Essay on Pascal’s Wager - 984 Words

In this paper I will be discussing Pascal’s Wager. What I first plan to do in this paper is explain the argument of Pascal’s Wager. Next I will explain how Pascal tries to convince non-theists why they should believe in God. I will then explain two criticisms in response to Pascal’s argument. Finally, I will discuss whether or not these criticisms show Pascal’s reasoning to be untenable. Pascal’s Wager is an argument that tries to convince non-theists why they should believe in the existence of the Christian god. Pascal thinks non-theists should believe in God’s existence because if a non-theist is wrong about the existence of God they have much more to lose than if a theist is wrong about the existence of God. Pascal begins his†¦show more content†¦If this is true then the non-theist will be rewarded in this life and will not be rewarded or punished when they die. Since there are only two choices a person can make Pascal believes a person should choose to believe in God. Pascal comes to this conclusion based on what he believes are the four possible outcomes of a person’s choice. Pascal believes believing in God is the best possible choice because between placing a wager on God’s existence and placing one on God’s non-existence, placing a wager on his existence offers the best rewards. Pascal explains that if a believer is wrong about God’s existence then they only suffered while they are alive, however, if a nonbeliever is wrong about God’s existence then while they did enjoy their life on Earth they will suffer forever in the afterlife. Since the possible rewards are greater than the possible suffering that a theist can experience it is in ever yone’s best interest to believe in God’s existence. While Pascal’s Wager is a somewhat convincing argument to become a Christian theist this argument has two important criticisms. The first criticism I would like to bring up is one Pascal refutes himself in the Pensees. The second criticism I would like to bring up is known as the â€Å"many-gods objection† this argument Pascal does not even acknowledge. Pascal’s Wager has been argued to be impractical because our beliefs are often not in our control. This argument isShow MoreRelatedPascals Wager1557 Words   |  7 Pagesimpossible to determine God’s existence for certainty through reason. Instead, he suggested that rational individuals should wager as though God does indeed exist, because doing so offers these individuals everything to gain, and nothing to lose. Unfortunately, Pascal’s Wager contains numerous fallacies, and in-depth analysis of each one of his arguments proves that Pascal’s Wager is incorrect. Pascal originally proposed his idea in the Pensà ©es, a collection of fragments of his work, primarily writtenRead More Criticism of Pascals Wager Essay1544 Words   |  7 Pagesto believe rather to disbelieve because the odds are in favor of the believer. This gambler-like idea is better known as â€Å"Pascal’s Wager† or â€Å"The Gambler’s Argument.† Nevertheless, this sort of play-the-ponies idea is not quite precise. Although Pascal’s Wager serves as a stepping-stone for non-believers, it is a rather vague, faithless and inaccurate argument. Pascal’s wager takes the position of a gambler. It says that it is far more logical to believe in God because the odds are in one’s favorRead MorePascal’s Wager vs. the Ontological Argument2450 Words   |  10 PagesPascal’s Wager vs. the Ontological Argument Pascal’s Wager was a groundbreaking theory posed by the French philosopher, mathematician, and physicist Blaise Pascal. Pascal, who is said to be the father of modern probability, felt that that religion should be approached as a gamble. It was one of the first efforts to incorporate the concept of infinity. The wager stated that, even though the existence of God cannot be determined through reason, one should wager as though God exists, because livingRead More A Critical Discussion of Blaise Pascals The Wager Essay example2074 Words   |  9 Pages A Critical Discussion of Blaise Pascals The Wager   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the gambling world bets are made based on odds, the probability or likelihood that something would happen. In the court of law, cases are decided upon by the weight of evidence presented by the respective parties. The common link between these general scenarios is that decisions are made based on some outside evidential factor. The more probable something is likely to happen, or the more evidence presented in favor or opposed to somethingRead MorePascal : The Benefits Or Drawbacks For Believing1695 Words   |  7 Pagesin God. Pascal believed that reason could not show if God existed or not. He proposed that people must â€Å"wager† one way or the other on the sides of believing in God. He states God will, reward whoever accepts him, and infinitely punish or abandon whoever rejects him. Pascal’s argument is wise in the aspect that it persuades people to believe in a being, without proof of this being. Pascal’s wager is stout as it appeals to p eople’s own happiness/self-interest, but displays a weakness as only discussesRead MorePascal, The Founder Of The Pascal s Wager899 Words   |  4 PagesBlaise Pascal was the founder of the Pascal’s Wager. Pascal was a French philosopher, an inventor, a mathematician, a scientist and a theologian. Pascal extended a reason to believe in God, even though other people had beliefs that God is not real and his existence is not inconceivable. The Pascal’s Wager was a second-person communication. It showed that Pascal