Thursday, December 19, 2013
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Machiavelli is Outrageous!
There were quite a few different statements to choose from, but I settled on the following outrageous statement. Machiavelli is talking about the reasons why men are praised or blamed-especially princes. He says, "Any man who tries to be good all the time is bound to come to ruin among the great number who are not good. Hence a prince who wants to keep his authority must learn how not to be good, and use that knowledge, or refrain from using it, as necessity requires." And later, "If he possibly can, he should also guard against vices that will not lose him his state; but if he cannot prevent them, he should not be too worried about indulging them" (42-43).
Machiavelli is half right in his statement. He was correct in saying that one should guard against vices that will lose him his state, or his people. However, he says that if one cannot prevent them he should freely indulge them, which is completely false. From a gospel perspective, this sort of thinking is contrary to what is taught in the scriptures. Never did the Lord say, "Be thou perfect; but if it gets too hard, go ahead and do whatever your evil heart wants!" NO! If one has a difficult vice it is not right to give up and indulge; life is about overcoming, not giving up.
Is Machiavelli's statement true today? Unfortunately, it is more and more becoming the popular opinion. It seems that society used to favor self control and harnessing appetites, but it is quickly turning into Machiavelli's way of life: when life gets hard, INDULGE! It seems to be an opinion of our population about our leaders, too. The thoughts seem to be, "you know, he has a hard job; we shouldn't be too hard on him." "If he wants to do some questionable things, who are we to say no?" How about holding leaders accountable?! Aren't leaders put in leadership roles because they have set themselves apart as people that can get things done, that can put off instant gratification and work towards a higher goal?! Leaders are held to a higher standard because that's what they were elected for, not Machiavelli's 'give up and gorge' attitude. Whether prince or president, do the job right, or get right out of the job.
Machiavelli is half right in his statement. He was correct in saying that one should guard against vices that will lose him his state, or his people. However, he says that if one cannot prevent them he should freely indulge them, which is completely false. From a gospel perspective, this sort of thinking is contrary to what is taught in the scriptures. Never did the Lord say, "Be thou perfect; but if it gets too hard, go ahead and do whatever your evil heart wants!" NO! If one has a difficult vice it is not right to give up and indulge; life is about overcoming, not giving up.
Is Machiavelli's statement true today? Unfortunately, it is more and more becoming the popular opinion. It seems that society used to favor self control and harnessing appetites, but it is quickly turning into Machiavelli's way of life: when life gets hard, INDULGE! It seems to be an opinion of our population about our leaders, too. The thoughts seem to be, "you know, he has a hard job; we shouldn't be too hard on him." "If he wants to do some questionable things, who are we to say no?" How about holding leaders accountable?! Aren't leaders put in leadership roles because they have set themselves apart as people that can get things done, that can put off instant gratification and work towards a higher goal?! Leaders are held to a higher standard because that's what they were elected for, not Machiavelli's 'give up and gorge' attitude. Whether prince or president, do the job right, or get right out of the job.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Why I read
1) The number one reason I read is for entertainment. But I don't usually read novels; normally it is online articles about sports.
2) School. I'll be honest, most of the reading I do aside from online articles is for school. I have to read a lot this semester, which occupies a lot of time.
3) To keep my brain from turning to mush. I feel like reading is a great way to stay sharp in the brain. Forcing the mind to comprehend words and think about them increases thinking ability and comprehension.
Francesca says she and Paolo read to pass the time away. I think that is a noble cause for reading. Of course their reading led them to other things, but they read to occupy their minds.
Our motivation for reading has a big effect on what we get out of reading. For example, a lot of my reading is done for school. When I sit down and open a book, my mindset is not usually positive and looking to enlighten my mind. Usually I have an attitude of "let's just get this over with." I think by having that attitude going in, there are a lot of things that I miss when reading. Especially with some of the books we have read in this class. They are some of the great classics of our time. Although my attitude sometimes shifts after I get into the book, I start out with a negative view and my mind isn't completely open to what I am reading.
