Introduction to my Writing
This page is meant to show my writing throughout the years! Here I'll place everything
I've written from Essays, to Creative Stories to Reflections and Artists Statements.
This is to be able to show you the improvements that I am able to make in my writing
I've written from Essays, to Creative Stories to Reflections and Artists Statements.
This is to be able to show you the improvements that I am able to make in my writing
Creative Story: Brasil(9th)
Who would’ve known, a business trip turned into something much better. I thought it’d be as simple as travel to Rio, get the contract, have a little fun then leave. It wasn’t, at all.
The story begins with me at the office,m suddenly called to my manager's office. As usual, I was frightened, worried he’d fire me. Yet it was the opposite. He gave me more work, along with a plane ticket and told me. I’d have the opportunity to go to Rio de Janeiro and simply settle a contract for him. He also told me I’d have a couple of days to enjoy Brazil. So being the spontaneous young guy I am I accepted. I couldn’t miss out on such a great chance, a trip full of work and fun.
That’s just how it started, which lead me to finding my future. When I first got there I was greeted with a garland of roses at the airport. I thought I should get comfortable in my hotel room before anything else so I could prepare and rest before getting the contract. After checking in the front desk I was given my hotel key and told which floor. I opened the door with the key only to find that everything except a nice organized room. From the open door I could see couches flipped over, televisions cracked and vases broken where they once stood. I stepped in to see what else was ruined and was greeted by a man with brass knuckles. He introduced himself by punching my in the face, knocking me unconscious. Now is when the story gets interesting. When I awoke I was in what seemed like a big empty warehouse, because of the echo of my foot tapping. I wasn’t sure, because it was pitch black except for the small roof light illuminating me and my chair. Looks like something out of a movie. Who ever knocked me out had seen one too many movies. From there I started thinking I was kidnapped by Universal Studios. Maybe even Warner Brothers.
“Listen I don’t want to have to hurt you,” said an unknown figure, who became a lot less unknown once he stepped out of the darkness. Robert De Niro, with slicked back hair and a rufous suit walked towards me. His beard was long but not unpalatably. I looked at him and him at me. We stared at each other, straight in the eyes. I could never forget that stare, it was the kind you would have with a tiger or bear. The kind that struck fear into your core, and also felt somewhat comforting. “really really don’t want to hurt you. I might not.” said Robert De Niro as I felt relief in my heart. I liked knowing I was in the hands of a good man. “But it’s my job to hurt you.” He reached into his coat and pulled out a knife, slowly, as if the slower he went the more nightmares I got. My heart started beating violently, like a ancient tribal rituals drum. It echoed in my ribcage and head. I tried to scream but all I managed was a high pitched “Ih…” Apparently the facial expression I made was hilarious because only seconds later he bursted out laughing. “Hahaha! Oh my goodness, my god hahaha! You’re great man, you were so scared! You’re face too! Oh my goodness you looked like you wet your pants! Ahaha I’m not gonna check but I’m hoping you didn’t!” He laughed like a madman. I couldn’t help but giggle a little when I painted a blood red smile on his face and called him the Joker in my mind.
As he was laughing I decided to find a way out of the ropes that bound my hands together. To my surprise they just slipped off like butter. I was excited, as if I had just seen the light at the end of an endless tunnel. He continued on with his laughter and I lunged at him, giving him the old one-two to the face. This then placed him in a state of unconsciousness. I felt like my fist was as hard as the carapace of a turtle.
I was alone, with an unconscious Robert De Niro by my side. I reached into his pocket hoping to find some kind of key out of this place but all I found was a button. I was scared to click it but when I did I was surprised. The lights turned on, revealing a warehouse and it’s riches. Lots and lots of riches. When I turned on the lights I could see millions maybe even billions of dollars. All stacked in large piles of hundreds. To the back side of the room all I saw was a set of luxury sports cars. All black with a red stripe in the middle. I guess it’s just how Robert De Niro likes his cars. To the others sides of the room were just boxes of all sizes. In the middle of one side was a door. As I went through there all there was out a small street, barely big enough for two cars. Two small cars.
I spent the rest of the day looking for some form of authority to help me. It wasn’t until the later afternoon that I came across a military police officer. I approached him as calmly as possible and started speaking english. I told him everything in a loud and expressive tone. When I told him about knocking out Robert De Niro I accidentally used the wrong choice of words. “I was all like, BOOM!” I almost yelled out boom and the officer did not expect it. He was frightened by both my english speaking and my loud and unexpected boom. He placed me in handcuffs and drove me to the station. We got in his vehicle went off. Hopefully someone there might understand me.
When we arrived they just tossed me in a cell. I thought it had a languishing smell. Smelled kinda like something slowly rotting away. It was probably just a rat in the next cell, because mine was just empty. Just a couple of cracks and stains on the walls. How did they get there? As violent scenarios of enraged convicts raced through my mind. A came and dragged me to an interrogation room a couple of hours later. When they sat me down they started by introducing themselves in english, it gave me relief. I thought I might go back home that day. “I don’t know why” I told them “but I was kidnapped by Robert De Niro. I managed to escape and when I saw what he had in what I think was his warehouse, well I was amazed. Cars and money and other unknown treasures. So I escaped and now I’m here.” They looked serious by the end of my story. The interrogator told the guard some words I didn’t understand and he went towards the door. “I’m sorry” said the interrogator. The guard locked the door and the interrogator reached for his pocket “it’s only my job.” He pulled out a handgun and pointed it directly at me. He didn’t have time to shoot as I whipped it out of his hands. The guard reached for his gun on his waist but I tackled him through the door before he could do anything. The door was open, and I ran out.