conceptualizes an individual forced to decide between the belief in God and not to believe in him. An example of what Pascal would demonstrateRead MoreQuestions On Pascal s Wager1878 Words   |  8 PagesI am arguing that Pascal’s Wager is significantly stronger of a rationale when more social factors are taken into consideration. In his time, Blaise Pascal formed the foundation of the Pascal’s Wager we know of today, posthumously in the form of ‘Infinirien’. Though this is more easily defensible then Pascal’ Wager, the modified version has garnered enough popularity and has enough similar that it is the target of most criticisms. Pascal came up with a theory of understanding the consequences ofRead MorePascal s Wager : A Prayer, But Let The Good Times Roll1601 Words   |  7 PagesPascal’s Wager: Say a Prayer, But Let the Good Times Roll One of my favorite quotes is what I also happened to name this paper. The quote comes from a song (Thnks fr th Mmrs by Fall Out Boy, the full quote being â€Å"Say a prayer, but let the good times roll in case God doesn t show†) and while it is often used in a sardonic manner, there is a lot of truth in it. Coming from a household where one side has to be in the front row every Sunday and the other believes that everything intimate is betweenRead MoreThe Ethics Of Belief By Clifford. Pascal1776 Words   |  8 Pagesbelieve in God are indecisive. The three philosophers have varied views on how beliefs are formed. This essay discusses the reasons why Clifford made the above conclusion, the position taken by James in his opposition and how the argument relates to Pascal’s Wager. In Clifford’s first section of his essay, he narrates two stories as an illustration of how beliefs are arrived at. His first story is that of the ship owner who sends an immigration ship out to sea. The ship owner had a dream where he saw theRead MoreSummary Of Blaise Pascal s The Wager 1286 Words   |  6 PagesBlaise Pascal’s famous work, â€Å"the Wager,† utilizes about the concept of pragmatic justification in the terms of deciding whether or not to believe in God. In response to this, William Clifford publishes â€Å"The Ethics of Belief† countering Pascal’s view. Neither Pascal or Clifford’s views are perfect, but they are both worth examining. Clifford s universal rejection of pragmatic justification is ultimately too harsh on Pascal’s Wager. Pascal utilizes reason to come to the conclusion whether or not

Technology Is A Useful Servant, But A Dangerous Master

â€Å"Technology is a useful servant, but a dangerous master.† – Christian Lous Lange. BrainyQuote.com. Xplore Inc, 2015. 28 October 2015. Technology has been a debating topic since it has become a key part of the modern lifestyle. Technology developed around human life in various ways which have caused diverse effects on people. Despite the fact that technology have done tremendous things that assisted humankind to gain the possibility of developing rapidly an advanced way of life, technology have also taken away many intangible values that human have, including social interactions. Although, some may argue that technology have connected human from all around the world, and expand our knowledge about different places and their culture. However, they often pay no mind to their real life, and the actual people in their lives. In fact, what truly connect people together is by communicate through face to face interactions. There are no body language, nor can emotional feelings be transmitted through the cold hard computer screen. Our quality of communicating is much more limited when using technology. Larry Rosen, a profes sor of psychology at California State University, Dominguez Hills, says technology is distracting us from our real-world relationships. Technology is not what human lives revolve around, and it never should be. However, the generation that growing up in the technology world often chooses to become ignorant of that fact. With the help of technology, the world asShow MoreRelatedIs Technology A Useful Servant But A Dangerous Master1666 Words   |  7 Pagesmade the statement that â€Å"Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master† in his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech in 1921 about the advancements of technology in the 20th century. This quote was meant to describe how the advancement of technology has led to it being a useful tool to aid humans in their work, but he warned of the possibility that it could evolve and become an uncontrollable entity. Lange’s prediction came true, as ninety five years later technology has grasped the attentionRead MoreTechnology Is The Most Useful Servant But Dangerous Master Essay1374 Words   |  6 PagesSomeone once said, â€Å"Technology is the most useful servant but dangerous master.† In other words, technology can be either a beneficial tool that helps in the advancement of civilization or a lethal weapon that helps in the dest ruction/demolishment of society. Technology is a very powerful tool that provides numerous services (i.e telecommunication, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, and etc) to the general public. It is not a secret that technology is an integral part of the human life. EveryoneRead MoreNegative Impact Of Technology760 Words   |  4 PagesChristian L. Lange once said, â€Å"Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master.