I think reading at all is good. There are obviously more noble reasons for reading and more one can get out by having a good motivation, but engaging the mind with words will benefit anyone.
2) School. I'll be honest, most of the reading I do aside from online articles is for school. I have to read a lot this semester, which occupies a lot of time.
3) To keep my brain from turning to mush. I feel like reading is a great way to stay sharp in the brain. Forcing the mind to comprehend words and think about them increases thinking ability and comprehension.
Francesca says she and Paolo read to pass the time away. I think that is a noble cause for reading. Of course their reading led them to other things, but they read to occupy their minds.
Our motivation for reading has a big effect on what we get out of reading. For example, a lot of my reading is done for school. When I sit down and open a book, my mindset is not usually positive and looking to enlighten my mind. Usually I have an attitude of "let's just get this over with." I think by having that attitude going in, there are a lot of things that I miss when reading. Especially with some of the books we have read in this class. They are some of the great classics of our time. Although my attitude sometimes shifts after I get into the book, I start out with a negative view and my mind isn't completely open to what I am reading.
I think reading at all is good. There are obviously more noble reasons for reading and more one can get out by having a good motivation, but engaging the mind with words will benefit anyone.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Roman Parallels
1. People are forgetting how to be personally social. Obviously, this wasn't a big problem for Rome. It is a problem specifically in our society because we have so many digital devices that we can hide behind that speaking with people face to face isn't as important as it once was. I'm sure the Romans were able to write letters or send messages in ways other that didn't require face to face communication, but it's nowhere as prevalent as it is in the US today.
2. There is a huge divide between differing political parties in the US. "Who but the wealthy get sleep in Rome? There lies the root of the disorder." Although the roles are a little different in this scenario, the principle is the same. Rome was not divided by political party, per say, rather they are divided between wealthy and poor. This quote shows the attitude of the wealthy towards the poor and the poor towards the wealthy. The wealthy are taken care of, the poor are left alone. The wealthy can sleep comfortably, while the poor suffer. "It is no easy matter, anywhere, for a man to rise when poverty stands in the way of his merits: but nowhere is the effort harder than in Rome, where you must pay a big rent for a wretched lodging, a big sum to fill the bellies of your slaves, and buy a frugal dinner for yourself." It is not easy to be poor in Rome.
3. The family is definitely under attack in the US. I think this problem is illustrated with all of the other quotes used in this post. Conditions in Rome were not ideal. There was a huge divide between wealthy and poor, and families either benefited or suffered because of it. Wealthy families continued in wealth, while poor families were stuck in a cycle of never-ending poverty. I don't think families were purposefully attacked, but the government's policies led to the destruction of a well-off society.
4. The government. "This failing is universal here: we all live in a state of pretentious poverty. To put it shortly, nothing can be had in Rome for nothing." This is a pretty telling statement about the state of affairs in Rome. Obviously the government is failing in aspects of poverty and taking care of it's citizens. I'm not suggesting the government should take full responsibility to fix poverty, but there are cases where the government makes the problem worse. This seems to be one of those cases.
5. Bullying has come to the forefront as a major issue today. "I cannot abide, Quirites, a Rome of Greeks; and yet what fraction of our dregs comes from Greece? The Syrian Orontes has long since poured into the Tiber, bringing with it its lingo and its manners, its flutes and its slanting harp-strings; bringing too the timbrels of the breed, and the trulls who are bidden ply their trade at the Circus." Although Rome did not consider bullying a major problem, bullying the Greeks happened constantly in the empire. The Romans didn't like the Greeks. They did whatever they could to rid the Greek blood from their population. They really did bully them.
2. There is a huge divide between differing political parties in the US. "Who but the wealthy get sleep in Rome? There lies the root of the disorder." Although the roles are a little different in this scenario, the principle is the same. Rome was not divided by political party, per say, rather they are divided between wealthy and poor. This quote shows the attitude of the wealthy towards the poor and the poor towards the wealthy. The wealthy are taken care of, the poor are left alone. The wealthy can sleep comfortably, while the poor suffer. "It is no easy matter, anywhere, for a man to rise when poverty stands in the way of his merits: but nowhere is the effort harder than in Rome, where you must pay a big rent for a wretched lodging, a big sum to fill the bellies of your slaves, and buy a frugal dinner for yourself." It is not easy to be poor in Rome.