Corrupt Cops weren’t my only problem in Brazil. I was on my way to try and find the U.S. Embassy to see if they could take me back home. I came upon a store. A small store that sold just about everything you might need from day to day life. Cereal, soda, chips and juice. This store had a television hanging from the roof on the corner of the room. It was playing a news channel, but I didn’t see any news. All I saw was my picture with the number 1,500,000. I’m pretty sure it was Brazilian currency to that was almost, if not more, than $500,00. All of it was just for getting me turned in. I was frightened. I would have a whole country hunting me down.
I walked the city streets with caution. I found an alley that could hide me well enough for the night. I squeezed through a dumpster to the end of the alley, where I cleared a place to rest. Now I was resting. This gave me time to process everything that had happened to me in the past day. My first question was why Robert De Niro, Oscar-Winning actor was chasing me down? What did he want with me? What kind of business was he doing in Brazil that gave him so much money and control over the military police? I tried to piece it together but couldn’t find an answer. But enough, I needed rest.
When I woke up, I got a big surprise. I had just opened my eyes to see Robert De Niro standing on top of me. It was so brief. “You can’t hide from me forever.” he said with a giggle. “Nobody can.” As he finished his sentence he took the butt of his handgun and hit me swiftly across the face with it. I went back to sleep, if being knocked unconscious means the same thing, I guess I was sleeping. “Wake up sleepy head.” said a voice, I didn’t want to open my eyes so I just sat there. “Wake up!” I had just heard this when a splash of water came over me like a wave. I saw a tall, dark man with a bucket. He was nicely dressed and didn’t really have an expression on his face. “Thanks Mr. Smith.” said Robert De Niro, “You remember the last time we were here right?” I did. I very much did. It was almost exactly the same, but this time I was handcuffed to the legs of the chair. “Just like last time. Except now we have two new friends here with us. Mr. Smith, who you’ve met, and Mr. Rico.” A man emerged from the shadows. He was a tan man in a suit. Most of his face was concealed by his beard and his sunglasses. His hair was gray, same with his facial hair. He looked like Jonathan Goldsmith, I could imagine him with a bottle of Dos Equis in his hand. My entertaining thought was interrupted by Robert De Niro clapping his hands.” Now that we’re all here let’s get down to business! Listen here because I’m only gonna tell you one time, where is the suitcase?” At this point I didn’t know what he was talking about, so I just stared at him. “Ok, you’re not talking” he said anxiously “Mr. Smith can fix that.” He looked over at Mr. Smith, who disappeared into the darkness. He came back with a different bucket, a full bucket. He walked towards me and dumped it. Gasoline. I could never forget the smell of gasoline, which I was now covered in. Mr. Smith then reached in his coat pocket and pulled out a box of matches and lit one. He had it in front of my face. I thought I would die at that very moment, in a fiery death. Then the unexpected happened, Mr. Rico proceeded to kick the match out of Mr. Smith’s hand and onto the floor away from me. It burnt out. He then fought with Mr. Smith, it was like a Jackie Chan movie. They reflected each others kicks and punches perfectly, until Mr. Smith made a mistake. Mr. Rico then hit Mr. Smith in the chest, knocking him back and causing him to hit his head on the floor. Maybe a little too hard. Mr. Rico looked at Robert De Niro, who had accidentally spilled all of his handgun ammunition on the ground. He scrambled all across the floor to try and put it. He would’ve loaded his weapon if Mr. Rico hadn’t kicked him in the face. Mr. Rico looked at me, “Thanks kiddo, you’ve done your country a good service.” Who was this guy? He reached into his pocket and pulled out two small devices. One was the light switch and the other, I didn’t know what the other was. He turned on the lights, then clicked the button on the other device. A light started turning on and off as he threw it into a corner of the room. “Don’t worry kid, it’s just a tracking device. Wait, I’m sorry, where are my manners? He took off his sunglasses “Special Agent Richard Foxworth, you may know me as your boss.” I couldn’t believe it, my boss was a special agent. The tan and beard kept him well hidden as well as his sunglasses. “Now come with me, we’ve got to go!” I just stood there as he opened the door. I didn’t understand it. “Look I know it’s a lot to process but let’s go! I’ll explain when we get in the car. He rushed me to the same street where a car arrived. It was an ugly looking Volkswagen type two that looked like it was freshly bought from a junkyard. Then she came out of the car. The driver was not some smelly old man who had stolen it, but the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. She was a tall brunette that wore a tight sombre dress. She stepped out in high heels, and came to introduce herself. “Hey,” she said, and I instantly fell in love,. Her bright hazel eyes were art pieces painted by the greatest artists and her voice was the sweetest sonata I’d ever heard. “Special Agent Monica Lopez Gonzalez.” I was overcome with her beauty. A simple “Hey.” was all I managed. She smiled a little, she turned back towards the car and realized I had just been staring at her, in an I guess charming way. “Stop wasting time making googly eyes and let’s go loverbird.” We all hoped in the vehicle and headed off.