† I deem this to be a pertinent quote in regards to society nowadays. Whenever my mother and I have conversations about her childhood, the biggest difference I notice between her upbringing and mine is the impact technology has had. Even though the advancement of technology has presented an abundance of benefits, I can not overlook the negative impact it has, and will continue to have. Some of these negative effectsRead MoreSmartphones : The Problems And Effects Of The Smart Phone731 Words   |  3 Pageslack of social skills, memory problems, and stress are due to this technology. These are some of the biggest concerns when it comes to owning a phone, unfortunately, the effects are not fully realized. These devices have brought several problems in user’s lives, despite supposedly making it easier. Everyday human social interactions are suffering due to the parts smartphones play. Furthermore, being connected through this technology is something that is bragged upon, users are not as connected asRead MoreThe Importance Of Spending A Day Without Technology1134 Words   |  5 Pages Let’s give our soul the rest that truly deserves. The purpose of spending a day without technology is to detoxify ourselves from the continuous barrage of information. Just as Mark Bittman mentions in his article, â€Å"I felt connected to myself rather than my computer. I had time to think, and distance from normal demands.†(4) We are so accustomed to rely on technology that we seem to forget what would become of us without it. Internet, radio, television, cell phones, video games and other technologicalRead MoreOur Cognitive Erosion : A Critique Of The Shallows1185 Words   |  5 Pagesthat ultimately, technology has the power to be our cognitive undoing as humans. Carr’s arguments towards this idea and whether or not they are convincing and thorough will be explored. While some may consider the information he provides to be unconnected, I find each of the topics he covers to be powerful in his argument that technology can be a dangerous tool in humanity’s progress towards a higher intelligence. In The Shallows Carr seeks to prove his point that although technology can be of aid toRead MoreNegative Effects Of Video Games Essay1234 Words   |  5 Pageschoose to be affected by the good points of this technology, rather than the negative effects. To end all of this, there is a quote said by Christian Lous Lang who said, â€Å"Technology is a useful servant, but a dangerous master†. Technology can never be truly harmful by itself. All technology has beneficial uses and harmful uses. It is up to the users on which ones affect them. People should never be controlled by technology, rather, use technology to better themselves and others, and video games areRead MoreComparing The River Valley Civilizations1509 Words   |  7 Pagesand the Huang He, were useful for providing fertile soil. However, their flood patterns could be unpredictable and dangerous. Huang He floods and Indus River floods could both terminate entire cities when they flooded. The Nile, on the other hand, was rather peaceful and predictable. This pattern ultimately provided the Egyptians with a better outlook on life than the perspective of the Mesopotamians. Another aspect of culture was the individual advancements in technology and the invention of writingRead MoreScience2110 Words   |  9 Pagesmedicine to name a few are all highly indebted to the wonders of science. We have become scientifically much more advanced than our ancestors. This is because the world has undergone a tremendous change because of the rapid strides made by science and technology. The discovery and development of a large number of powerful energy sources – coal, petroleum, natural gas, electricity etc. – have enabled humanity to conquer the barriers of nature. All these have facilitated the growth of fast modes of transportRead MoreManagement Objectives in Employee Relations3730 Words   |  15 Pagesto fully appreciate Salamon’s statement it is necessary to understand the fundamental principles of industrial relations and be aware of relevant factors which have altered the context of the employment relationship, since the traditional ‘master’ and ‘servant’ relationship of the early and mid-nineteenth century. In examining and presenting the evidence which supports the above quoted conclusion, it is hoped that this paper will portray a logical and incisive representation of Salamon’s beliefs

My Papas Waltz Analysis free essay sample

As I listened to â€Å"My Papa’s Waltz† being read aloud I felt a connection to it; a connection that I did not feel when I read it to myself. When I heard the poem aloud I was able to connect it my own life and the drunken â€Å"waltz† of a hard working father taking his son to bed. The performance added to the poem because it brought the words to life. I am a hearing learner so listen to the poem made it easier for me to comprehend it. However the performance did not change my perception of the poem. Before hearing it aloud I understood that it was the story of a father putting his son to bed. Hearing it aloud just made it easier to understand the emotion and the love of a hardworking man and his son. The verses that stuck out the most to me in this poem are 12-15 â€Å"You beat time on my head With a palm caked hard by dirt Then waltzed me off to bed Still clinging to your shirt. We will write a custom essay sample on My Papas Waltz Analysis or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page (Roethke, 2010) I am not sure why this line stuck out to me but as I watched my children and thought about our own hard working man (my husband) granted he does not drink but he still has that waltz. It is the waltz of a tired man that still musters the energy to tuck his children in bed.

