Women and Development an Example by

Women and Development Cairo accord, attained its name putting into consideration its venue; Cairo in Egypt. It was a conference held with the aim of addressing worlds population concerns. It was in the worlds concern that the world population was growing at an alarming rate and so it became the issue worthy convening worlds countries to think on how to slow it. Need essay sample on "Women and Development" topic? We will write a custom essay sample specifically for you Proceed When we talk about the importance of the Cairo accord, we have to ask ourselves questions like to whom? Although countries were convened with the same purpose, this accord is more important to some more than to others. It is more important to the women especially those in developing countries, this doesnt mean that it is less important to the rest of the worlds population. All these issues discussed in the Cairo accord are important to development of any society. Although the issues of concern here touch on women directly, it is important to solve them since their effects are not limited to women but the whole society. The other reason for the importance of the accord is the fact that these issues are the measurement of development hence no its realization before all these issues are addressed. Again the same issues are constrains to development so not unless addressed the world can not claim to have achieved its long sought goal of development, thewrefore this accord is very importa nt to the whole world.. Again this accord is important to the whole society since women do not live in mono populated societies. When women are empowered the whole society benefits as well since women are in one way the other related to the men around them, either they are their husbands, brothers or sons. United states stand as represented by Bush ,from my point of view Dont think is reasonable since it only reveals their selfishness as a country without consideration for others,nether do I think is the right moral position since moral calls for consideration for others and honouring ones pledges or promises of others (Guzzardi, 2002). Although entitled to their decisions, he should have thought rationally, personally I estate to offer my back-up for his behaviour and decision. In conclusion United States, should have thought of the miserable victims of the issues of concern not their selfish religious stand. Otherwise as a state should have taken the responsibility of educating the world on the dangers and expenses of abortion rather than with drawing her financial support. Works cited Page Joe Guzzardi. Endorsement of the Cairo accord might relieve some of the pressures on U.S. population. November 5, 2002. Halderman Gall, UN update: Global Womens Health.

Customer service skills every employee needs

Customer service skills every employee needs If you work with clients on a regular basis, you always need to be on your game. Being good at customer service means that when you’re grumpy, tired, or super-busy, you still project a friendly and professional tone at all times.  Even if you’re not working directly in customer service, per se, that doesn’t mean that customer service skills do not apply to you- it can never hurt to brush up on your people skills, no matter what industry you work in. Here are a few universal skills that every good employee should master if they want to make sure not to lose clients or customers for their business- or make big jerks of themselves at crucial moments.CommunicationIf you can’t communicate well verbally and in writing, then it’s time to learn. When you are representing a company, things like poor grammar, misspellings, excessive slang, and a too-casual tone really come across as unprofessional. Aim to express yourself clearly and articulately in whateve r format you are required to. Check and double-check all written communication, and take care with your words. Then, get better at it. Solid communication skills will make everything in your life- especially your job- go more smoothly.RespectThis one seems obvious but it’s worth repeating to yourself now and again: treat others as you would like to be treated. This goes for your boss, that annoying customer screaming at you about something out of your control, and the cleaning staff. Some simple things you can do  to show respect are using a person’s name, actually listening when they talk, not talking over them, not looking bored, and making eye contact. If these actions don’t come naturally, make an effort to thoughtfully add them to your daily interactions. Pretty soon, they’ll become habit.PatienceThey don’t call it a virtue for nothing. Don’t rush people out the door, off the phone, or out of your cubicle without making sure they feel heard. Giving slower service or taking a bit of extra time is sometimes the smartest, most effective (and efficient) way to work- even when you just want to move on to the next task. Stay focused and show that you are paying attention. Give people your full concentration (please, please, don’t check your phone when someone is talking to you) and repeat back key details to demonstrate that you are listening and comprehending.KnowledgeKnow your job, your company, and your product inside out. Never be the person who doesn’t have the answer to a question- if it isn’t your department, you should know off the top of your head the right person to contact for the answer. And, of course, you should be a total  expert when it comes to your company role and responsibilities. Know everything there is to know so that if anyone comes to you with a problem you don’t have to tell them you aren’t familiar with some aspect of your job.AdaptabilityGet better at re ading people. What do they want, exactly, to happen from your interaction? And how do they want to be dealt with or addressed? Every person- customer or boss- comes with his or her set of personal quirks. It’s never about cookie-cutter solutions. Your approach for dealing with people must adapt to the specific situation. If you’re too rigid, you’ll seem fake and uncaring.CreativityBeing able to find workaround solutions and think outside of the box to solve a problem is a huge asset to any career. Cultivate your ability to think of something, anything, to help out- even when the situation seems hopeless. Stay tenacious and positive and work through it until a resolution comes to you. Even if your solution isn’t the answer, everyone will admire your dedication. When people see you are making an honest effort, they are very appreciative. You’ll come out looking like a true professional.

