The American Enlightenment

The Start of Our Nation â€Å"Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. † Located in our United States Declaration of Independence, these are the words that were written by Thomas Jefferson. He is indeed the author of our declaration to gain independence against Great Britain. But what if these words did not come straight from Jefferson? Looking at the big picture, what if our whole constitution and government is based on ideas that were discovered, preached, and outlawed around that time? The Enlightenment Period (around the seventeenth and eighteenth century) changed the ideas of how we should create a stable and new type of government.The man that started this beloved period was named John Locke. The ideas of John Locke and the Enlightenment Period caused a few philosophers and people who were outspoken about freedoms and rights to shape the American government. Locke was raised in Britain, and across the English Channel most of Europe was not following Great Britain. Mo st governments at that time were absolute monarchies, which means the King had complete control over all of the country. What made Britain was so different was after an England Civil War. This is when the King of England, King Charles, was in disagreement with the nobles about how much power he should have.The country broke out into a civil war and the nobles, led by Oliver Cromwell, won the war and beheaded Charles (Klekowski). Seeing all this, Locke’s love for democracy was created. Living in a newly created constitutional monarchy, On the side of the nobles, Locke spoke out for a type of government that did not have the King do everything (Philosophy Timeline). He wanted all the citizens to have rights, and uphold these rights, which was not the normal thing in the time era. Locke’s ideas led him to write a book called Essay Concerning Human Understanding.In this book, he shared with the public the Social Contract Theory. This is the theory that as citizens it is th e citizen’s duty to rid yourself of the government if the government is unfair towards the citizens (Uzgalis). This belief was no surprise because that is what they did in the English Civil War. Natural Law is another theory of Locke; if you are a person, natural laws should come with being alive like free speech and religious tolerance. He also attempted to prove to the kings and churches that divine right, which means the king has right because he has holy blood nd is appointed by God, is not in the Bible at all (Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy). His quote summed everything up by saying people deserve â€Å"Life, liberty, and the right of property† (Uzgalis). His second book was titled Common Place Book, and was all about religious tolerance. Each one of his books shared his opinion and ideas on citizens rights. On his exile to England, the famous or infamous (depending where you lived) Volaire learned and studied about these books. This French philosopher, whose real name was Francois-Marie Arouet, was exiled for writing satirical comments about a rich noble in Paris.After reading Locke’s writings and studying the type of government that Great Britain had, Voltaire never quit insulting France (Shank). He spoke out about the type of rule that France had, disagreeing with how much control and rule the Catholic Church had. People had to pay money to get into heaven, and to pay for the loved ones in purgatory. He wanted religious tolerance in France and wanted religion to become separate from the government. This argument ended up being Voltaire against the French government and that is what made everything he wrote so popular.He would write plays and books in a satirical manner so they could not prosecute him. Overall, he fought against absolute monarchy and the Catholic Rule of France. Voltaire changed the way many people looked at Absolute Monarchy. If you did not read or learn about Locke’s Social Contract Theory during this Enlightenment Period, then you probably heard it from Jean-Jacques Rousseau. His books shared information covering a wide variety of subjects. He was a well rounded writer, philosopher, and scientist. A man mainly influenced by Locke, Rousseau changed the way political philosophy was looked at.He preached all the things that Locke had spoken about but focused on one thing in particular. He wanted a republic (Philosophy timeline). He wanted a fair way to live, own a buisness, and have government