So what is the good life? A contemporary American may state that it is to have all ones material needs satisfied. But is material wealth the only path to happiness? Can a rich man who focuses solely on the goal of accumulating wealth find peace within? Certainly the good life includes things that bring one pleasure. But the good life is also finding meaning and purpose to ones life, to look at ones life introspectively. Philosophers, such as Socrates, believe that the way to the good life is to find peace and harmony in ones soul, to have compassion for fellow men, and to make virtuous decisions is the only road to the good life. That only a morally good person, who is peaceful and virtuous, has a soul that is good. To satisfy the soul, one must seek out and question the meaning of life. A person of another culture may answer that a large family and enough to eat is a life of happiness. However, some seek the good life through the misguided goal of materialism. But there is a big rift between that in which you desire and what the soul finds satisfying. Some would argue that the definition of the good life is a matter of opinion and could vary greatly between individuals or cultures. Others may search through religion, public service, or ideology of the society in which they live. All and all, the “Good” Life is a constant search for happiness. Whether it is through the American Dream, materialism, sex/appearance, or morality, the good life is a quest for one or more of these aspects. It is by ones own perception by which a good life is made; since people’s lives are dictated by there own doings and experiences.  Even though society bombards us with these conformity issues, such as the way you’re supposed to look, sound, smell, whatever, only the person who is living that life will determine whether or not something makes them happy, and regardless of the constraints of societies influence it is that person who decides if their life is good or not. The question is connected to the wide variety of lives humans actually lead. We see impulsive and contemplative ways of life, and competitive and conciliatory types. There are different neighborhoods, different parts of the country, and different cultures. Any attempt to define the good life must accommodate such variety.

Some time ago I came to realize that how we define particular words, such as success, happiness, love, desire, gratefulness, and good can have a major impact on the way in which we live our lives. If one is to acquire a good life they must take their definition and put it to good use. Don’t think about yourself souly. Work to elevate your community and not to sap up as much money and assets as you possibly can. If you are well enough off that you do have the opportunity to give back, do so. Its all tax deductable anyway right! So make the best of your life and you will see good come from it. But can a person over come greed that easily? If a situation were put in front of you that posed a morally shady situation could a regular Joe actually stand up for what was right? The answers may come at some consternation, but if you have a soul that is good you’ll make the right decisions. The only question you really have to ask yourself is how can you make life, not only for you, but for the people around you “good”?

This book gives incite on how America came to be and puts the values of most American’s into perspective at the time it was written. It is an utter history lesson focusing primarily on the American Dream. Adams eloquently puts his idea of the American Dream to the test in this book. He carry’s out a distinct perception of the foundations and claims made by our fore fathers as well as sets down principles associated with “The Dream”. He denounces materialism and explains in so many words that

thrift and hard work are becoming a thing of the past.

-“ The American Dream is that dream of a land in which life should be better, richer, and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability and achievement. It is not a Dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth and position.”-

This quote really can speak to you. It is the essence of what the Dream is all about. I really enjoyed reading the excerpt from this book. I agree full heartedly in almost all instances that the Dream is personified through work and experience and achievement rather than a get rich quick scheme of game shows and lottery winnings. It is only by this dogma that America can overcome its greed and lust for material wealth.

This is a very inspiring, sometimes sad, story about the life of Willy Loman and his family. Loman is an aging salesman who can’t really grasp the successes he once had as a young man. The novel  highlights the dysfunctional times of each member, from Willie Loman’s mental breakdown to his sons’ misadventures in football and dating. The book goes back and forth between reality and flashbacks; Loman has, further accentuating the fact that he is going insane. The message behind it is that of the American Dream.  A rather darker side of the Dream can be seen since Willy aspires and longs for success and wealth but can’t get it and his life goes down the drain. He doesn’t remember how his sons grew up and barely communicates with his wife unless its to complain about the job. His only relief is through reminiscing about past experiences with adulterous lovers and his young children. The lowly salesman tries his best to achieve the dream but as much as he tries he can’t really grasp it, because he goes about it in the wrong way. His mental illness gets out of control to the point where he kills himself intentionally in a car accident so that his family can collect his life insurance money.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a very emotional story and I gained a lot of insight on what many go through when trying to make a life for themselves and their children. You can learn a lesson if nothing else from the book, that money isn’t everything. You must leave work at work and concentrate on your family and friends at home in order to stay happy and in Willy’s case SANE! I find the authors use of language very direct, to the point and its easy to make assumption from.

This song is a blatant appeal to the materialistic view of what a good life truly is. He talks about money, cars, clothing, sex, and himself throughout the entire song. He doesn’t need to do anything special to maintain this good standing except to acquire more of the prior. “I go for mine…I got to shine” puts emphasis on the fact that now, in 2008, people are so caught up with themselves and getting what they want. With references to several automobile makers and clothing companies the song furthers the materialistic views. “Watch the money pile up..” is another suggestion that money runs things, but in actuality and with the economy like it is, people are seeing less and less money piling up. The song is a transparent manifestation of greed and bias insatiability.

I really don’t get into the whole rap genre, so the songs not so appealing to me. I can agree with Kanye that having a lot of money and cars is nice, but to what extent? I disagree with a lot of his views on what a good life is. Because having all of the money and assets in the world isn’t enough to lead or to have a good life. It all boils down to this fact.

This source is a basic inquiry into the meaning of life, and how it has become passé in a world where the mystics of religion and philosophy no longer speak to people as they once did. Luc Ferry argues that the question of the meaning of life, on which much debate throughout the centuries has rested, has not vanished, but rather is posed differently today.  Such that traditional view points and values have become not corrupted but that they have changed by further influence from various sources;  that the pressures of the secularized world reduce the idea of a “good life” to one of wealth, career goal, and prestige.  He goes on to say that we can give ourselves a better sense of life’s possibilities. Through morality and virtuous, selfless decisions one can achieve greatness in life even if monetary and fiscal wealth are not attained. With Greek philosopher’s from Aristotle, Socrates,  and Epicures’ views to new age ideas on philosophy and religion the book provides a new insight on “The Good Life”.