“Ok now you’re probably confused what he meant by suitcase, and that I don’t know. Probably another one of his dumb games. But what I do know is that you helped us find him and his warehouse. The United States Military is searching it right now confiscating everything they find. Including Robert De Niro. He’s the biggest importer and exporter of drugs in Brazil, second in the world. “Who’s the first?” I said “Al Pacino.” he responded “But he does all his operations in Cuba. Anyways, we the American Government had been communicating with Robert De Niro. We told him we’d give him somebody who knew all of Al Pacino’s business plans, if he’d give us money. He gave us a lot. Enough to pay off half the national debt. So we sent him you, because you knew nothing of anything. I had been undercover as Mr. Rico, so asking to come see this, what he called, American Spy was no problem. From there I threw the tracking device and now we’re heading home.
When we got home I got talking to Ms. Gonzalez and became good friends. She quit her job as a secret agent to come work with me at the office, and also because it wasn’t the safest thing. Three years later we got married.
So kids, that is how I met your mother.
The Odyssey: Literary Analysis(9th)
Honor, Loyalty and Ingenuity are all some of the things the Ancient Greeks valued, but what about Creativity? To answer this question we must first know what Creativity means. To be creative, or creativity in general is the generating of new, different ideas using only your current knowledge and imagination to create these ideas. The story, The Odyssey told by Homer, but translated by Ian Johnston is the story of Odysseus and his journey. His journey to his home of Ithaca from Troy, where he and his men participated in the Trojan War. This book will help prove that the Ancient Greeks valued creativity because of the way Bards/Minstrels are treated, how the main character’s plans and tactics are very creative and by having the main character be a creative liar.
The Greeks valued Creativity, because of the importance of being a good storyteller. Bards/Minstrels are great examples because of their creative stories. They were also treated as god for their stories. “Demodocus to you I give high praise, more so than all other men, whether is was that child of Zeus, the Muse who taught you, or Apollo.”(Homer pg. 159) This is one of the better examples, because Demodocus the Minstrel is directly told how great his stories are, and how he sings so well. “For you sing so well and with such true expressiveness.”(Homer pg.159) Here he says the same thing. Yet is was very good to be a talented singer, yet their creative stories are what made them famous. Take for the example the the original story told by Demodocus of a forbidden love between the Gods. “The Minstrel struck the opening chords to his sweet song how Ares love the fair-crowned Aphrodite, how in Hephaestus’ house they first had sex in secret”(Homer pg.151) This story was not one passed down from generation to generation, but it is the story created by the Minstrel Demodocus, showing the creativity of his stories and how people really valued their ability back then.
Yet not all creativity was used to tell sweet stories, but some for sweet lies. The main character would use creativity for lies all the time. For example when Odysseus, the main character, arrived back in his native land he had asked where he was and they told him he was in his homeland of Ithaca. “I’ve heard of Ithaca...As he was coming back home...troubles in my heart.”(Homer pg. 261-262) Odysseus had lied, and place a background for the lies as well. He had thought of a story, a creative story and told it. During this lie he was not talking to just anybody but a goddess. She compliments him on his stories as well. “Although you’re now in you’re now in your own land , it doesn’t look as if you’re going to stop your lies or making up those artful stories,”(Homer pg. 263) Odysseus creates new stories every time, using his creativity, for example, when he is disguised as a beggar he tells yet another story. “For once I, too… But the crew, giving away to… in great distress.”(Homer pg. 347-348) So he seems to create new people with every new lie he tells. And with a God’s approval it’s obvious that they really do value creativity.
Odysseus, the main character had battle tactics, were also very creative. Coming back from a ten year war he must’ve learned to be ingeneus with everything he did. There was a point in his story back to Ithaca where he encountered a dangerous situation which only his creativity could solve. “Cyclops, you asked about my famous name. I’ll tell you. Then you can offer me a gift, as your guest. My name is Nobody. My father and mother, all my other friends-they call me Nobody.”(Homer pg. 177) He had begun to talk to the Polyphemus, the Cyclops, whose cave Odysseus and his men were trapped in, and while speaking to him told him his name was Nobody. This was a genius and creative plan. “Nobody is killing me, my friends, by treachery, not using force.”(Homer pg. 178) This plan helped Odysseus keep the other Cyclops away, for their responses did not help Polyphemus. “Well, then, if nobody is hurting you and you’re alone, it must be sickness given by great Zeus,”(Homer pg. 179) This was one of the greater plans designed by the creative Odysseus. We also have a part in the story where Odysseus is a beggar and creates a plan to find who are loyal and good people, and who are not. “But Athena approached Odysseus...Odysseus then moved off...asking one another.”(Homer pg. 345) This helped him realize who was good and who was not. Once again, when a God urges you to do something it’s probably because they approve of your ideas. Showing the value creativity had in Ancient Greece.
The Ancient Greeks valued Creativity, and it is shown in The Odyssey. In The Odyssey they show the creative stories, lies and plans to show how they value Creativity. Creativity along with Honor, Loyalty and Hospitality are all valued by the Ancient Greeks.
The Greeks valued Creativity, because of the importance of being a good storyteller. Bards/Minstrels are great examples because of their creative stories. They were also treated as god for their stories. “Demodocus to you I give high praise, more so than all other men, whether is was that child of Zeus, the Muse who taught you, or Apollo.”(Homer pg. 159) This is one of the better examples, because Demodocus the Minstrel is directly told how great his stories are, and how he sings so well. “For you sing so well and with such true expressiveness.”(Homer pg.159) Here he says the same thing. Yet is was very good to be a talented singer, yet their creative stories are what made them famous. Take for the example the the original story told by Demodocus of a forbidden love between the Gods. “The Minstrel struck the opening chords to his sweet song how Ares love the fair-crowned Aphrodite, how in Hephaestus’ house they first had sex in secret”(Homer pg.151) This story was not one passed down from generation to generation, but it is the story created by the Minstrel Demodocus, showing the creativity of his stories and how people really valued their ability back then.