Countershading Definition and Examples

Countershading Definition and Examples Countershading is a type of coloration commonly found in animals and means that the animals back (dorsal side) is dark while its underside (ventral side) is light. This shading helps an animal blend in with its surroundings. Description In the ocean, countershading camouflages an animal from predators or prey. When viewed from below, an animals lighter belly would blend in with the lighter sky above. When viewed from above, its darker back would blend in with the ocean bottom underneath. Countershading in the Military Countershading has also had military applications. German and U.S. military planes used countershading to hide from their enemies by  painting the bottom of the plane white and the top of the plane to match the color of the surrounding area.   Reverse Countershading Theres also reverse countershading, light on top and dark on the underside, which can be seen in skunks and honey badgers. Reverse countershading is typically seen in animals with strong natural defenses.   Alternate Spellings: Counter Shading, Counter-Shading Several rorqual whales are counter-shaded, including fin whales, humpback whales, and minke whales.

Karl Marx and his Philosophy Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Karl Marx and his Philosophy - Coursework Example The observations of Marx and Engels led to their work, which is a critique of capitalism. Karl Marx is the most erudite socialist thinker to emerge in the 19th century. Although he was greatly involved with social, economic and political ideology gained rapid recognition in the socialist movement after his death in 1883. While in Brussels Marx devoted him to an extensive research on the history and elaborated what came to be known as the materialist conception of history He developed in a manuscript (published posthumously as the German Ideology), of which the basic thesis was that "the nature of individuals depends on the material conditions determining their production. Marx pointed out the history of the various modes of production and predicted the abolition of industrial capitalism and its replacement by communism. He devoted himself to the study of political economy in order to determine the causes and conditions of this crisis. Marx discovered the law of development of human history. The simple fact is that mankind must first of all eat, drink, have shelter and clothing, before it can pursue politics, science, art, religion, etc. Therefore, the production of the immediate material means, and consequently, the degree of economic development attained by a given people or during a given epoch. By laying the foundation upon which the state institutions, the legal conceptions, art, and even the ideas on religion, of the people concerned, have been evolved. Karl Marx discovered the special law of motion administering the present-day capitalist mode of production, and the bourgeois society that this mode of production has created. The unearthing of surplus value abruptly threw light on the problem, in trying to solve which all previous investigations, of both bourgeois economists and socialist critics, had been groping in the dark. Marx authentic mission in life was to contribute to the overthrow of capitalist society and of the state institutions, which it had brought into being, to contribute to the liberation of the modern proletariat.

Disadvantages of using smart phones Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Disadvantages of using smart phones - Essay Example However, the change has led to a number of challenges. The paper focus on disadvantages of using smart phones. The current usage of smart phones has enabled users to do a variety of things. However, the usage has led to a number of disadvantages. First, the gadget is too expensive as compared to the mobile phones that were used in the past. This means that the user have to use extra money in order to acquire a gadget. The extra pay is due to extra application in these phones. As noted by the author a basic phone may cost $50 to $90 as compared to $200 to $300 of smart phones (Butler 1). Therefore, the extra comfort of the smart phones is achieved at a higher price than the non-smart phones. Secondly, the smart phones have led to decreased social interaction. The phones have been noted to divert people attention from the real world. Hence, it makes it difficult for people to underatnd and appreciate the world. For example, the usage of these phones makes it difficult for people to have phsical intercation. The interaction has been minimal as people can interact using these phones through email, calls, and even social sites application installed on the phones. Hence, most of the people do not see the need of having a physical interaction due to convenience of communication that occur in using these phones. Moreover, dependence on these phones may lead to a form of addiction. Once the addiction occurs it will be difficult for one to disassociate from the gadgets. The addition can affect individual well-being due to high level of activity due to dependence of the gadgets. As noted by Schloter, â€Å"The most dangerous thing is to fall into a mode of permanent activity and continuously consult one’s smartphone to see whether any new mails have come in† (Association for Psychological Science (APS) 1). The lament by Schotler clearly shows effect that can occur on dependence on smart phones. In fact, few months later