My Bed Chamber Essay Example For Students

My Bed Chamber Essay I like to call my bedroom my â€Å"chamber. † Upon entering my room, you’ll see my collection of the items Ive collected over many years. There are many colored lights and black lights, my wall decorations (including my hot wheels), my TV, as well as other miscellaneous items. My chamber is small, but theres enough space for my stuff and this makes it a warm and comfortable place. At night, my black and colored lights completely flood the room, illuminating the ceiling with a blueish tinge. However, not everything in my room is sensitive to the black lights, the few posters, my glass fixture above my dresser, and other glowing materials. These lights give much character to the defined space, for whoever enters anyway, will change colors from white to a kind of ultra violet. Different color clothes change different colors. Other lights also give my room its nice effect. It’s nice to lay around with everything on, just relaxing. Above my dresser is a white fixture. At a quick glance it’s just a normal light, but when turned on it emits a spooky Halloween orange. It’s not really a powerful light but it gives a slight effect if the black lights are off. In my closet I have a small rotating light with many colors and different shapes, kind of like a disco ball. This light is only enough to light the closet, I’d say that this light is only about the size of a softball. The lights combined just have a unique look. Around my walls is cluttered with many small items, I have four posters that mainly represent video games that I used to play, and the music I was and am still into, classic rock mainly. The biggest thing on my walls is my Hot Wheels collection which consists of forty-seven of my favorite cars assorted colors of course. My most prized one is the 1973 Ford Falcon GT XB. It’s racing orange with ragged yellow racing stripes running the length. All of my collectables are just hanging from small tacks pushed into the wall, black light friendly. Half of the chamber is covered with thick light green styrofoam to help keep my room warm in the winter and to help keep cool in the summer. Moving down to the floor is my absolute thing in my room 1974 Ibanez artist series electric guitar and half Marshall Stack amplifier. Starting with the guitar, I would call it a poor mans’ Gibson Les Paul. The guitar is featured in a sparkled gold top finish with white trim and the back and headstock a glossy metallic black. This guitar is a mahogany body and a maple neck, which are definitely premium guitar building materials. Other things would include jumbo frets, nickel machine heads, and custom pearl inlay in the fret board. Moving on is my half Marshall stack, my â€Å"tower of power,† includes four 12 inch celestial speakers, and head amp that puts out over one hundred amps. I’ve never had the volume all the way up, my head just bangs. It stands at least four foot tall and the white logos on the front look amazing in the appropriate lighting. Most everyone else’s favorite part of my room would have to be the TV and Xbox one. This SONY has a high resolution LCD 42’’ screen, crystal clear picture and nice crisp sound. The TV rests and fits perfectly with the Xbox on top of the dresser almost perfect eye level from the bed. I like to use HDMI in the TV to connect my laptop for movies and some browsing the internet. My Xbox one is probably my master entertainer it has internet so I can watch movies, play games, and listen to music. Last but not least is my queen sized bed. It sits in the corner of my room and has a set of burgundy red pillows, sheets, and comforter. The very second I lay on it makes me want to pass out. The pillows and sheets are quite silky smooth with a staggering eight hundred thread count. Just above my sheets I have a heated blanket to keep me toasty on those frigid nights. The comforter is really shiny with ever so slightly darker red striping. .u87773acd84f8eb82d1e729e4962f04ee , .u87773acd84f8eb82d1e729e4962f04ee .postImageUrl , .u87773acd84f8eb82d1e729e4962f04ee .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u87773acd84f8eb82d1e729e4962f04ee , .u87773acd84f8eb82d1e729e4962f04ee:hover , .u87773acd84f8eb82d1e729e4962f04ee:visited , .u87773acd84f8eb82d1e729e4962f04ee:active { border:0!important; } .u87773acd84f8eb82d1e729e4962f04ee .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u87773acd84f8eb82d1e729e4962f04ee { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u87773acd84f8eb82d1e729e4962f04ee:active , .u87773acd84f8eb82d1e729e4962f04ee:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u87773acd84f8eb82d1e729e4962f04ee .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u87773acd84f8eb82d1e729e4962f04ee .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u87773acd84f8eb82d1e729e4962f04ee .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u87773acd84f8eb82d1e729e4962f04ee .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u87773acd84f8eb82d1e729e4962f04ee:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u87773acd84f8eb82d1e729e4962f04ee .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u87773acd84f8eb82d1e729e4962f04ee .u87773acd84f8eb82d1e729e4962f04ee-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u87773acd84f8eb82d1e729e4962f04ee:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Constitutionality Of Same Sex Marriage EssayA masterful sleep space I have to say for myself. All this really completes my â€Å"chamber,† the ultimate place to relax; its everything I need. The nice lighting effects, and the choice of wall decor, and many little collectable cars on the walls, the guitar and amp when I feel a little energized to play, and a cozy bed to curl up and watch a few movies. Who knows what can await my room in the future and new house that will come someday soon. Hopefully it will be more than two or three times the size that it is now. Who knows what will happen to my chamber.