Yet not all creativity was used to tell sweet stories, but some for sweet lies. The main character would use creativity for lies all the time. For example when Odysseus, the main character, arrived back in his native land he had asked where he was and they told him he was in his homeland of Ithaca. “I’ve heard of Ithaca...As he was coming back home...troubles in my heart.”(Homer pg. 261-262) Odysseus had lied, and place a background for the lies as well. He had thought of a story, a creative story and told it. During this lie he was not talking to just anybody but a goddess. She compliments him on his stories as well. “Although you’re now in you’re now in your own land , it doesn’t look as if you’re going to stop your lies or making up those artful stories,”(Homer pg. 263) Odysseus creates new stories every time, using his creativity, for example, when he is disguised as a beggar he tells yet another story. “For once I, too… But the crew, giving away to… in great distress.”(Homer pg. 347-348) So he seems to create new people with every new lie he tells. And with a God’s approval it’s obvious that they really do value creativity.
Odysseus, the main character had battle tactics, were also very creative. Coming back from a ten year war he must’ve learned to be ingeneus with everything he did. There was a point in his story back to Ithaca where he encountered a dangerous situation which only his creativity could solve. “Cyclops, you asked about my famous name. I’ll tell you. Then you can offer me a gift, as your guest. My name is Nobody. My father and mother, all my other friends-they call me Nobody.”(Homer pg. 177) He had begun to talk to the Polyphemus, the Cyclops, whose cave Odysseus and his men were trapped in, and while speaking to him told him his name was Nobody. This was a genius and creative plan. “Nobody is killing me, my friends, by treachery, not using force.”(Homer pg. 178) This plan helped Odysseus keep the other Cyclops away, for their responses did not help Polyphemus. “Well, then, if nobody is hurting you and you’re alone, it must be sickness given by great Zeus,”(Homer pg. 179) This was one of the greater plans designed by the creative Odysseus. We also have a part in the story where Odysseus is a beggar and creates a plan to find who are loyal and good people, and who are not. “But Athena approached Odysseus...Odysseus then moved off...asking one another.”(Homer pg. 345) This helped him realize who was good and who was not. Once again, when a God urges you to do something it’s probably because they approve of your ideas. Showing the value creativity had in Ancient Greece.
The Ancient Greeks valued Creativity, and it is shown in The Odyssey. In The Odyssey they show the creative stories, lies and plans to show how they value Creativity. Creativity along with Honor, Loyalty and Hospitality are all valued by the Ancient Greeks.
Persepolis: Literary Analysis(9th)
Roger Rolim de Moura
Persepolis
Persepolis is more than just a mere comic book, but it is a story of a young girl and her journey to knowing about the world she was born into. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi is a graphic novel that tells the story of the author’s childhood. Marjane’s childhood takes place during the Iranian Revolution and more importantly the Iran/Iraq war. As she journeys through her youth she grows up to have a personality very similar to the people of Iran at the time. Their lives and personalities are almost parallel because they share determination, naivete and a rebellious spirit!
Let’s begin with the most important characteristic, the characteristic of rebellion. During the Iranian Revolution it wasn’t difficult to see rebellious spirits marching around the streets. “The walls were suddenly covered in belligerent slogans.”(Satrapi pg.115) This a part from the chapter, The Cigarette. In this chapter it goes into detail how the country was becoming angrier and angrier towards the Islamic Republic. “..they found video records, and video cassettes at their place. A deck of cards, a chess set. In other words, everything that’s banned.”(Satrapi pg. 105) Yet I’m sure all this revolution influenced Marjane, because she too disobeyed her leaders (parents). “‘Tomorrow we are going to demonstrate.’ ‘We are not allowed!’ ‘Don’t worry, we’re going anyway.’”(Satrapi pg.38) This is the kind of attitude Marjane would have throughout the book, The kind of rebellious attitude she shared with the people of Iran.
Determination as well is a strong characteristic Marjane had along with the people of Iran. They both had a similar mindset when it came to wanting something. Marjane was very determined, you can tell when everything she knew became wrong. “I realized that I didn’t understand anything. I read all the books I could.”(Satrapi pg. 32) This is just one example of Marjane’s determination to know and do. She realized she needed to know more, so she took it upon herself to learn and study whatever she could. Though during this time the people were not busy reading Marx. They were busy acting upon what they knew and wanted. “My parents demonstrated everyday.”(Satrapi pg. 18) There people along with many others were the reason they got what they wanted. They showed determination in what they did. They did not give up, until they got what they wanted. And they got it, so did Marjane. Thanks to their mutual determination.
Yet when the people of Iran got what they wanted, they did not see what would happen next. The people of Iran and Marjane were very naive, they lacked judgement in several subjects and situations. Uncle Anoosh, Marjane’s uncle, was one of the few to recognize it. “Everything will turn out fine. In a country where half the population is illiterate you cannot unite the people around Marx. The only thing that can really unite them is Nationalism or a religious ethic.”(Satrapi pg. 62)Here Uncle Anoosh is fresh from prison, where he was placed for his “ridiculous” ideas on things like communism or socialism. He says that they were too naive to see that the future they were so determined to get is not one they could have. Yet Marjane’s naivete is a lot simpler. From just not thinking or processing and questioning what she hears. “On the tv they said that 99.999% of the population voted for the Islamic Republic.”(Satrapi pg. 62) This is what most kids do. They hear and repeat lacking judgement in what they say or truly believe. So there some are examples of how Marjane and the people of Iran were naive.