3. The family is definitely under attack in the US. I think this problem is illustrated with all of the other quotes used in this post. Conditions in Rome were not ideal. There was a huge divide between wealthy and poor, and families either benefited or suffered because of it. Wealthy families continued in wealth, while poor families were stuck in a cycle of never-ending poverty. I don't think families were purposefully attacked, but the government's policies led to the destruction of a well-off society.
4. The government. "This failing is universal here: we all live in a state of pretentious poverty. To put it shortly, nothing can be had in Rome for nothing." This is a pretty telling statement about the state of affairs in Rome. Obviously the government is failing in aspects of poverty and taking care of it's citizens. I'm not suggesting the government should take full responsibility to fix poverty, but there are cases where the government makes the problem worse. This seems to be one of those cases.
5. Bullying has come to the forefront as a major issue today. "I cannot abide, Quirites, a Rome of Greeks; and yet what fraction of our dregs comes from Greece? The Syrian Orontes has long since poured into the Tiber, bringing with it its lingo and its manners, its flutes and its slanting harp-strings; bringing too the timbrels of the breed, and the trulls who are bidden ply their trade at the Circus." Although Rome did not consider bullying a major problem, bullying the Greeks happened constantly in the empire. The Romans didn't like the Greeks. They did whatever they could to rid the Greek blood from their population. They really did bully them.
Monday, October 28, 2013
5 Most Challenging Social Problems
The 5 most challenging social problems facing the United States today are as follows:
1. People are forgetting how to be personally social. The digital world is taking over the lives of nearly every American. People communicate via digital devices more than they do face-to-face with each other. People are losing the skill of face-to-face communication. Before long, we won't even be able to look at each other without digital devices (Google Glass).
2. There is a huge divide between differing political parties in the US. The divide is growing and the disagreement is becoming more and more hostile. People don't want to listen to the other side's opinion, they want to demean the other side and make them feel bad. There is no more public debate, it is becoming a war.
3. The family is definitely under attack in the US. Specifically for our beliefs, the traditional family is becoming less and less important. Instead, society is making way for progressive trains of thought. "People should be able to live with or marry whoever they want," is a common argument. Our beliefs value loving all men, but we do not need to tolerate the disintegration of the traditional family.
4. The government. I could probably leave it at that, but I will expound briefly. Spending is out of control. Trust is lost daily. The most powerful nation in the world is losing trust with it's own leadership. Corruption and lies abound. I could go on and on, but when the people start to turn on their own leaders, that is one problem that needs to be fixed quickly.
5. Bullying has come to the forefront as a major issue today. Not only physical, but social and cyber bullying has been growing more and more recently. It seems there are new cases every week of young people committing suicide because of overwhelming bullying. I don't know what the solution is, but we need to find one.
1. People are forgetting how to be personally social. The digital world is taking over the lives of nearly every American. People communicate via digital devices more than they do face-to-face with each other. People are losing the skill of face-to-face communication. Before long, we won't even be able to look at each other without digital devices (Google Glass).
2. There is a huge divide between differing political parties in the US. The divide is growing and the disagreement is becoming more and more hostile. People don't want to listen to the other side's opinion, they want to demean the other side and make them feel bad. There is no more public debate, it is becoming a war.
3. The family is definitely under attack in the US. Specifically for our beliefs, the traditional family is becoming less and less important. Instead, society is making way for progressive trains of thought. "People should be able to live with or marry whoever they want," is a common argument. Our beliefs value loving all men, but we do not need to tolerate the disintegration of the traditional family.
4. The government. I could probably leave it at that, but I will expound briefly. Spending is out of control. Trust is lost daily. The most powerful nation in the world is losing trust with it's own leadership. Corruption and lies abound. I could go on and on, but when the people start to turn on their own leaders, that is one problem that needs to be fixed quickly.