rule. Like Locke, Rousseau did not like an absolute monarchy and made his views known publicly. Fighting for separation of powers, he took on the government’s â€Å"one person rule† head on(Mills). His books shared information covering a wide variety of subjects. He was a well rounded writer, philosopher, and scientist. But all these philosophers were from Europe, where does America come into this?How can these men influence a country that is across the Atlantic Ocean? The Ameri can colonies had a philosopher of their own: Thomas Jefferson. And he was a genius during his time. From creating a plow to creating a macaroni noodle maker, Jefferson was doing it all (Thomas Jefferson Facts). He also worked politically, attempting to give the colonies independence from their English ruler. During this time, the English and American people were in a war. Because of the way England taxed them, the Americans fought to become a new nation. Thomas Jefferson wrote The Declaration of Independence, an article against England's rule.The ideas of Locke, Voltaire, and Rousseau filled this historic document. The start of The Declaration of Independence even begins with an Enlightenment statement: When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle the m. The words, â€Å"Course of human events† and â€Å"separate and equal station† all involve Enlightenment statements.They are using Locke’s idea that every human has a given right, and The Declaration of Independence list the rights that they have and that England has broken. Jefferson changed Locke’s original quote â€Å"Life, liberty, and the right of property† (Philosophy timeline). He liked how it showed what the citizens should fairly have. This Declaration of Independence was an important and monumental document, but the United States Constitution is what we still follow today. This document, the oldest of its kind, also followed very enlightened ideas. Within this document, Rousseau’s idea of separation of power was included.Still working today, we have three branches: The Legislative, the Executive, and the Judicial branch. Rousseau fought for that because he was against an absolute monarchy. Later on, the Bill of Rights was added on to the Constitution. The First Amendment in this Bill of Rights. Voltaire fought for Religious freedom which showed up in the First Amendment. Freedom of speech is also something Voltaire wanted. He wanted to create plays without having to worry about what the government would say. The other parts of the Bill of Rights are enlightened ideas that have branched off the ideas of these three men.These men have changed the way our country is run. Even though they were not a part of America, they took part in the Enlightenment, starting and continuing to change the way we live for all citizens. Whether it was Locke’s civil rights, or Voltaire’s religious freedom, each important idea that has come from the Enlightenment has created a government for us. It fills our government full of freedoms. Living in America, I use my rights every day, practicing my religion, speaking out about topics I believe in, and it looks like the ideas those men have shared will continue to be us ed for a lifetime.Works Cited Declaration of Independence. † The Declaration of Independence. Independence Hall Association, 4 July 1995. Web. 05 Apr. 2012. Delany, James J. â€Å"Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. † Rousseau, Jean-JacquesA. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 21 Oct. 05. Web. 03 Apr. 2012. â€Å"Facts on Thomas Jefferson. † – Inventions, Quotes and Fun Facts. American History. Web. 03 Apr. 2012. â€Å"Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. † Locke, JohnA []. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 17 Apr. 2001. Web. 02 Apr. 2012. Klekowski, Libby. â€Å"CHARLES I, PARLIAMENT, AND THE ENGLISH CIVIL WAR. England's Civil War. The Connecticut River. Web. 10 Apr. 2012. Mills, Kelly T. â€Å"Teaching Issues: Rousseau. † American Historical Association. Historians. org. Web. 05 Apr. 2012. â€Å"Philosophy Timeline. † Enlightenment Philosophy. Cengage Learning. Web. 01 Apr. 2012. Shank, J. B. â€Å"Voltaire. † (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Web. 09 Apr. 2012. THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION. † U. S. CONSTITUTION. United States Government. Web. 05 Apr. 2012. Uzgalis, William. â€Å"John Locke. † Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Standford. Web. 11 Apr. 2012.