So Marjane’s personality is parallel to that of the people of Iran’s in several ways. The most important ways were their sense of rebellion, their determination and their naivete. This is how their personalities were connected.
Persepolis
Persepolis is more than just a mere comic book, but it is a story of a young girl and her journey to knowing about the world she was born into. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi is a graphic novel that tells the story of the author’s childhood. Marjane’s childhood takes place during the Iranian Revolution and more importantly the Iran/Iraq war. As she journeys through her youth she grows up to have a personality very similar to the people of Iran at the time. Their lives and personalities are almost parallel because they share determination, naivete and a rebellious spirit!
Let’s begin with the most important characteristic, the characteristic of rebellion. During the Iranian Revolution it wasn’t difficult to see rebellious spirits marching around the streets. “The walls were suddenly covered in belligerent slogans.”(Satrapi pg.115) This a part from the chapter, The Cigarette. In this chapter it goes into detail how the country was becoming angrier and angrier towards the Islamic Republic. “..they found video records, and video cassettes at their place. A deck of cards, a chess set. In other words, everything that’s banned.”(Satrapi pg. 105) Yet I’m sure all this revolution influenced Marjane, because she too disobeyed her leaders (parents). “‘Tomorrow we are going to demonstrate.’ ‘We are not allowed!’ ‘Don’t worry, we’re going anyway.’”(Satrapi pg.38) This is the kind of attitude Marjane would have throughout the book, The kind of rebellious attitude she shared with the people of Iran.
Determination as well is a strong characteristic Marjane had along with the people of Iran. They both had a similar mindset when it came to wanting something. Marjane was very determined, you can tell when everything she knew became wrong. “I realized that I didn’t understand anything. I read all the books I could.”(Satrapi pg. 32) This is just one example of Marjane’s determination to know and do. She realized she needed to know more, so she took it upon herself to learn and study whatever she could. Though during this time the people were not busy reading Marx. They were busy acting upon what they knew and wanted. “My parents demonstrated everyday.”(Satrapi pg. 18) There people along with many others were the reason they got what they wanted. They showed determination in what they did. They did not give up, until they got what they wanted. And they got it, so did Marjane. Thanks to their mutual determination.
Yet when the people of Iran got what they wanted, they did not see what would happen next. The people of Iran and Marjane were very naive, they lacked judgement in several subjects and situations. Uncle Anoosh, Marjane’s uncle, was one of the few to recognize it. “Everything will turn out fine. In a country where half the population is illiterate you cannot unite the people around Marx. The only thing that can really unite them is Nationalism or a religious ethic.”(Satrapi pg. 62)Here Uncle Anoosh is fresh from prison, where he was placed for his “ridiculous” ideas on things like communism or socialism. He says that they were too naive to see that the future they were so determined to get is not one they could have. Yet Marjane’s naivete is a lot simpler. From just not thinking or processing and questioning what she hears. “On the tv they said that 99.999% of the population voted for the Islamic Republic.”(Satrapi pg. 62) This is what most kids do. They hear and repeat lacking judgement in what they say or truly believe. So there some are examples of how Marjane and the people of Iran were naive.
So Marjane’s personality is parallel to that of the people of Iran’s in several ways. The most important ways were their sense of rebellion, their determination and their naivete. This is how their personalities were connected.
Socratic Essay(10th)
Socrates
Socrates was born in 469 B.C, in the city of Athens where he spent all of his life. Not much is known about his early life, or any of his life to be sure. Though, what is known is that Socrates served in the Athenian Military during the Peloponnesian War. It is known as well that Socrates was married and raised three children, and worked and supported them by working as a master stonecutter. Socrates began to think critically when the Oracle at Delphi claimed that he was the wisest of all men. It was when attempting to find an answer to that claim that he became the Socrates that is known today. He would ask people who he would know critical questions that he felt needed to be answered. That would all come to an end in 399 B.C, when the State, persecuting Socrates with corruption of the youth, sentenced him to death by drinking hemlock.
Along with the information known, scholars are not very sure nor can ever be sure that the information is correct, due to the Socratic Problem. The Socratic Problem begins with Socrates’ idea stating that writing is “inhuman, pretending to establish outside the mind what in reality can be only in the mind”. Thus, his most successful student Plato took the liberty of writing down what he remembered of Socrates and his words and speeches. The Socratic Problem arises when some of Plato’s later dialogues of Socrates seem incredibly different. Sometimes the ideas from Socrates in the different dialogues conflict with one another, so most scholars believe that in Plato’s early dialogues he speaks and presents Socrates as he truly was, and in his later they believe that Plato uses Socrates merely as a mouthpiece for his own ideas. So many don’t really know which is true or false, or which represent the ideas of Socrates best. Thus, the Socratic Problem was created.
Socrates is considered the “Father of Modern Philosophy” as many modern philosophers look to some of Socrates’ ideas as influential to their own. Although, why was he so influential? What made Socrates influential enough to inspire philosophers thousands of years in the future? The ideas that, though extreme, brought great lessons and answers to the great philosophers question “How should I live my life?” It was Socrates’ ideas and actions that got him a space in history.