5. Bullying has come to the forefront as a major issue today. Not only physical, but social and cyber bullying has been growing more and more recently. It seems there are new cases every week of young people committing suicide because of overwhelming bullying. I don't know what the solution is, but we need to find one.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Golden Age
A golden age is a time where citizens of a country feel united and motivated to progress and succeed. Not only do citizens just feel united, but they work together to accomplish new things in technology and society. A golden age is a time of progression and advancement; the society must be more advanced and accomplished after the golden age than before.
Under Augustus, the Roman empire expanded and grew. Not only did they advance the borders of their land, they progressed with technology, learning and art. They created new sewer systems, advanced society, and completely overhauled the concept of art. They changed art to reflect how they felt about their society: superior. Every depiction of a Roman was perfect. No physical flaws. The Romans really did think of themselves as a superior society.
When I think of a golden age in American history, I immediately think of the 40's and 50's, right after WWII had ended. The economy was doing very well and the citizens felt very highly of themselves. Why shouldn't they? We had just defeated Hitler and the Nazi regime! This was a time with a lot of technological progression as well. Vehicles became much more advanced; movies and TV were starting to become a reality. These advancements along with the attitude that the United States was invincible constituted a golden age in America.
Under Augustus, the Roman empire expanded and grew. Not only did they advance the borders of their land, they progressed with technology, learning and art. They created new sewer systems, advanced society, and completely overhauled the concept of art. They changed art to reflect how they felt about their society: superior. Every depiction of a Roman was perfect. No physical flaws. The Romans really did think of themselves as a superior society.
When I think of a golden age in American history, I immediately think of the 40's and 50's, right after WWII had ended. The economy was doing very well and the citizens felt very highly of themselves. Why shouldn't they? We had just defeated Hitler and the Nazi regime! This was a time with a lot of technological progression as well. Vehicles became much more advanced; movies and TV were starting to become a reality. These advancements along with the attitude that the United States was invincible constituted a golden age in America.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Catharsis in Oedipus
The catharsis, or cleansing, in the play was most evident to me when Oedipus finally left the city at the end of the production.
The gods gave instruction to Creon that the city needed to be 'cleansed' to recover from the plague that was destroying it's citizens. Oedipus fought to find who it was that killed the king and to remove him from the city. He slowly began to realize that it was he who needed to remove himself. I think that is why he got as angry as he did about the prophecy being true. He knew that because he killed the king, he would have to follow his own admonition to leave the city forever.
The actors did a very good job at building the intensity of the situation throughout the entire production. When Jocasta hangs herself and Oedipus stabs his eyes out, I felt like we were all at an emotional high. Everyone was so concentrated on what had just happened, it was easy to forget that Oedipus would have to leave the city. Creon dramatically put a walking stick in front of Oedipus and it was then we knew that the city would finally be cleansed of the murderer of the king. Oedipus stumbled off stage, and the cleansing was complete. The gods called for cleansing, and it came to pass, just like they said it would.
The gods gave instruction to Creon that the city needed to be 'cleansed' to recover from the plague that was destroying it's citizens. Oedipus fought to find who it was that killed the king and to remove him from the city. He slowly began to realize that it was he who needed to remove himself. I think that is why he got as angry as he did about the prophecy being true. He knew that because he killed the king, he would have to follow his own admonition to leave the city forever.
The actors did a very good job at building the intensity of the situation throughout the entire production. When Jocasta hangs herself and Oedipus stabs his eyes out, I felt like we were all at an emotional high. Everyone was so concentrated on what had just happened, it was easy to forget that Oedipus would have to leave the city. Creon dramatically put a walking stick in front of Oedipus and it was then we knew that the city would finally be cleansed of the murderer of the king. Oedipus stumbled off stage, and the cleansing was complete. The gods called for cleansing, and it came to pass, just like they said it would.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Oedipus' Hamartia
I think that Oedipus' hamartia is something that can be both good and bad for a person. I believe his downfall was that he was too curious. He recounts an experience from his childhood to his wife, when a drunken man "accused [him] in his drink of being a bastard." He later asks his parents about it and they are upset he would even mention it to them. Instead of putting the matter to rest, he goes to Pytho and learns about the prophecy that he will kill his father and marry his mother. To be curious is not a bad thing, but in Oedipus' case he should have held back. His curiosity leads him to more and more information that eventually prove too much to handle.