Fame and Celebrities: The Relation

I think Steve Jobs is a great example of someone who has fame but is not a celebrity. In the essay Epstein asserts how fame is something one earns through achievements and talents while celebrity does not require talent or achievement at all. Epstein uses Ted Williams as an example of fame because † he wished to be famous but had no interest in being a celebrity. † Ted Williams wanted to be known for being â€Å"the greatest pure hitter who ever lived,† he cared more about how he performed on the field rather than signing autographs and making himself look good to others.Although not as famous as a baseball player, Just like Ted Williams a great example of someone who has fame Is Steve Jobs. Mostly everyone knows Steve Jobs as the Apple guy and for the great products he has made, these products not only has gave him success but also gave him fame. Unlike most people who are famous Steve Jobs is not a celebrity, he became famous for his Innovative Intelligence in cr eating computers and gadgets that most people In today's society need.Steve was not In It to be a celebrity, Just Like Ted Williams, he wanted to be known for his reactions and for his achievements, he focused more Into making each product a little better than the previous to please his consumers rather than making them to be known for it. I think It Is Important to recognize or seek fame rather than seek being a celebrity because as said by Epstein, fame Is earned for achieving something or being highly talented at something one does. While you can be a celebrity for doing nothing, for example being passed down by generation Like If your parents are celebrates you are more likely to be a celebrity.People should care more for people who are talented and achieve something rather than worship someone for being rich Just Like most celebrities out there. Fame and Celebrities: The Relation By habiting example of someone who has fame is Steve Jobs. Mostly everyone knows Steve Jobs has gav e him success but also gave him fame. Unlike most people who are famous Steve Jobs is not a celebrity, he became famous for his innovative intelligence in creating computers and gadgets that most people in today's society need.Steve was not in it to be a celebrity, Just like Ted Williams, he wanted to be known for his creations and for his achievements, he focused more into making each product a I think it is important to recognize or seek fame rather than seek being a celebrity because as said by Epstein, fame is earned for achieving something or being highly example being passed down by generation like if your parents are celebrities you are and achieve something rather than worship someone for being rich Just like most

The New Narcissism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The New Narcissism - Essay Example In his view, the structure has gradually come to be prime psychological diagnosis in contemporary life. Lasch expresses that most of modern societies tend to recognize individuals based on a hierarchical relationship that is usually expressed as in form of symbols such as material wealth and a self-indulgent lifestyle. In these societies, relationship to other is therefore based and determined by the ability to compete with others on acquiring these symbols. Consequently, these societies regard personality as a means to fostering communication as well as breeding callous competition. Similarly, due to the fact that every person in these societies is focused on acquiring the relationship symbols, most actions done are usually ignored irrespective of their legality thereby conforming to the Narcissist traits of neuroticism, passive aggressiveness or obsession to a point of being a bully or an opportunist (Lasch). Another theme that is clearly presented in Lasch’s idea of narcissism in the society is that pertaining to disregard of the elderly within contemporary narcissist societies. This is possibly because such societies tend to perceive ageing as a sign of weakness in the competition that exists within such societies. The same case also applies to those having ill health. Their vast knowledge and wisdom of life is similarly ignored or is considered irrelevant, which is a pathway to their isolation within the society. In other words, such a culture tends to undervalue old experience and instead places more emphasis on physical strength and agility such that their definition of productivity exclude the old generation (Lasch). Lasch also presents another issue of the perception of women by men in these new narcissists’ societies. He presents that most women have come to resent men perhaps sue to the constant discrimination that the

Read the instruction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Read the instruction - Essay Example I always thought that piano concerts were boring without any other background music because I like some other instruments. I liked the first few pieces of music that were played. The composer for these pieces was Liszt. I did not know any of the pieces but I did like listening to them. Overall there was seven musical pieces from Liszt. My most favorite piece from this guy was the very first one. It felt a little bit upbeat compared with all of his other pieces. All of his pieces were played in reverse order from when he composed them. Perhaps the reason why I liked the first one was because it was the most modern. I dont really enjoy those old styles of music because I like music to have more of a beat to it. The next three pieces of music were from three different composers. I did not really know any of them, but I recognized that the styles of music were the same. That era of piano music has a distinct style that even someone like me, with very little musical background, can pick up on. After these three pieces of music, there was a short break. This gave everyone time to go outside and take the mind off music. When I came back into the hall, there was only music from one composer for the rest of the evening: Frederic Chopin. I had heard of this name before somewhere because I think this guy is quite famous, but I didnt really know any of his music. There was four main pieces from him, but the third one was played many different times in a number of minor and major keys. It was interesting to listen to the same song played many different ways. By the sixth one, I could pick up the small differences between all of the styles. After Chopins music was finished, the evening ended. I did like this concert because although the music was from the same era, there were many different styles from all of the composers. I now appreciate the effect that these composers had on music, specifically the piano. Next time I would like to hear some different music so that