Jon Kabat-Zinn Essay Example

Jon Kabat-Zinn Essay Jon Kabat-Zinn, in his most recent book: Coming to Our Senses: Healing Ourselves and the Mind Through Mindfulness is an important addition to the concept of self discovery. In an age when more and more people are looking for the all healing â€Å"self help book,† Kabat-Zinn offers a  more serious and scholarly look at the benefits of meditation, motivation, mindfulness and the ability to use them in every day life, not just to avoid stress in one’s life, but to reach a higher plain of understanding that is beyond what society has trained our minds to absorb every day. Kabat-Zinn teaches the reader to retrain their mind and to erase the years of harmful conditioning that many in the West have experienced. Kabat-Zinn brings together the many understandings of the self, not just from the Buddhist definitions but uses Western thinkers as well as cites them in his arguments. Some of his favorite Western sources included Einstein and Henry David Thoreau to name only a few. In the end, a book is most successful when the reader can take away from the work of the author, something of practical use in their life. Coming to Our Senses is one such book. In the areas of conflict  and conflict resolution, empathy, mindfulness, meditation and the authenticity of one’s self, Coming to Our Senses offers a helpful guide and reminder of what one can truly be when they allow their mind to be relaxed, void of any outside factors and to let it roam free from any such impediments. Only then can the self become alive and be allowed to roam free and which will help the individual to reach their full potential in all of the above mentioned categories. One of the most important points that Kabat-Zinn includes in his book is the concept of meditation. He defines meditation as: â€Å"a way of being, or, you could say, a way of seeing, a way of knowing, even a way of loving.†[1] In much of this chapter in meditation, Kabati-Zinn tries to dispel the common myths and misunderstandings about meditation which are so very common in Western thought. The growth of yoga and other alternative ways in which to become mentally and spiritually well, it has made some progress in pealing away the erroneous assumptions about meditation. In the event that the reader is not aware of this recent growth, Kabat-Zinn repeats what meditation is not: â€Å"Meditation is not relaxation spelt differently†¦. Mindfulness is the embrace of any practice, pain, or anguish, or for that matter boredom or impatience of frustration or anxiety or tension in the body†¦Ã¢â‚¬ [2] Kabati-Zinn goes on to try to explain meditation as: â€Å"It is the non- clinging, and therefore the clear perceiving and the willingness to act appropriately within whatever circumstance are arising that constitute this way of being that we are calling meditation.†[3]   Kabati-Zinn repeats that meditation is not just the ability to flip a switch in the brain and somehow, one is in a perpetual state of meditation. This is a simplified and incorrect belief on meditation and one which is perpetuated by the media and the culture of the West. Kabat-Zinn has been credited with trying to bridge the gap between the Western and Eastern thought and through his series of books on meditation and the self, many believe, has come very close in achieving this most lofty goal. We will write a custom essay sample on Jon Kabat-Zinn specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Jon Kabat-Zinn specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Jon Kabat-Zinn specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer My personal experience on meditation, I used to think, was relatively new. In a sense, I was enjoying the benefits of meditation without making a conscious effort to be meditating. This seems to be the reality of many people in America. Americans are now busier now then at any time in history. Despite having more cost and time saving appliances at our disposal than ever before, Americans have used these inventions to actually make people busier today than in the past. This, often times, leads to stress and therefore the need for periods of meditation are that much more important. Even as a teenager, I enjoyed being busy and productive but could not cope with my every day requirements and needs unless, at some time during that day, I was alone with my thoughts. Quiet walks at night, regardless of the weather, in which the events of the day are summed up and reflected upon, was always an essential part of my day. I discovered that those days in which I felt that I did not have the time for such things, I end up being more irritable and made careless decisions in the coming days. The positive effect of meditating on the events of the previous day or week and attempting to group them in a passive and indirect way, completely in tune with the guidelines of meditation, I found to be advantageous in every sense of the word. Therefore, not only is my opinion favorable towards the need for meditation, but I have seen it first hand in my own life and there existed a major difference in the level of happiness that I had when I made a habit of setting aside a portion of the day in which to meditate around my thoughts or more commonly, to just let my mind roam free; completely void of the numerous stimuli which often times, impedes one’s level of happiness in their daily lives. One of the next concepts which Kabat-Zinn covers in his book Coming to Our Senses is the idea of mindfulness. â€Å"Mindfulness meditation is most commonly taught and practiced within the context of Buddhism, its essence is universal†¦ Yet it is no accident that mindfulness comes out of Buddhism, which has as its overriding concerns, the relief of suffering and the dispelling of illusions.†[4] In this, Kabat-Zinn ties in the usefulness of mindfulness and meditation as it relates to the health and well being of the body and mind. In the introduction, Kabat-Zinn reminds the reader: â€Å"The journey towards health and sanity is nothing less than an invitation to wake up to the fullness of our lives as if they actually mattered.