Posts

Life As An Inferior Being

  The meekness of humans is really another one of those mind-boggling thoughts of humanity when one looks at how far we, as a civilization, have come. Inventions, technology, our way of living (heck our standards of living) have all improved since man’s creation (no matter which side of science you believe). However, in all the glory of how far we have come, humans can tend to think a little too highly of themselves and forget that when you really focus on the quirks of mankind we really ought to be humbled. Amongst many thoughts that Pascal presents to his readers in his Pensées this is one of them. He states “…but since we are greater than the little things, we think we are more capable of fathoming them”(Pascal 69). Humans by believing they are superior to other smaller, non reasoning beings think we are able to fully understand everything about them and their function in society. And that thought alone can lead to humans creating a disposition about themselves where they belie...

The Wheel of Fortune

Boethius during the time of his book, Consolation of Philosophy, finds himself in the midst of ill fortune, and shows the reader that fortune does not always bring happiness, but can still be good. Lady Philosophy along her journey of showing what Fortune really is claims, “The fact of the matter is that ill fortune is better for men than good”(Boethius 57). Confused by this statement Lady Fortune throughout the novel shows how Fortune may not be good to you, but it can be good for you. Lady Philosophy begins with the common perception of Fortune. Despite Fortune providing both good and bad times to the men who have spun her wheel, she is constantly given a negative stigmatism of being a taker. Lady Philosophy embodies the mindset of Fortune in Book 1 part 2 to explain to Boethius that his sorrow is not Fortune’s fault, rather it was his own reliance on her and her gifts by saying, “I gave you all kinds of affluence and luxury, whatever was in my power, and you took it as if it were ...

Would You Live Here?

  Building dream civilizations according to one's own image is not an uncommon idea to society. While one may think that this is a new idea, perhaps developed as a blockbuster movie concept to bring in revenue, it actually has its origins all the way back in 380 B.C. On his journey to define justice in The Republic, Plato endeavors to build an ideal city through Socrates in which he attempts to justify three modifications. However, Socrates' presented ideas on education, job specialization, and wealth are so heavily flawed that if they were to come true, they would create a dystopian society like those seen in 21st century literature.  Socrates' objective for education is to create a rigid system that will produce loyal citizens, dedicated to their occupation. His plan to go about this is by taking out the literature that shows imitation of life or ideas of rebellion. Socrates says, “That is why we must put a stop to such stories: if we do not, they will produce in our y...

Your Fated to Read This

     Fate is often presented in fifth and eighth century works as a deity equivalent to Zeus, the king of gods, and greater than the lesser gods that fall under Zeus’ reign, and is the defining principle in how history is made. Fate transpires through prophecies that never fulfills themselves quite how is expected. These prophecies directly affect the people who sometimes try to outrun their destiny themselves, but also by the gods who allow their ego to believe that with their intervention in the matter fate can be avoided and their desired wishes will be the outcome.  Therefore, Fate foretold through prophecies to the Greek and Roman people of the fifth and eighth century, despite what the gods and people try to do to prevent, change, or help it, fate is inevitable; and ultimately the surrounding people suffer the most.      As Virgil’s The Aeneid begins, a prophecy is being given foretelling about the goddess Juno’s prized city Carthage. There...

Introducing Me!

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 Hey Everyone!     My name is Madalyn Strickland, and I am a freshman at Faulkner this year! I'm super excited for the Great Books Program, and everything it has to offer. Some basic facts about me are I was born in Americus, Ga (I'll put a map down below to show exactly where that is, because I cannot explain it for the life of me)! I enjoy hanging out with my friends, going to concerts, reading, and listening to music. I attend Williams Road COC back home where I was a teen leader in high school. I am still looking for a church home here in Montogomery. Also, in high school I was Yearbook editor my junior and senior year, was on the tennis team, and worked part time at a Photography Studio. I am currently an undecided major, although I am interested in Education, Business, Social Services, and Youth Ministery. It will be interesting to see where I end up in the future.       Going back to Williams Road, I absolutely love...