Summary Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Summary - Case Study Example The main issues that are addressed as far as the issue of insurance is concerned are the aspects of provision of healthcare especially on the emergency department and the provision of emergency services. This research established that up to 40% decline in the emergency department visits as well as a 61% decrease in the inpatient admissions was attributable to the lack of insurance cover. This paper borrows from other research work in order to establish credibility and coherence with the findings from other works. Some of the findings have indicated that up to a quarter of all the young adults in the United States were confronted with lack of health insurance at this stage. The use of healthcare facilities has also been strongly linked with the subscription to medical insurance services. The individuals that have the cover have the highest propensity to consume health services. This means that the unsecured would have adopted a different healthcare scheme if they had a healthcare insurance cover. This paper explores the quasi-experimental status that results to variations in the status of insurance services depending on the strategies that are utilized by the insurers in ensuring that the dependents are eligible for the insurance services. The research to establish these variations was based on records obtained from California, Arizona, Iowa, New Jersey, and Wisconsi n for the emergency department. On the other hand, the records for hospital admission were obtained from hospitals in the above areas plus also Texas. In the attempt to establish the health insurance variations, data was gathered from various centers. This data was mainly obtained from the National Health Interview Survey, the inpatient hospitalization records, and administrative records relating to emergency department records. The obtained data was related to a model in order to demonstrate the relationship between the utilization of care and the provision of health insurance. The model

Understanding of Strategic Planning In Effective Business Essay

Understanding of Strategic Planning In Effective Business - Essay Example For the success of any business organisation, it is vital to have a proper and complete strategic plan defining the decisions, allocation of capital, resources and manpower required for the decision making and proper functioning of all of its departmental areas. Depending on the types of business, methodologies have to be accordingly adopted which may include divisions and sub-divisions within an organisation like research and development, manufacturing, procurement, marketing etc. with organisation and support services by the management, marketing, clerical, information technology, stores and despatch, accounts, personnel and time-keeping and workshop and other required infrastructure along with their relevant staff. Background to Strategic Planning Usually based and depending upon the feasibility of each individual business set-up, strategic planning differs in their approaches. The most typical amongst these approaches is the three stages: â€Å"Situation† evaluation of current state and future state scenarios, â€Å"Target† defining of the detailed goals and objections, and lastly the â€Å"Path† indicating the route for attaining the targeted goals and objectives. Another popular approach is the â€Å"Draw† stage in which the image and targeted end goal and objective are visualised, then comes the â€Å"See† stage where comparisons are made between the likely positive and negative extreme that could be encountered in any given situations, and finally the â€Å"Plan† stage where all the required resources are considered for the activation of a business. In general, and as a standard practice being utilised by a number or newly setting up businesses, proper strategic planning for business should be consistent of the following points: A clear VISION setting the businesses mission statement Detailed ANALYSIS of the approach towards the desired end goals and objectives A FORMULA defining the line of actions to reach the desired end goals and objectives A proper and workable IMPLEMENTATION plan according to the agreed upon line of actions Proper CONTROL to ensure and monitor that the correct implementation process is working according to the laid-down plans Assertions For the success of any strategic planning in a business, input of internal and external analysis are necessary to be considered during the development of strategies to identify opportunities, threats, including the possible changing of unforeseen environmental situations which would effect trade and commerce relationships with customers and its likely impact on a business. An analytical consideration of the existing competition and the likely possible future competition has also to be taken into account to ensure that a business could continue to exist and flourish even under the most severely challenging market conditions prevailing at any given period of time. Arguments It is a universally accepted practice to have a strategic plan defining goals, objectives and targets to achieve positive end goals and objectives through a definitive roadmap. Accordingly policies, tactics based on legally correct rules and regulations and actions with clarity are implemented. The correct stepping stones towards eventual success should start with the sequencing of goals from short term to medium term to long term, thus creating a climbable stairway to the future. A mission statement therefore, is necessary as a vital tool in the strategic plan because without a time-frame it visualises the identity of a business, what it represents and where its stands in the future. Counter Argument Realistically the main reasons for the failure of strategic plans can be based on its being incorrect or inappropriate and/or its poor implementation. The reasoning behind incorrect or inappropriate strategy planning can be one or in combination with each