Course Note on Organizational Behaviour Essay Example for Free

Course Note on Organizational Behaviour Essay DEFINITION OF ORGANISATION According to Gary Johns, Organisations are social inventions for accomplishing goals through group efforts. This definition covers wide variety-of groups such as businesses, schools, hospitals, fraternal groups, religious bodies, government agencies and so on. There are three significant aspects in the above definition, which require further analysis. They are as follows: Social Inventions: The word social as a derivative of society basically means gathering of people. It is the people that primarily make up an organisation. Accomplishing Goals: All organisations have reasons for their existence. These reasons are the goals towards which all organisational efforts are directed. While the primary goal .of any commercial organisation is to make money for its owners, this goal is inter-related with many other goals. Accordingly, any organisational goal must integrate in itself the personal goals of all individuals associated with the organisation. Group Effort: People, both as members of the society at large and as a part of an organisation interact with each other and are inter-dependent. Individuals in themselves have physical and intellectual limitations and these limitations can only be overcome by group efforts. MEANING AND DEFINITION OF ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR Organisational behaviour is concerned with peoples thoughts, feelings, emotions and actions in setting up a work. Understanding an individual behaviour is in itself a challenge, but understanding group behaviour in an organisational environment is a monumental managerial task. As Nadler and Tushman put it, Understanding one individuals behaviour is challenging in and of itself; understanding a group that is made up of different individuals and comprehending the many relationships among those individuals is even more complex. Ultimately, the organisations work gets done through people, individually or collectively, on their, own or in collaboration with technology. Therefore, the management of organisational behaviour is central to the management task—a task that involves the capacity to understand the behaviour patterns of individuals, groups and organisations, to predict' what behavioural responses will be elicited by  various managerial actions and finally to use this understanding and these predictions to achieve control. Organisational behaviour can then be defined as: The study of human behaviour in organisational settings, the interface between human behaviour and the organisational context, and the organisation itself. The above definition has three parts—the individual behaviour, the organisation and the (interface between the two. Each individual brings to an organisation a unique set of beliefs, values, attitudes and other personal characteristics and these characteristics of all individuals must interact with each other in order to create organisational settings. The organisational behaviour is specifically concerned with work-related behaviour, which takes place in organisations. In addition to understanding; the on-going behavioural processes involved, in their own jobs, managers must understand the basic human element of their work. Organisational behaviour offers three major ways of understanding this context; people as organisations, people as resources and people as people. Above all, organisations are people; and without people there would be no organisations. Thus, if managers are to understand the organisations in which they work, they must first understand the people who make up the organisations. As resources, people are one of the organisations most valuable assets. People create the organisation, guide and direct its course, and vitalise and revitalise it. People make the decisions, solve the problems, and answer the questions. As managers increasingly recognise the value of potential contributions by their employees, it will become more and more important for managers and employees to grasp the complexities of organisational behaviour. Finally, there is people as people an argument derived from the simple notion of humanistic management. People spend a large part of their lives in; organisational settings, mostly as employees. They have a right to  expect something in return beyond wages and benefits. They have a right to expect satisfaction and to learn new skills. An understanding of organisational behaviour can help the manager better appreciate the variety of individual needs and expectations. Organisational behaviour is concerned with the characteristics and behaviours of employees in isolation; the characteristics and processes that are part of the organisation itself; and the characteristics and behaviours directly resulting from people with their individual needs and motivations working within the structure of the organisation. One cannot understand an individual’s behaviour completely without learning something about that individuals organisation. Similarly, he cannot understand how the organisation operates without; studying the people who-make it up. Thus, the organisation influences and is influenced by individuals. ELEMENTS OF ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR The key elements in the organisational behaviour are people,, structure, technology and the environment in which the organisation operates. People: People make up the internal and social system of the organisation. They consist of individuals and groups. The groups may be big or small; formal or informal; official or unofficial. Groups are dynamic and they work in the organisation to achieve their objectives. Structure: Structure defines the formal relationships of the people in organisations. Different people in the organisation are performing different type of jobs and they need to be (elated in some structural way so that their work can be effectively co-ordinated. Technology: Technology such as machines and work processes provide the resources with which people work and affects the tasks that they perform. The technology used has a significant influence on working relationships. It allows people to do more and work better but it also restricts people in various ways. Environment: All organisations operate within an external environment. It is the part of a larger system that contains many other elements such as government, family and other organisations. All of these mutually influence each other in a complex system that creates a context for a group of people. NATURE OF ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR Each individual brings to an organisation a unique set of personal characteristics, experiences from other organisation, the environment surrounding the organisation and1 they also possess a personal background. In considering the people working in an organisation, organisational behaviour must look at the unique perspective that each individual brings to the work setting. But individuals do not work in isolation. They come in contact with other individuals and the organisation in a variety of ways. Points of contact include managers, co-workers, formal policies and procedures of the organisation, and various changes implemented by the organisation. Over time, the individual, too, changes, as a function of both the personal experiences and the organisation. The organisation is also affected by the presence and eventual absence of the individual. Clearly, the study of organisational behaviour must consider the ways in which the individual and the organisation interact. An organisation, characteristically, exists before a particular person joins it and continues to exist after he leaves it. Thus, the organisation itself represents a crucial third perspective from which to view organisational behaviour. NEED FOR STUDYING ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR The rules of work are different from the rules of play. The uniqueness of rules and the environment of organisations forces managers to study organisational behaviour in order to learn about normal and abnormal ranges of behaviour. More specifically, organisational behaviour serves three purposes: What causes behaviour? Why particular antecedents cause behaviour? Which antecedents of behaviour can be controlled directly and which are beyond control? A more specific and formal course in organisational behaviour helps an individual to develop more refined and workable sets of assumption that is directly relevant to his work interactions. Organisational behaviour helps in predicting human behaviour in the organisational setting by drawing a clear distinction between individual behaviour and group behaviour. Organisational behaviour does not provide solutions to all complex and different behaviour puzzles of organisations. It is only the intelligent judgement of the manager in dealing with a specific issue that can try to solve the problem. Organisational behaviour only assists in making judgements that are derived from tenable assumptions; judgement that takes into account the important variables underlying the situation; judgement that are assigned due recognition to the complexity of individual or group behaviour; judgement that explicitly takes into account the managers own goals, motives, hang-ups, blind spots and weaknesses. IMPORTANCE OF ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR Organisational behaviour offers several ideas to management as to how human factor should be properly emphasised to achieve organisational objectives. Barnard has observed that an organisation is a conscious interaction of two or more people. This suggests that since an organisation is Ihe interaction of persons, they should be given adequate importance in managing the organisation. Organisational behaviour provides opportunity to management to analyse human behaviour and prescribe means for shaping it to a particular direction. Understanding Human Behaviour Organisational behaviour provides under ­standing the human behaviour in all directions in which the human beings interact. Thus, organisational behaviour can be understood at the individual level, interpersonal level, group level and inter-group level. Organisational behaviour helps to analyse why and how an individual behaves in a particular way. Human behaviour is a complex phenomenon and is affected by a large number of factors including the psychological, social and cultural implications. Organisational behaviour integrates these factors  to provide* simplicity in understanding the human behaviour. Interpersonal Level: Human behaviour can be understood at the level of interpersonal interaction. Organisational behaviour provides †¢ means for understanding the interpersonal relationships in an organisation. Analysis of reciprocal relationships, role analysis and transactional analysis are some of the common methods, which provide such understanding. Group Level: Though people interpret anything at their individual level, they are often modified by group pressures, which then become a force in shaping human behaviour, Thus, individuals should be studied in groups also.. Research in group dynamics has contributed vitally to organisational behaviour and shows how a group behaves in its norms, cohesion, goals, procedures, communication pattern and leadership. These research results are advancing managerial knowledge of understanding group behaviour, which is very important for organisational morale and productivity. Inter-group Level: The organisation is made up of many groups that develop complex relationships to build their process and substance. Understanding the effect of group relationships is important for managers in todays organisation. Inter-group relationship may be in the form of co-operation or competition.