In Plato’s Dialogue, Apology, translated by Benjamin Jowett, Plato tells us the story of Socrates at his trial, speaking to his fellow Athenians on the charges placed against him. Plato through the text, shows and conveys many of the ideas of Socrates and very few information on his life. He does so by mentioning Socrates’ war record, and his ideas of acting morally at all times. Plato wrote of Socrates’ trial to remember what happened and to share with the world what Socrates wouldn’t for the good of humanities never ending journey for knowledge.
We can also learn from Euthyphro, a Dialogue of Plato’s where he depicts a conversation between Socrates and his friend Euthyphro, who has recently charged his own father with murder. They discuss whether Euthyphro’s charge was justly made and how that can be proven to Socrates. In this dialogue Socrates uses a large amount of comparisons to prove his point. Attempting to prove things such as the love a son should have for his Father, by using the State and its citizens as a much simpler example. This dialogue gives us insight into Socrates’ thought process for explaining thought provoking concepts and the way he speaks to others.
The last piece of evidence that we have of Socrates’ influence is Plato himself. Who, destined to be a politician due to his family history, became a philosopher and dedicated his life to doing so after his time with Socrates. He greatly admired Socrates and his ideas, so much he decided to do what Socrates would not. He wrote down Socrates’ ideas, and that information has become all that we know of Socrates. After Socrates’ death Plato went on to become a teacher of philosophy and, just like Socrates, had a great student who would reflect many of his own ideas. That student for Plato, was Aristotle.
One of the many things that made Socrates influential were his ideas on how a man should live his life. There are many quotes that we can take from Socrates that deeply show these ideas and lessons, for example, whether it is “Better to suffer an injustice, than to commit one.” This idea can be shown in Plato’s Dialogue, Apology. Socrates’ also believes that he was somewhat, a gift from god to the people of Athens, he states this in Apology. Influential enough in his own time for these ideas, which most thought was preposterous, made him incredibly influential today for the enlightenment that such ideas brought to modern day philosophers.
The way Socrates would speak made him influential not only back when he lived but it brought him a great amount of fame nowadays. He would use analogies and comparisons that to most wouldn’t seem related to begin with. Though by placing his ideas into these comparisons and explaining them they have become perfect examples to certain subjects and topics that Socrates comes across. We can find many examples through Plato’s dialogues, for example Euthyphro, where Socrates compares a Father and his son to a State and its citizens
Socrates’ greatest influence flew upon Plato, his greatest student. Socrates’ ideas and thoughts were incredibly influential over Plato, who seemed to almost worship Socrates. It is because of Socrates’ influence on Plato that we even know of Socrates, and that Modern Philosophy is what it currently. Plato even wrote what Socrates would not, because of the influence of Socrates’ ideas. He claimed that Socrates was the Greatest and Wisest man of all. Due to this claim, Plato was able to bring great attention to Socrates’ ideas not only through his Dialogues, but through the students that he taught.
Socrates is, as Plato described The Greatest and Wisest man of all as he lived well and fully. He looked towards a goal in life and accomplished many great feats doing so, though his greatest feat was the impact on life today. Many of societies beliefs can be found originally from Socrates. Such as the idea that knowledge is virtuous, or that a person should care for their soul. Socrates remains influential today through the classroom, through the lessons he teaches thinkers of today with his words. And with those lessons, and through that knowledge we can hope to one day be as wise and Socrates.
Socrates was born in 469 B.C, in the city of Athens where he spent all of his life. Not much is known about his early life, or any of his life to be sure. Though, what is known is that Socrates served in the Athenian Military during the Peloponnesian War. It is known as well that Socrates was married and raised three children, and worked and supported them by working as a master stonecutter. Socrates began to think critically when the Oracle at Delphi claimed that he was the wisest of all men. It was when attempting to find an answer to that claim that he became the Socrates that is known today. He would ask people who he would know critical questions that he felt needed to be answered. That would all come to an end in 399 B.C, when the State, persecuting Socrates with corruption of the youth, sentenced him to death by drinking hemlock.
Along with the information known, scholars are not very sure nor can ever be sure that the information is correct, due to the Socratic Problem. The Socratic Problem begins with Socrates’ idea stating that writing is “inhuman, pretending to establish outside the mind what in reality can be only in the mind”. Thus, his most successful student Plato took the liberty of writing down what he remembered of Socrates and his words and speeches. The Socratic Problem arises when some of Plato’s later dialogues of Socrates seem incredibly different. Sometimes the ideas from Socrates in the different dialogues conflict with one another, so most scholars believe that in Plato’s early dialogues he speaks and presents Socrates as he truly was, and in his later they believe that Plato uses Socrates merely as a mouthpiece for his own ideas. So many don’t really know which is true or false, or which represent the ideas of Socrates best. Thus, the Socratic Problem was created.
Socrates is considered the “Father of Modern Philosophy” as many modern philosophers look to some of Socrates’ ideas as influential to their own. Although, why was he so influential? What made Socrates influential enough to inspire philosophers thousands of years in the future? The ideas that, though extreme, brought great lessons and answers to the great philosophers question “How should I live my life?” It was Socrates’ ideas and actions that got him a space in history.