†[5] In a day when the cost of health care is skyrocketing and drug companies are charging insane amounts on single prescription doses; so much to the degree that often times, people have to chose between eating that day or taking one of the do zens of medications that their doctor has prescribed for them; not only for a month but many times, for the rest of their lives and as a result, placing the individual in a perpetual state of fiscal, mental and physical dependence upon an outside source other than one’s own mind. Kabat-Zinn teaches that through the preventative measure of defeating stress and in the pursuit of a deeper understanding of one’s own self, many of these diseases can be avoided. In each of the eight major sections of the Coming to Our Senses, Kabat-Zinn explores the many different areas of one’s ability to heal oneself. The power of the mind and the advantages of it being in a continued restful state, according to Kabat-Zinn, are advantageous on many different levels. In the spirit of this, Kabat-Zinn has developed an eight week program in which many of these issues are tackled. In 1979 I started a Stress Reduction Clinic. Thinking back to that era, I ask myself now, What stress? so much has our world changed since then, so much has the pace of life increased and the vagaries and dangers of the world come to our doorstep as never before. If looking squarely at our personal situation and circumstances and finding novel and imaginative ways to work with them in the service of health and healing was important then, it is infinitely more important and urgent now, inhabiting as we do a world that has been thrown into heightened chaos and speed in the unfolding of events, even as it has become far more interconnected and smaller.†[6] Its main focus is stress, the individual being able to identify it and to avoid its physical and mental dangers that stress can lead to in the individual. Kabat-Zinn also writes: â€Å"Thich Nhat Hanh, the Vietnamese Zen master, mindfulness teacher, poet, and peace activist, aptly points out that one reason we might want to pra ctice mindfulness is that most of the time we are unwittingly practicing its opposite. Every time we get angry we get better at being angry and reinforce the anger habit. When it is really bad, we say we see red, which means we dont see accurately what is happening at all, and so, in that moment, you could say we have lost our mind. Every time we become self-absorbed, we get better at becoming self-absorbed and going unconscious.†[7] This moves into the practical use of being mindful of one’s own self. This will become truer, I feel, once I get older but it is a well established fact that stress leads to a wearing down of the body and as a result, makes the individual more suspect able to sickness and disease. This is an opinion of Kabat-Zinn to which I completely concur with as I have experienced such events in my own life and as a result, with the help of Coming to Our Senses, is more likely to identify these stressors in my life and their effects upon my own life. One example of this would be the time in which I was studying for my finals during on particular semester. I had made the mistake of many of my classmates in the fact that the knowledge that the final would be comprehensive was told to us a full month before the final was to be administered. I had been careless in my preparation for these examinations and had not used my time wisely or effectively. As a result, and which millions of college students from around the world have experienced as well, I was stressed out and rushed during that last week leading up to finals.   I was worried about the marks that I would receive in these classes; all of which were difficult classes which did not deal with my subjects of familiarity. As a result, during that last week, I was short tempered, was prone to anger and did not have a complete control of my emotions and senses. However, what would be a more lasting effect would be the average marks which I received on my exams as well as being physically and mentally run down by the time the process was complete. I did not have a heart attack or suffer a mental breakdown; two of the more serious results of an overstressed life, but by the end of final’s week, and perhaps even in the middle of my exams, I felt sick and run down. I had experienced high levels of stress in my life which affected my sleep pattern. This in turn, affected my mental and physical state which resulted in receiving only average marks on my exam. This did not stop the worry and st ress in my life but perpetuated it as I now began to worry about how these low grades would impede my future academic career and if it would help to set the course for a less than stellar academic career. Within this experience, there are obvious elements of responsibility and the importance of planning but there will also occur in one’s own life, elements of stress which came about from no fault of the individual. In those instances as well as in situations which could have been avoided, being in touch with one’s mindfulness and knowing the role that it plays in one’s life, is not only helpful, but essential according to Kabat-Zinn, if the individual wishes to remain mentally and physically stable. Another main point of Coming to Our Senses by Jon Kabat-Zinn is the idea that successful meditation and mindfulness is not an easy process which many believe to be so. This is an all important process which requires constant attention and effort on the part of the individual. If the book could be summed up in three words, they would have to be: â€Å"Stop, look and listen!† as these are repeated in Coming to Our Senses.   Successful meditation, despite there existing more knowledge on the subject than ever before in the West, is met with more hurdles and challenges than ever before as there are more stressors and competitors for an individual’s time than ever before. In one of the most important and insightful passages in the book, Kabat-Zinn gives what may seem to be a simple recipe for contentment but is really a profound statement and one which many people will try but fail to truly achieve: â€Å"So, from the point of view of awareness, any state of mind is a med itative state. Anger or sadness is just as interesting and useful and valid to look into as enthusiasm or delight, and far more valuable than a blank mind, a mind that is insensate, out of touch. Anger, fear, terror, sadness, resentment, impatience, enthusiasm, delight, confusion, disgust, contempt, envy, rage, lust, even dullness, doubt, and torpor, in fact all mind states and body states are occasions to know ourselves better if we can stop, look, and listen, in other words, if we can come to our senses and be intimate with what presents itself in awareness in any and every moment.