Cyber Studies Essay -- Technology Media Technological Papers

Cyber Studies This essay will argue that the influence of new technologies are changing the relationship between the media and their audiences. This concept will be explored by examining the current media communication model and how new technologies influence it’s future. Future media possibilities are raised and the implications of them for the relative industries are discussed. This essay is molded around the idea that these new technologies are giving audiences the power to shape the future of media and it’s capabilities. The premise being discussed involves many participants and factors as it is becoming increasingly difficult to separate them due to technological and communication convergence. Basically this essay will demonstrate how new technologies are allowing consumers to have more control over where, when and how they receive information. Communication and media are one and the same. As media is defined as ‘means of communication to the public; newspapers, TV and radio collectively, (Penguin, 1979). Media refers to the medium by which communication to a particular audience takes place. Traditionally information was communicated through these mediums via a system of centralized dissemination meaning from one source (or relatively few) to many receivers. This was the First (electronic) Media Age and it was due to technological advancements of the time that formed this communication model and introduced the concept of mass media. This remains the model dominating our societies communication today. However technological developments such as the internet and mobile phones are challenging this centralized communication system heralding in a Second Media Age characterized by distributed systems of... ...iously influenced by the advancements and integration of new technologies. Works Cited: American Press Institute. (2004). Retrieved September 13, 2004, from http://www.american pressinstitute.org/content/4646.cfm Corporate Influence in the Media, media and advertising. (2004). Retrieved September 13, 2004, from http://www.globalissues.org/HumanRights/Media/Corporations/Ads.asp Garmonsway, G.N. (1979). The Penguin Modern English Dictionary. England: Penguin Books. Media Futures Archive. (2004). Retrieved September 13, 2004, from http://www.hfac.uh.edu/MediaFutures/home.html Media Magazines Forecast 2005. (2004). Retrieved September 13, 2004, from http:www.mediapost.com/forecast2005/forecast2004temp.cfm?c=overview The Media Centre at the American Press Institute. (2004). Retrieved September 13, 2004, from http://www.mediacentre.org/