In Plato’s Dialogue, Apology, translated by Benjamin Jowett, Plato tells us the story of Socrates at his trial, speaking to his fellow Athenians on the charges placed against him. Plato through the text, shows and conveys many of the ideas of Socrates and very few information on his life. He does so by mentioning Socrates’ war record, and his ideas of acting morally at all times. Plato wrote of Socrates’ trial to remember what happened and to share with the world what Socrates wouldn’t for the good of humanities never ending journey for knowledge.
We can also learn from Euthyphro, a Dialogue of Plato’s where he depicts a conversation between Socrates and his friend Euthyphro, who has recently charged his own father with murder. They discuss whether Euthyphro’s charge was justly made and how that can be proven to Socrates. In this dialogue Socrates uses a large amount of comparisons to prove his point. Attempting to prove things such as the love a son should have for his Father, by using the State and its citizens as a much simpler example. This dialogue gives us insight into Socrates’ thought process for explaining thought provoking concepts and the way he speaks to others.
The last piece of evidence that we have of Socrates’ influence is Plato himself. Who, destined to be a politician due to his family history, became a philosopher and dedicated his life to doing so after his time with Socrates. He greatly admired Socrates and his ideas, so much he decided to do what Socrates would not. He wrote down Socrates’ ideas, and that information has become all that we know of Socrates. After Socrates’ death Plato went on to become a teacher of philosophy and, just like Socrates, had a great student who would reflect many of his own ideas. That student for Plato, was Aristotle.
One of the many things that made Socrates influential were his ideas on how a man should live his life. There are many quotes that we can take from Socrates that deeply show these ideas and lessons, for example, whether it is “Better to suffer an injustice, than to commit one.” This idea can be shown in Plato’s Dialogue, Apology. Socrates’ also believes that he was somewhat, a gift from god to the people of Athens, he states this in Apology. Influential enough in his own time for these ideas, which most thought was preposterous, made him incredibly influential today for the enlightenment that such ideas brought to modern day philosophers.
The way Socrates would speak made him influential not only back when he lived but it brought him a great amount of fame nowadays. He would use analogies and comparisons that to most wouldn’t seem related to begin with. Though by placing his ideas into these comparisons and explaining them they have become perfect examples to certain subjects and topics that Socrates comes across. We can find many examples through Plato’s dialogues, for example Euthyphro, where Socrates compares a Father and his son to a State and its citizens
Socrates’ greatest influence flew upon Plato, his greatest student. Socrates’ ideas and thoughts were incredibly influential over Plato, who seemed to almost worship Socrates. It is because of Socrates’ influence on Plato that we even know of Socrates, and that Modern Philosophy is what it currently. Plato even wrote what Socrates would not, because of the influence of Socrates’ ideas. He claimed that Socrates was the Greatest and Wisest man of all. Due to this claim, Plato was able to bring great attention to Socrates’ ideas not only through his Dialogues, but through the students that he taught.
Socrates is, as Plato described The Greatest and Wisest man of all as he lived well and fully. He looked towards a goal in life and accomplished many great feats doing so, though his greatest feat was the impact on life today. Many of societies beliefs can be found originally from Socrates. Such as the idea that knowledge is virtuous, or that a person should care for their soul. Socrates remains influential today through the classroom, through the lessons he teaches thinkers of today with his words. And with those lessons, and through that knowledge we can hope to one day be as wise and Socrates.
Socratic Speech(10th)
My fellow Athenians. I come and speak to you today to ask that you live your lives with one goal in mind, though it may seem to be too much. I ask that you all care for your soul, and care for it well. For your soul is all that will be left when you die, as unlike your mortal body the soul can last much longer than your flesh and bones. So I ask that you care for that which will last and will live on much longer.
The way to care for your soul is as simple as caring for a child. When you shall pass and leave this earth your soul will continue to be, as your children will. So give them the knowledge that they need to prosper and live well. Give them the skills they need such as thought and questioning. Skills that they require no mortal body for. Give them knowledge of all things, of life and death and of emotion and thought. So that your soul may transfer to it’s next life with knowledge of all that you’ve learned.
Most of you may say today, “O Roger(Socrates), must we work so hard to care for our soul?” and to answer that I say this. No, one may not have to work so strenuously to care for our immortal parts but must work. When I ask for a simple favor I mean so, to simply care for that which will surpass your body.
Yet knowledge is not the only thing that one should strive for when bettering their soul but should look for happiness to keep the soul completely and utterly free from all bad and need for wrong. And it is possible to look for happiness in areas of life when there is no such happiness. Because happiness is not something earned or given. It is not something that we can take or something we can steal. It is something created by us and our mind and soul together. And it is like this that we can find happiness, from within our soul. Once we unlock the ability to look past all that is within this world such as our materials, sexual relationships and social status and look for happiness within our own self and well being we can find that happiness is always with us. It is said that man with such capability can be happy even in the Brazen Bull of Phalaris. This is like a balance, where happiness can make the soul strive and the soul can help happiness strive.
The soul is also not only immortal but it is truly beautiful. As the soul can be a source for happiness when there is none around. We Humans should learn to not rely on our material possessions or social status to bring us joy in life but we should learn to be happy as we are. The soul is the key to that. When you ask “Socrates, after all I do for my soul what is it that it returns me with?” Happiness, a source of good and joy is what our soul returns to us. For when we present knowledge to our soul, it gives us virtue which is the key to happiness.
The way to care for your soul is as simple as caring for a child. When you shall pass and leave this earth your soul will continue to be, as your children will. So give them the knowledge that they need to prosper and live well. Give them the skills they need such as thought and questioning. Skills that they require no mortal body for. Give them knowledge of all things, of life and death and of emotion and thought. So that your soul may transfer to it’s next life with knowledge of all that you’ve learned.