†[8] When this is realized and understood, the individual possesses a profound advantage over his neighbor who does not realize that often times, people are their worst enemy. When one is able to listen to one’s own self to a greater degree, than that same individual cannot help but listen to others more deeply in the process. This is very helpful in conflict and conflict resolution. Often times, disputes between individuals or even entire countries, can come from an inability or unwillingness to fully listen to the other side. All over the world, disputes are beginning and often times, will have lasting effects, all because the individuals involved were not willing to listen to the other side. Kabat-Zinn, when talking about the importance of mindfulness, states: â€Å"By the same token, it has an equal capacity to influence the larger world within which we are seamlessly embedded, including our family, our work, the society as a whole and how we see ourselves as a people, what I am calling the body politic, and the body of the world, of all of us together on this planet. And all this can come about through your own experience of the practice of mi ndfulness by virtue of that much embedded ness and the reciprocal relationships between inner and outer, and between being and doing.†[9] It is important and many would say, self-evident that one recognizes the importance that mindfulness has, not only with then individuals involved, but in relation to the conflicts which currently plague the world. In the same way, one who implements these practices into their own daily lives, will have a greater sense of empathy towards others. Kabat-Zinn states: â€Å"See if you can give yourself gifts that may be true blessings, such as self-acceptance, or some time each day with no purpose. Practice feeling deserving enough to accept these gifts without obligation-to simply receive from yourself, and from the universe.[10] In this sense, people who respect themselves more, cannot help but respect others in the process. This also ties into the need for meditation as only in those quiet and personal times of soul searching can one free their minds in order to concentrate on their relationship with themselves and others. Through self evaluation, one can then be more readily available to possess empathy for others. Those who know nothing of themselves and their senses, cannot hope to learn and communicate the hurts of others in any consistent and successful way. This, at least, has been my exp erience. Stress and an individual’s inability to know one’s self, is at the root of many problems, both mentally and physically, internally and externally, within a community and the world. Stress leads to a disconnect from the senses as well as the inability to listen to the needs of one’s own mind and body. Kabat- Zinn writes in Coming to Our Senses as a fitting summation: â€Å"But for the particular exploration we will be undertaking together in these pages and in our lives, I find it is both useful and illuminating to draw upon the work of those special people on our planet who devote themselves to the language of the mind and heart that we call poetry.†[11] In the same way some of the great navigators explored the world or how scientists explore aspects of this world which will forever remain a mystery to the lay observer, it is thus, equally important for the individual to explore their own mind through meditation and mindfulness. This will not occur overnig ht and the process is much more arduous than popular culture may lead the individual to believe. However, Kabat-Zinn believes, that those who seek the truth within their own mind and who implement mind-body therapies within their own lives, will not only have an advantage over those who do not, but will be able to communicate on a higher plane with those who practice similar techniques and thus,   will come to a deeper understanding of one’s own self as the true ability of each individual’s five separate senses. In order to achieve this, constant and consistent effort on the part of the individual is required. However, Kabat-Zinn believes that the effort is easily worth the reward.

College Level Critical Analysis Essay Sample

College Level Critical Analysis Essay SampleCritical analysis essay sample has many different types and various levels. A student should learn which one he/she can use to his/her benefit the most in order to produce an essay that is both well researched and well written.For example, if you are taking a particular college level Critical Analysis essay test it is a good idea to use this type of essay as it will help you see what works and what does not work. It will show you what to change and what not to change. It will also give you a chance to make suggestions and to use some techniques that will help you with your writing. The use of the Critical Analysis essay sample will be helpful for a variety of essays that a student will write.One common good use of this essay is for students who are preparing for AP, IB or Graduate level tests. This essay will be a good addition to help prepare for those exams.Another example would be if you are taking a test that is from a certain brand. Fo r example, if you are taking a test from a certain college brand, you may want to get the materials that come with the company's name on them. These could be used in conjunction with a college level Critical Analysis essay sample for a perfect match.Of course there are also just plain, boring essays that will be great for use with any college level test. Students will learn how to create a very good essay using this kind of essay. They will also see that they need to focus on certain things in order to produce a well researched and well written essay. All of this can help to show students that they have a good handle on how to create a nice written essay and the best way to do this is to use a college level Critical Analysis essay sample.So, using this type of essay is very helpful when students are about to take a test. They can use it to get the ideas out and practice them so that they can have a better performance on their test.Most college students use these College level Critic al Analysis essay sample for a variety of reasons. There are many ways to use the College level Critical Analysis essay sample and each time they use it they will see that it will benefit them. For students who are taking college level tests they are glad to have a tool that is helpful.