Transworld Auto Parts

Christine Lam BA 453 – Case Briefing: Transworld Auto Parts November 11, 2012 Company Overview: Transworld Auto Parts (TAP) is a Tier 1 manufacturer of original and after-market parts for automobile producers both in the United States and abroad. TAP focuses on manufacturing in two core product lines: electronics and interiors. Apart from that, it also separates its customer-centered divisions into four divisions: luxury, economy, mid-priced, and truck. TAP also serves in three main geographic markets including North America, Europe, and Asia.Problem Definition: Which of the two balanced scorecard approaches better illustrates how Transworld Auto Parts can improve their ROCE by 8% given the current economic downturn? Situational Analysis: Transworld Auto Parts belongs in the automobile manufacturing industry. This industry is very susceptible to industry trends and changes because much of the industry’s sales depends on the external environment which affects both consum er and supplier behavior. During 2008 when the economy experienced a global recession, many auto makers such as Chrysler and General Motors were on the brink of insolvency due to the decline in car sales.Utilizing the PESTEL framework to better understand the macro-environment, the recession reflects economic factors in the external environment which can influence the industry. The recession affected consumers in the sense that they possessed less disposable income, causing them to be less inclined to purchase new cars during this time. However, other aspects of the external environment can benefit firms within this industry. For example, with the rising automobile production in Asia, many suppliers can consider global expansion and developing sales in international markets.Many car manufacturers in Asia possess low labor costs and a great demand in local markets, so suppliers within the industry have this opportunity to expand. Not only is it important to consider the industry and external environment in which TAP operates in, it is also important to analyze its internal resources and capabilities in order to better understand the company. TAP currently has operations in four different customer-centered divisions: luxury, economy, mid-priced, and truck. However, TAP decided to only focus on improving their luxury and economy division because these two divisions will allow TAP to compete ggressively and make the most profit, according to their research. Each of the separate divisions is managed by a separate manager and supporting staff. This allows Ellen Bright, CEO of TAP to distinguish results from each division and form her own board of directors to make strategic decisions. TAP flourishes with this hierarchical structure because it allows the company to micromanage each separate division’s profitability for the company and for it to implement any changes when necessary.Strategy: After Bright decided to cut the other two divisions, each manager from the luxury and economy division respectively were assigned to create a balanced score card to describe their objectives on how to improve their division and what must be done to achieve their parent company’s target goal of an 8% return on capital employed (ROCE). Eckhardt, president of the luxury division presented a balanced score card that was simple yet with focused objectives for each aspect of the balanced score card.For example, the financial perspective contained 4 main goals: increase ROCE, increase cash flow, increase revenue, and increase gross margin. The customer perspective simply included: improve customer satisfaction, manage innovation, and initiation customer R&D partnerships. Similarly, the process perspective included two main goals: reduce raw materials cost and maintain quality leadership. Lastly, the learning and growth perspective only included one objective: increase employee engagement. On the other hand, Kwon, president of the economy division took a more complex and descriptive approach with the balanced score card.He went into detail about each of the four perspectives and proposed very specific, action-oriented goals. He had similar financial perspective objectives, but each of the other perspectives contained about four or five different objectives. For example, the learning and growth perspective contained six objectives: train buyers on low cost procurement, enhance electronic interchanges with customers and suppliers, transform workforce into JIT/lean experts, make JIT/lean a priority for all workers, alight IT to support TQM and JIT, and enhance workforce capabilities in TQM.Both approaches of the balanced score card aim to attain similar overall goals. Below are some pros and cons for each approach: Luxury Division- Pros: focusing goals in broad chunks make it easier to attain, with attainable goals employees are happier, creating healthier company morale Cons: too simple without specifically stating what actions mus t be taken in order to meet objectives, might cause confusion among employees Economy Division- Pros: very detailed with specific measures and actions on how to achieve objectives Cons: may seem to expect too much from employees, which makes goal appear to be and discourage employeesAction Plan: After analyzing both approaches to the balanced score card, the economy division presented a more well thought out and action specific plan to reach the company’s target goal. The most important factors to consider when analyzing balanced score cards are: * Does it describe and link? * Does it provide incentives and balances? * Does it predict and plan? Kwon did a great job describing each objective and linking it to other perspectives of the BSC. This in turn created specific goals which are measurable.The objectives he proposed included both financial and non financial goals creating an overall balance. Lastly, his balanced score card plans for not only short term objectives but als o long term objectives which helps plan for the company’s future success. In conclusion, Kwon had a better approach to the balanced score card and Bright should promote Kwon to the COO position. Appendix A Revised Balanced Score Card for Luxury Division | Objectives| Measures| Financial Perspective| Increased ROCE| ROCE| Increase Cash Flow| Year-to-date cash flow from operating activities| Increase Revenue| Year-to-date revenue|Increase Gross Margin| Gross Margin %| Customer Perspective| Improve customer satisfaction| global market share| Be low-cost provider of quality| % of components with prices lower than competitors| Manage innovation of products | number of new products introduced, customer surveys | Create customer R&D partnerships| number of customers with whom TAP partners with | Be highest quality provider| customer surveys | Process Perspective| Reduce raw materials cost| cost of raw materials with respect to % of revenue| Eliminating defect rates| track number of defects|Improve supplier base| number of suppliers, ratings of each supplier| Better inventory/demand forecasting| % reduction in inventory carrying costs | Improve manufacturing efficiency| reduction in unscheduled downtime, % reduction in labor hours per part | Learning and Growth Perspective | Increase training of employees| number of certified employees| Increase employee engagement| satisfaction surveys| Aligning IT support | % increase in IT spending| Managing tools employee uses| employee survey |