When speaking with Teiresias, Oedipus wants to learn more about the death of king Laius. Teiresias tells him small bits and pieces of the kings murder, but Oedipus wants to know everything. Teiresias is a priest and knows about what Oedipus has done, but it seems he doesn't want to tell Oedipus everything he knows. But Oedipus' curiosity won't let it rest.
Teiresias: "I will not bring this pain upon us both, neither on you nor on myself. Why is it you question me and waste your labour? I will tell you nothing."
Oedipus: "You would provoke a stone! Tell us, you villain, tell us, and do not stand there quietly unmoved and balking at the issue."
Oedipus clearly wants to know more than Teiresias will tell him, even though it would be better if he did not know. His prying for information eventually leads him to the knowledge that he did indeed kill his father on the highway and is now married to his mother. Curiosity killed the cat (and led Oedipus to stab his own eyes out).
When speaking with Teiresias, Oedipus wants to learn more about the death of king Laius. Teiresias tells him small bits and pieces of the kings murder, but Oedipus wants to know everything. Teiresias is a priest and knows about what Oedipus has done, but it seems he doesn't want to tell Oedipus everything he knows. But Oedipus' curiosity won't let it rest.
Teiresias: "I will not bring this pain upon us both, neither on you nor on myself. Why is it you question me and waste your labour? I will tell you nothing."
Oedipus: "You would provoke a stone! Tell us, you villain, tell us, and do not stand there quietly unmoved and balking at the issue."
Oedipus clearly wants to know more than Teiresias will tell him, even though it would be better if he did not know. His prying for information eventually leads him to the knowledge that he did indeed kill his father on the highway and is now married to his mother. Curiosity killed the cat (and led Oedipus to stab his own eyes out).
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Epithets
Epithets
Player of Sports
Since I was young I have played a lot of sports. As I've gotten older I haven't had the time to play as many as I would like, but I have focused the time I do have on ice hockey. It has been the most fun of any sports that I have played growing up.
Lover of Outdoors
I have always loved camping and backpacking. Being outside always beats sitting inside for me. I would rather be backpacking or camping in the mountains for a week than almost anything else.
Eater of Food
Although there aren't a lot of meals that I can make, I love to eat food. Whether it be going out to a nice restaurant or making a home-cooked meal, I love to eat. There is almost nothing that I don't like or won't try. Serving a mission in southern Arizona gave me the chance to try a lot of authentic Mexican food. I grew to love spicy Mexican meals and I continue to try new foods.
Writer of Sports
Not only have I played sports, but I am passionate about writing about them. I work for BYUtv Sports and get to participate in live game broadcasts and it is the best job I have ever had. I love to talk about and write about sports, especially college football. Being a member of the broadcasting team has quickly become one of my passions.
Player of Sports
Since I was young I have played a lot of sports. As I've gotten older I haven't had the time to play as many as I would like, but I have focused the time I do have on ice hockey. It has been the most fun of any sports that I have played growing up.
Lover of Outdoors
I have always loved camping and backpacking. Being outside always beats sitting inside for me. I would rather be backpacking or camping in the mountains for a week than almost anything else.
Eater of Food
Although there aren't a lot of meals that I can make, I love to eat food. Whether it be going out to a nice restaurant or making a home-cooked meal, I love to eat. There is almost nothing that I don't like or won't try. Serving a mission in southern Arizona gave me the chance to try a lot of authentic Mexican food. I grew to love spicy Mexican meals and I continue to try new foods.
Writer of Sports
Not only have I played sports, but I am passionate about writing about them. I work for BYUtv Sports and get to participate in live game broadcasts and it is the best job I have ever had. I love to talk about and write about sports, especially college football. Being a member of the broadcasting team has quickly become one of my passions.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)