Money and Banking Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Money and Banking - Assignment Example Money supply as defined by Fed does not include bank reserves. It only includes such money that may be used for exchanging goods and services. On the other hand, demand deposits and all other cash which can be used for transactions are included in the money supply.  The money supply in the form of loans is in the form of cash. so, money supply in cash is equal to the number of loans.   STRONG DOLLAR: strong dollar happens when U.S. dollar increases to a level with respect to any other currency which has a high rate of exchange for other currency which is relative to the dollar. WEAK DOLLAR: Weak dollar occurs when U.S. dollar falls to a level with respect to another currency that possesses high exchange rates for other currency that is relative to the dollar. INTEREST RATE POLICY AND DOLLAR STRENGTH: The interest rate policy affects the strength and weakness of the dollar to a great extent. An increase in interest rate will increase the demand for the dollar so that more investments can be made in U.S. assets. Thus the value of the dollar will also increase. Increase in value means strong dollar. Thus, the dollar will get stronger with higher interest rates. On the other hand, the lower the interest rates, the weaker will be the dollar due to the same reason. DOLLAR EXCHANGE RATE:   If we analyze the exchange rate of Dollar with respect to major countries Broad Index, we see that in January 2009, the dollar exchange rate was 89.5039 which reduced to 80.3001 by the end of September 2011. The decrease was gradual and consistent. However, the exchange rate rises initially till March 2009 after which it started falling. It was 77.83 by the end of July 2011. However, it rises in August and September and reaches to 80.3001 in September 2011. EFFECT OF DOLLAR STRENGTH/ WEAKNESS ON CONSUMERS, BUSINESS AND ECONOMY: The exchange rate analysis of dollar for the past two years reveals that the dollar is continually weakening. This weakness will affect all the consumers and businesses and will also have impacts on the economy of the country. The economists are of the view that weak dollar will affect every aspect of the economy. The prices of consumers clothing, electronic, the rates of mortgages and job markets will all be affected by the dollar value. The weakness in dollar value also asserts an increase in oil prices. This increase will definitely affect the producers. Their production costs will rise. Consequently, the producers will increase the prices of consumer goods. This will affect consumers and thus, the whole economy would be affected. the weakness of dollar will also affect some other currencies. This is due to the reason that as the dollar got weaker and weaker; the investors will tend to search for some other currencies to which are relatively stable as compared to Dollar. This will increase the demand for other currencies and decrease in the demand for the dollar. Consequently, the interest rate will tend to decrease. This will affect the deposits of individuals and businesses in the banks. Finally, this will again have an impact on the whole economy.