Happiness Is Real When Shared

This is one book which I have just finished reading. I don’t normally read biography, but came across the story while doing some random search on wikipedia (where one link can lead to another). I really got very interested in the true story of this young man who ended up dying in Alaska. I went to buy the book at Kinokuniya. In 1992, a young man by the name of Christopher McCandless from a well-to-do family in the US abandoned everything he possessed after graduating with honours from University. For the next two years, he lived off the streets, travelling from place to place, living on the bare minimum.Finally, he hitchhiked to Alaska with little food (only 5 pounds of rice) and equipment as he wanted to be in total isolation from human contact and go into the wild, in his words â€Å"to live off the land† – eating the animals he hunted and plants grown there. He actually managed to survive for more than 100 days in Alaska with this way until a series of unfortu nate accidents that caused him to die slowly (and painfully) of starvation on an abandoned bus. His decomposed body was found more than two weeks later. He was only 24 at the time of demise.All this while, his family didn’t know his whereabouts and was searching for him, until they received this piece of unfortunate news. In this book, Jon Krakauer explored the life of Christopher McCandless and try to understand the thoughts behind this young man who gave up everything he has in search of a life of adventure and meaning (to him), and also how the people around him were affected. He must had been a very charismatic person, as people he met along the way during his years on the streets really liked this guy a lot. Some actually asked him to settle down at the place he was at.But then his ultimate aim was to really live in the wild with only nature (and nothing else, human relationships was worthless to him) and commitment was the last thing on his mind. This story left a very deep impression in me, not just because of the tragic circumstances surrounding it, but I could identify with Christopher McCandless in that at his age, I was also sort of like him. Well, I might not have given up all my wealth (I admit, my family wasn’t as well-to-do as his) and go all the way out into the wild, but I did have certain anger or unhappiness about the way my life turned out and wanted to live a different sort of life.That was why at that time my results sort of fumbled (as I was half-hearted about the whole studying affair – to me, studying what I had no interest in was an â€Å"insult to my integrity†. ). I also wanted to get away from my family (which was one of the catalysts which caused Christopher McCandless to make such a decision, he was very upset by certain things he found out about his parents), so for a period of time I was staying in the hostel. During that time, I really planned to eventually leave my family once I have the financial means and stay outside.In fact, after I graduated from university, I went to Malacca for a few days all by myself to enjoy the isolation. Ha ha, until now, my parents weren’t aware this was what I did – and I can’t yet find the courage to inform them. (This is probably a secret I will bring to my grave). Okay, this was probably not so much of an adventure, but I did derive certain excitement out of this trip. Imagine me on a free and easy trip carrying just the map and walking around (and people who know me know I’ve a very, very poor sense of direction). I would not say I managed to find my sense of purpose in life during that very short trip.In fact, it was years after I graduate before I realised what was really important in my life. For Christopher McCandless, towards the end of his life, realised that â€Å"happiness only real when shared† which is what he wrote on his journal. When he finally got the isolation he yearned for in Alaska, someho w, he must have finally realised the importance of human relationships and that real happiness lies with being able to spend time with the one you care. Of course, the sad part is it came too late too as he was trapped in the wilderness which he had yearned for previously.Given time, I believe he would eventually return to his family and friends. For me, after years of working (and probably maturity over the years), I also realised the importance of treasuring the time with my familiy and friends. You do not have to go to the extreme (in my case, escape from my family) to change the state of your life. In fact, all that matters is your perception. I have to be responsible in what I do as it is not just about me, but whatever I do have repercussions on my loved ones too. I had probably hurt the people around me as much as they have hurt me.I remember there was one saying I read somewhere – people may not love you the way you want them to, but that doesn’t mean they donà ¢â‚¬â„¢t love you. Recently, I did have the urge to go backpacking alone somewhere (of course, with the intention of not letting my parents know), but I admit I did have second thoughts after reading the book, ha ha! But don’t think that will last for long, as by nature, I do like to â€Å"wander around† – I can’t be trapped for too long. In the end, I guess Christopher McCandless did manage to find peace with himself. His final note written on his journal was â€Å"I HAVE HAD A HAPPY LIFE AND THANK THE LORD.GOODBYE AND MAY GOD BLESS ALL! † Although he didn’t manage to go back to his loved ones, he appreciated all the love bestowed upon him by them. I would like to think that he did not leave this world with any regret. Currently, I am reading another book by Jon Krakauer about his experience during the 1996 Mount Everest climb. Another tragic tale of how harsh nature can be. I might want to catch the movie version of â€Å"Into The Wildâ⠂¬  directed by Sean Penn. Not sure if the film will evoke the same emotions in me (sometimes film adaptations can be disappointing).