Most of you may say today, “O Roger(Socrates), must we work so hard to care for our soul?” and to answer that I say this. No, one may not have to work so strenuously to care for our immortal parts but must work. When I ask for a simple favor I mean so, to simply care for that which will surpass your body.
Yet knowledge is not the only thing that one should strive for when bettering their soul but should look for happiness to keep the soul completely and utterly free from all bad and need for wrong. And it is possible to look for happiness in areas of life when there is no such happiness. Because happiness is not something earned or given. It is not something that we can take or something we can steal. It is something created by us and our mind and soul together. And it is like this that we can find happiness, from within our soul. Once we unlock the ability to look past all that is within this world such as our materials, sexual relationships and social status and look for happiness within our own self and well being we can find that happiness is always with us. It is said that man with such capability can be happy even in the Brazen Bull of Phalaris. This is like a balance, where happiness can make the soul strive and the soul can help happiness strive.
The soul is also not only immortal but it is truly beautiful. As the soul can be a source for happiness when there is none around. We Humans should learn to not rely on our material possessions or social status to bring us joy in life but we should learn to be happy as we are. The soul is the key to that. When you ask “Socrates, after all I do for my soul what is it that it returns me with?” Happiness, a source of good and joy is what our soul returns to us. For when we present knowledge to our soul, it gives us virtue which is the key to happiness.
Industrial Revolution Article(10th)
Roger Rolim de Moura
1/14/15
The Industrial Revolution
Since the dawn of time humans have relied on their own work to create and survive. Creating cloth was a task that was once solely done by humans. However, England has begun a movement that will be sure to change our society forever. The Industrial Revolution is now and seems that it will never end. England has begun to create machines that can create anything in minutes, sometimes seconds. But the question remains, how does this affect the people of England?
England’s Industrial Revolution has many positives that we can see. One of them being the urbanization of the streets, the houses are being changed into more convenient and smaller areas that can still suit many. Not only have the streets been changed but now the blank open fields are filled with greenery thanks to the inventions and advancements in agricultural technology. Children during this time also serve more of a purpose than feeding cattle, now they can be put to work increasing production rates. Although not all aspects of this new movement have been agreeable.
The Industrial Revolution has brought a lot of great new ideas and ways of life, but along with it certain pains. The people who work in the factories often seem to grow more tiresome and weak due to their strenuous tasks and long hours of work. Not simply adults, but children as well. Women have also started working in the factories, which means that there are few women to raise children anymore which leaves children unattended or working in factories. And with these new cramped buildings sickness and disease have also become more common and dangerous.
Yet these are few issues that can be solved with small adjustments, most importantly: Regulations for workers and children alike. It’s important that men and women have lunch in areas that aren’t completely filthy, as well as giving workers reasonable hours of work instead of the 12-16 hour work days. Placing regulations on the amount of people that can stay in an area is also important and crucial to keeping the healthy in good shape and the sick from affecting others. Of course there is also the worry of the smoke from the factories but that shouldn’t be a problem in the future.
The Industrial Revolution is the movement that will change our world forever and will continue to become evolutionary. This will create a base for the future and what should be expected from machines and workers alike. From this revolution England has brought urbanization, advancements in technology and in agriculture. The world can only expect that England, and someday other countries, will bring the world into a new era of technology. These are the effects of the Industrial Revolution, the movement that will change the world forever.
1/14/15
The Industrial Revolution
Since the dawn of time humans have relied on their own work to create and survive. Creating cloth was a task that was once solely done by humans. However, England has begun a movement that will be sure to change our society forever. The Industrial Revolution is now and seems that it will never end. England has begun to create machines that can create anything in minutes, sometimes seconds. But the question remains, how does this affect the people of England?
England’s Industrial Revolution has many positives that we can see. One of them being the urbanization of the streets, the houses are being changed into more convenient and smaller areas that can still suit many. Not only have the streets been changed but now the blank open fields are filled with greenery thanks to the inventions and advancements in agricultural technology. Children during this time also serve more of a purpose than feeding cattle, now they can be put to work increasing production rates. Although not all aspects of this new movement have been agreeable.
The Industrial Revolution has brought a lot of great new ideas and ways of life, but along with it certain pains. The people who work in the factories often seem to grow more tiresome and weak due to their strenuous tasks and long hours of work. Not simply adults, but children as well. Women have also started working in the factories, which means that there are few women to raise children anymore which leaves children unattended or working in factories. And with these new cramped buildings sickness and disease have also become more common and dangerous.
Yet these are few issues that can be solved with small adjustments, most importantly: Regulations for workers and children alike. It’s important that men and women have lunch in areas that aren’t completely filthy, as well as giving workers reasonable hours of work instead of the 12-16 hour work days. Placing regulations on the amount of people that can stay in an area is also important and crucial to keeping the healthy in good shape and the sick from affecting others. Of course there is also the worry of the smoke from the factories but that shouldn’t be a problem in the future.
The Industrial Revolution is the movement that will change our world forever and will continue to become evolutionary. This will create a base for the future and what should be expected from machines and workers alike. From this revolution England has brought urbanization, advancements in technology and in agriculture. The world can only expect that England, and someday other countries, will bring the world into a new era of technology. These are the effects of the Industrial Revolution, the movement that will change the world forever.