10 Ideas to Make the Most Out of Thanksgiving Break

10 Ideas to Make the Most Out of Thanksgiving Break It’s that Thanksgiving Break time of year and you’re looking to make the most of it. You want a good spread of ideas to choose from, so here are the most popular choices among college students these days. 1. Travel to a Small Town Right, so this is probably one of the coolest ideas ever. You get a group of friends together, pool your money and travel to a small town that really takes the Thanksgiving break seriously. We’re talking snow, parades, with decorations everywhere. It can be costly for cabins and hotels, but if you know someone on campus from one of those small towns and it doesnt turn into a tourist trap, then hop on that! Some small towns out there really do things right. Everyone gets involved. The whole town makes a thing of it. 2. Round up the Family Thanksgiving Break is a time to head home and be with the family. These days it can be hard, and lots of families get spread out when the kids get into college. Plus, back home with family and familiar faces you can recharge. 3. Stay on-Campus and Sleep No one says you have to leave or get involved in any of the festivities. You can choose to just sleep all through the break and really recharge your batteries for winter quarter. Besides, the college always has something going on for the students that stick around. 4. Prepare for the Dreaded Black Friday It’s the modern consumer world and one way or another we’re all affected by the biggest shopping day of the year. Whether you take part, work in the retail/service industries, or you just like to wear sweats and watch the mayhem on Live Streams†¦prepare. 5. Eat Tons of Delicious Food Thanksgiving is about the food when you get right down to it. And, it’s everywhere if you know where to look. Eat it up! Live it up! Dig in! Sure, you might gain a pound or two, but whatever. You can always burn that off before the spring and summer anyway. Dive into the pies and hometown delicacies. Honestly, you really only do live once and Thanksgiving only comes around once a year. 6. Get Ahead on Your Studies You know what tests and classes are coming down the pike. You could invest the time in extra study or brushing up on topics that you’ll soon be tested on. Nothing wrong with that, but do keep in mind this is a holiday. 7. Go Check out a Nutcracker Show Have you ever been to a real Nutcracker show? These things are amazing! Tchaikovsky is a master. For the better ones expect to pay a decent price, but it’s easily worth it. There’s the ballet version and other kinds of musicals but the point is to go see a holiday show. And, it’s a great date idea as well. 8. Take Part in Sports Fanaticism In America, Thanksgiving Day is a mega day for football lovers. In some circles football can easily overshadow any hint of Thanksgiving. If you’re not really into sports or football has never been your thing, get into it for once! Get into the weird commercials, all the yummy football foods and jump up and down during big plays. It’s fun. Here’s the lineup according to the National Football League for 2013 Thursday, November 28th (Thanksgiving Day) Packers vs. Lions – 12:30 PM (ET) Raiders vs. Cowboys 4:30 PM (ET) Steelers vs. Ravens 8:30 PM (ET) 9. Watch Awesome Thanksgiving Day Movies It’s that time of year to watch the movies that bring us back and spread some light and easy holiday cheer. There are so many to choose from. After about twenty minutes of searching around Google for the most popular favorites, here on the ones that make it onto most Thanksgiving Day movies lists. Planes, Trains and Automobiles Dutch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving It’s a Wonderful Life Grumpy Old Men Home for the Holidays Miracle on 34th Street Pocahontas Son in Law Garfield’s Thanksgiving 10. Take it Back to Grade School Thanksgiving is a wonderful time, along with Christmas and New Year’s, to get crafty. Go back to grade school. It’s time to cut out and color some paper turkeys. It’s time to make Christmas decorations out of popcorn. It’s time to make some caramel apples. Before you know it Thanksgiving Break is over and it’s back to the books. Might as well make the best of it, right? Hey, make sure to listen to some old classical holiday music. Have a good time and live it up. If you can, do the small town thing though because that will make for some lifelong Thanksgiving memories. Do you have any plans for the Thanksgiving break? Share your ideas in comments!