Criticisms

and not reality. In this sense, Kant sees the Ontological argument as an exercise in verbal analysis, the means where anyone can anaylse the meaning of a word or concept, and draw a logical explanation from it. Therefore, Anselms’ word... Criticisms Free Essays on The Existence Of God - Approaches/Criticisms The existence of God - Approaches/Criticisms There are three major arguments that attempt to explain the existence of God. Firstly, it is important to establish a definition of God. According to philosophers God is an infinitely perfect being that upholds a divine unity of ultimate goodness and of ultimate power. God is referred to as Omniscient, Omnipotent and Eternal. God has unlimited knowledge and intelligence, so basically God is the ultimate model of perfectionism. Though all Philosophers agree with this definition of God, it does not state whether or not this ideal concept of God exists. The Ontological, Cosmological and Teleological have been developed throughout time to attempt to prove God existence. There have also been many criticisms into these arguments, which attempt to disprove each argument. The Ontological argument was developed by Anselm; a theist who argued for the existence of God. In his argument he refers to God as a perfect being, therefore ‘that than which nothing greater can be conceived’. He began his argument by saying that even a ‘fool’ (atheist) can grasp or understand the concept of a being than of ‘which nothing greater can be conceived’ as they already have an understanding or idea of what it means in their mind. Though this idea exists in their mind, it does not mean God doesn’t exist in reality. Anselm refers to God as a perfect being, and because he is so perfect he must have infinite perfectionism, therefore Anselm is arguing that if God lacked existence he would not be perfect, as he is perfect he must exist. There are many criticisms to why Anselm’s Ontological argument fails. Kant saw Anselm’s argument as merely a word game, playing on words and not reality. In this sense, Kant sees the Ontological argument as an exercise in verbal analysis, the means where anyone can anaylse the meaning of a word or concept, and draw a logical explanation from it. Therefore, Anselms’ word...

