offering common household products. An attribute or characteristics that both Wal-Mart and my employer share is a commitment towards customer service. A second characteristic that both companies share is the existence of an e-commerce operation. Wal-Mart has an online store that sell is product s to the entire global customer base. The e-commerce operation my employer uses differs in that the company focuses only on the domestic marketplace. # 3-- Week 3 Discussion Question 3 People eat outside their homes more often when the economy is doing well and their disposable income is higher. During bad economic times upper level restaurants are hurt more than cheap products. The industry leader in the fast food industry, McDonald’s, achieved global sales of $24 billion and $4.94 billion in net income