Entrepreneur Interview & Personal Analysis Essay

Entrepreneur Interview & Personal Analysis - Essay Example ries have been put forward including psychological theories which try to explain the mental perceptions of entrepreneurs as helping to explain why and how they do business. Most of these theories have majored in personal traits and perceive entrepreneurs as having some unique traits from those of the non-entrepreneurs, while other think of someone’s background as being a significant contributor to doing business (Locke, 2000, pp.23-34). Others have looked at it from the locus of control point of view. An entrepreneur is also perceived to be a risk taker because from these risks, he or she reaps benefits that come with opportunities taken (Shane, 2000, pp.448 – 469). Researches carried out in the recent past have mainly addressed issues to do with macro-level environmental forces when it comes to entrepreneurship. The individual decision-making processes of entrepreneurs and how they have internally perceived what they do on a micro-level has not received much attention. What most scholars concur with is the fact that good economic conditions do encourage successful entrepreneurship and should thus be promoted if growth of businesses taking up various opportunities need to be realized. These issues will be addressed in the paper based on the information gathered from Jane Norvak as the entrepreneur in this case study or interview. 2.0 Evaluation of the entrepreneur Jane indicated that she has been in business for three years now and she started it while she was 23 years of age. This actually falls within the most active group of youths. The business is Norvak Beauty and Parlour where she deals with many customers who come for the beauty services and cosmetics. She also said that her family members are not in business since they are employed in various professions.... Jane indicated that she has been in business for three years now and she started it while she was 23 years of age. This actually falls within the most active group of youths. The business is Norvak Beauty and Parlour where she deals with many customers who come for the beauty services and cosmetics. She also said that her family members are not in business since they are employed in various professions. This puts to question whether family background determines if one becomes an entrepreneur or not (Norvak, 2011). When asked why she chose to set up a business instead of looking for employment in the white collar job sector, she said that she preferred doing business because this gave her a sense of independence and control over her affairs. She talked of being an outgoing person who loves life and would not want to be pressured for what she has not done or what she has to do (Norvak, 2011). This seems to be in line with the argument that most entrepreneurs are motivated by the need for independence and achievement of personal goals in life. The statement also is in line with the theory of locus of control whereby an entrepreneur holds a belief in the personal abilities to start and finish things through individual actions without being supervised. She said that the business gives her personal satisfaction and she thus loves what she is doing (Collins, et al., 2000).

Compare and contrast the development of the colonists of Virginia, the Essay

Compare and contrast the development of the colonists of Virginia, the Puritans of Massachusetts, and the Native Americans of th - Essay Example Following that was persecution of the confessed puritans which led to their migration in escape of death. Back home in England, the church had big influence on the on people way of life and the diplomatic matters towards governance. So, when they settled in, they aggressively practiced their faith regardless of the say of the welcoming Indian inhabitants. The churches were started in New England, spread all through to Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Hampshire among others. The church leaders and the ministers were selected based on electorate method by all. â€Å"American Puritans could form churches with their owner will, in which they chose priest by themselves and they managed by themselves. There was no rigid hierarchy in church.† (â€Å"Review of European,† 150). The puritans had long desired to rule themselves and with time, the church popular concept based on their democratic free will spread across to other settlers; which led to the embrace of democracy in A merica today. The Indian Americans, for a long time had a different social structure of leadership more embraced on monarchy. A chief leader referred to as ‘sagamore’, directed the Indian people in various tribes, enforcing governance from within. If there was no son or the son was not old enough, then the widow was allowed to rule. â€Å"The right to rule (power and respect) came primarily from inheritance although some significant accomplishment or assertiveness by a warrior, for example, could qualify him to be a sagamore.† (â€Å"Narrative: Three Indian,†). This was arbitrary ignored by the white settler whose influential religious believes had sunk deep in Massachusetts. The puritans came in with the structured electoral rule while the Indians were ruled under monarchial system. Differences in cultures: The puritans’ women played no role in church and governance. All the important decisions were made by the clergy who were singly men. They had made their religious faith their culture and every action they deed had a supportive reason rooted in their faith. In the mid 16th century after the Europeans had settled they opened schools and colleges so as to promote education for every individual. Their strong motive was to enable everyone read the Bible as a plot to raise and ensure growth in Christianity. Puritans strictly followed the Bible doctrines and were keen to every little social detail. They marked the Bible as the peak book that contains right guide that can free a man from the trouble of sin that he entered in. They instilled education in schools and colleges something that the woodland Indian communities never implied to. A review of the European study reveals that â€Å"Puritans formed the first formal school in1635, which was called the Roxbury Latin School. Four years later, in 1639, the first American College –Harvard College was established.† ( 151). All this would later enforce Christianity and civilization; a literate population in the North. The American Indians instead lived in assembled families in dispersed villages and at times would meet for festivals at different season. It was a tribe who practiced fishing, hunting and gathering. Women would gather while men hunt wild animals for food and fur for trading. Native