Buddhism and Christianity Essay Example for Free

Buddhism and Christianity Essay Christian (302) , Buddhism (146) company About StudyMoose Contact Careers Help Center Donate a Paper Legal Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Complaints While both Christianity and Buddhism were religions that encourages kindness and renunciation of wealth, Christianity caused a stir with Jesus’ hatred against the greedy rich and powerful and his alliance with the lower class, which eventually lead to his execution, whereas Buddhism’s leader, Buddha, spread a message that was not threatening to the high class, letting him live his life until his natural death at 80. This Venn diagram compares and contrasts Buddhism and Christianity. It represents my key knowledge and thinking skills by showing my ability to diagnose important similarities and differences between the two major religions, My Venn diagram is okay, but there is room for improvement. It lists some key similarities and differences, but they are worded in an awkward manner. Christianity * First Christians were persecuted by the Roman Empire (because of the Christians’ refusal to worship the roman polytheistic religion) * By the time Theodosius was Emperor, Christianity became the preferred official religion of the Roman Empire. * Women’s role in church slowly deteriorated * The Great Schism split Christianity into two religions, Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox. * Saint Paul spread the small religion  * First Christians were persecuted by the Roman Empire (because of the Christians’ refusal to worship the roman polytheistic religion) * By the time Theodosius was Emperor, Christianity became the preferred official religion of the Roman Empire. * Women’s role in church slowly deteriorated * The Great Schism split Christianity into two religions, Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox. * Saint Paul spread the small religion Changes Changes Continuities Continuities * Strong denial of gods of other Religions * The Bible stayed a constant Main religious text for Christianity * Extremely Monotheistic * * Went from worshipping Brahma to three deities (Vishnu, Siva and Brahma) * Women were not allowed to perform sacrifices anymore  * Went from having sacrifices of animals to personal sacrifices (fasting) * Changed from Brahmanism and lunar and solar lineages to Hinduism. * Went from worshipping Brahma to three deities (Vishnu, Siva and Brahma) * Women were not allowed to perform sacrifices anymore * Went from having sacrifices of animals to personal sacrifices (fasting) * Changed from Brahmanism and lunar and solar lineages to Hinduism. Changes Changes Continuities Continuities Hinduism Hinduism Open to everyone * Caste system * Intentional misinterpretation of Hindu texts To keep patriarchy While Christianity and Hinduism both had continuities of (respectively) a strong sense of denial of other religions’ gods and a strong caste system, both had major changes such as going from a heavily persecuted religion to the Roman Empire’s official religion and switching from animal sacrifices to personal sacrifices. The two tables show changes and continuities for two  major religions, Christianity and Hinduism. The table shows my key thinking skills by being able to point out key continuities and changes. My Table is a little bit sparse on the continuities side, but the changes for Christianity are plentiful. I need to work on researching with more effort. Although the four main religions, Buddhism, Brahmanism, Hinduism and Christianity affected the role of women, the poor social role of women outside of church was uniform in all the regions of these religions. Patriarchy is very much alive in all of them. My spoke diagram shows a variety of religions. The statements are also positive and negative towards patriarchy. It shows my key thinking skills by displaying quotes for all the statements. My spoke diagram could use more statements, five seems like enough, but more would be better. I think I did a great job on putting quotes for all the statements. Analyze similarities and differences in attitudes and treatment towards women in TWO of the following societies in the Classical period. Han China (206 B.C.E.–220 C.E.) Mauryan/Gupta India (320 B.C.E.–550 C.E.) Imperial Rome (31 B.C.E.–476 C.E.) or Analyze similarities and differences in methods of political control in TWO of the following empires in the Classical period. Han China (206 B.C.E.–220 C.E.) Mauryan/Gupta India (320 B.C.E.–550 C.E.) Imperial Rome (31 B.C.E.–476 C.E.) cause of the cast system and its traditions, India had more of a social code of conduct instead of rigid laws. Tradition of having local princes also was a cause of the fall of the Maurya Empire, because they made it easier to rebel against the main government During the HAN dynasty, Confucianism came back into government with high sights on education, the tradition of using the mandate of heaven ensured that the Han Empire fell by 3rd century CE. And the Qin Empire fell in a mere 20 years since he lost his mandate of heaven Confucianism taught orderly society with relationships. The tradition of bureaucracy in the Chinese government kept power in the wealthy class. * So they traveled on the Silk road and also traveled to Spain and France * All the provinces conquered by the Roman empire now were influenced to become Christians * So he wrote the gospels * So he used the Roman Roads and traveled all across the Empire, spreading the word of Christ * So they traveled on the Silk road and also traveled to Spain and France * All the provinces conquered by the Roman empire now were influenced to become Christians * So he wrote the gospels * So he used the Roman Roads and traveled all across the Empire, spreading the word of Christ Cause and Effect of the spread of Christianity Cause and Effect of the spread of Christianity Cause Effect * Christians were expelled from the Roman Empire * Theodosius made Christianity the  Roman Empire’s Official religion * St. Paul wished to make Christianity A major religion * St. Paul wanted to spread the Religion throughoutCause and Effect of the spread of Buddhism Cause and Effect of the spread of Buddhism Roman Empire Effect * His word was spread in India, but not much more than the Ganges River. * Buddhism spread even more in India, to northern India even. * The monks made the Chinese believe in Buddha * He promised himself to make up for it by spreading Buddhism by erecting stupas Effect * His word was spread in India, but not much more than the Ganges River. * Buddhism spread even more in India, to northern India even. * The monks made the Chinese believe in Buddha * He promised himself to make up for it by spreading Buddhism by erecting stupas * After Buddha’s death monks also traveled in India * Monks traveled along the Silk Road * Asoka was appalled by the bloody Battle of Kalinga Thesis: Although both Christianity and Buddhism spread along the Silk Road, Christianity moved along this trade network because of exiled Christians who were seeking a home away from the Roman Empire, whereas Buddhism spread voluntarily, with monks successfully trying to convert the Chinese. The cause and effect table lists the causes and the effects of the spread of two major religions, Buddhism and Christianity. It displays my abilities to  make connections to major effects and their causes. The table is okay. It has four causes and effects for both religions, which is not great. For Buddhism, it seems a little too focused on monks traveling to spread Buddhism. Although both China and India’s political systems were influenced by tradition, India’s caste system created no need for laws, while the qin dynasty’s legalistic system created very rigid ones. The two flowcharts show a continual effect of tradition or religion on India and China’s political systems. It displays my abilities to connect separate events into one continuous lineage of facts. The flowcharts do point out main ideas I was trying to display, but they seem a little bit incoherent at times. Buddhism and Christianity. (2016, Oct 03). We have essays on the following topics that may be of interest to you

WW1 and transition to modern America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

WW1 and transition to modern America - Essay Example on to sit in White House .He came to power in quite unconventional manner with the body of his predecessor laying besides him and he took oath right there. He came about to power in a progressive era. He also gave the foreign policy a new dimension which was previously left upon an inwardly designed pattern during the ruling days of previous presidents (Brinkley and Miller, program 18). United States of America at first stayed away from the First World War on account of its policy of isolation that it had long contained and carried since the early 19th century. Through this phase it had believed in an inward foreign policy with little interference and presence in the affairs of the global politics and happenings. This was reflected upon in the early part of the First World War. However, the second part of the World War One, forced United States of America stepping into the War. This was forced by number of events. The most prominent one in this regard was that of the indecisive and uncontrolled shelling by the German troops from across the submarines. This hit upon the American ships and vessels. The second major factor was the infamous telegram- the Zimmerman Telegram. The hostility of United States of America towards the Russia’s strength and the revolution which in turn gave rise to the socialist movement was another reason which promoted United States of America landing into the war and breaking its centuries hold custom of isolation (Divine et al,p. 775). President Woodrow Wilson was the pioneer towards breaking the shackles and introducing the American’s influence in the global affairs through a more proactive foreign policy. As a result of this mindset, the concept of 14 Points of Woodrow Wilson came about forth. This was an unprecedented form of American foreign policy in a long time. The intention of W. Wilson was to bring about global peace. It was aimed at preventing any other similar war affair in the long run. It also aimed at curtailing the