Of what I read, I seemed to agree with most of what the author, Luc Ferry, was saying. I found it fascinating to find out about some of the oldest views of what a good life is also. I did however think that he was being too general and a bit too finicky to the fact that the view about what a good life should be. I think that there is a more disappointing side to it than his sugar coated version. All and all I found very useful information on the subject and even though he’s some what of a no name author he writes very fluently.

I analyzed the God vs. Science debate between Francis Collins and Richard Dawkins. The debate was some what heated, with very inflammatory rhetoric, like “Christian Clowns” and “Arrogant Atheists”. It is what you would assume a debate would be like between a devout Christian and an Atheist.

Collins’ argument was for the existence of a God. He claims that science and God can coexist. Since the only aim of science is to prove what good created. He also argues for the fact of intelligent design. He in so many words said that it must be a factor because every animal fills its own niche. He also argues with Dawkins that God exists outside time and space; therefore his ways can never be truly figured out. His warrant is souly by faith.

Dawkins’ argument was against the existence of God. He thinks that science is a method of actually finding out how things in the natural world work without any attachment to a God. Science to him actually disproves the existence of God through the theory of evolution set down by Charles Darwin. He argues in several different ways, one of which was the argument for or against stem cell research, where it would be only ok for stem cell research to be performed if the cell wasn’t suffering. He goes onto say that the Christian opposition, who love there cheeseburgers by the way, kill cows in the millions, with extra suffering on the side and don’t ever speak up about that. Even though cows are creatures of Gods plan as well!

I agree fully with Dawkins’ stand on God: that there is none. Well not one that has been proved or disproved, that man calls religion into creation, for some alternative purpose. He offers damning evidence on the arguments posed by Collins, calling his rebuttals utter “cop-outs”, which I agree with. For example, Collins argument about God “making” evolution is a cop out and is discredited by Dawkins. Also I agree with what Dawkins said on page 9 “Once you buy into the position of faith, then suddenly you find yourself losing all of your natural skepticism and scientific credibility.” You can’t go around expecting to understand the way things work in the world, if you’ve got this monkey on your back. You can’t formulate opinions about natural phenomena because your answer will always come back to “God said so”.

Part 1
What is the American Dream?
Does money generate happiness?
What is considered a “good” life?
Is Utopia attainable?
Why do we develop values and beliefs?
When is it appropriate to challenge the beliefs of a society?Part 2
What is considered a “good” life?

I know that the person whose life is in question can determine a good life. It is solely up to that person what is good and what is not, but since societies are based upon consensus, for the most part, that society may have influence over what drive people to think they way they do about what is good and what isn’t when it comes to life. Many sources about the conception are available at our leisure. From the book Death of a Salesman to many of the popular and not so popular songs of today, a good life has consistently been in question. Many believe that a good life can be equated with how much money you have. Also by the amount of free time you have to spend with your family and on yourself. Being wealthy provides the person with the monetary assets to do whatever it is they want. Travel, parties, new things, shopping, and exploration are obtainable and may bring joy to people. For others a good life is constituted by the way you live. Many rely on religion and or philosophy to live a virtuous life. By living morally one can attain a “good’ life. Living by a belief system may represent a good life primarily by the decisions one makes when it comes to giving back to society whenever possible, making the right decision, and being able to accept and embrace diversity. It all boils down to what is meant by the word good. Is it a consensual matter or that of ones own choosing or both?

Part 3
This is an interesting topic to me because I see a very false perception of what living good means to most people. It makes me want to explore the issue to derive some foundation of these beliefs in American society and disprove them. This might be a rewarding topic to focus on. It also may be a difficult subject due to the obscurity of its relevance. Does everyone think the same on the issue? We will see. I hope that this study will provide an encounter with the truth about what is really “good” in our society and see if the majority of people derive their happiness from eventually obsolete material possessions or not.

Part1

• I believe people are hypocrites. Most tell you what they want you to hear and, behind closed doors, are the worst advocates of the particular practice or philosophy that they denounce.
• I believe that society is tainted by social conformity. Individualism is becoming less appreciated.
• I believe government is twisted. Relying on money and power, choices are made which go against what is in the country’s best interest.
• I believe justice comes swiftly to those who stand in its way.
• I believe knowledge is respected. It heightens credibility and allows one to make better choices.
• I believe science is the foundation of our existence. Without it we would be bumbling idiots clinging to idols.
• I believe reality is here and now. Relying on senses can make one grasp its concept.
• I believe life is beautiful, and always changing.
• I believe happiness is dictated by experiences and the types of stimulus received by the person.
• I believe goodness is varied among people. Some have more than others but all have the capability to achieve it.
• I believe death is inevitable, so make the best of your time.
• I believe God is a primal method of control thought up by man.

Part 2

“I believe god is a primal method of control.”

I never really grew up in a very religious family. I mean we occasionally went to church and such, and I was baptized, but God wasn’t an everyday thing for me. When I went to church I was always blown back by the message that this preacher guy was talking about. “SINNERS!” was said about 45 times in one of the sermons. And what I never understood was why the hell is he telling me what I can and cannot be. There is nothing you can do to escape hellfire and brimstone except confess to a priest who is likely to be gay or accept some revolutionary Jew’s philosophy. Such a vote of confidence! And, as for the Christian religion I could see a whole slue of “good and bad” sins. Why is one more shunned than the other? If getting into heaven is about accepting Christ anyone who’s anyone could get into heaven, right? Murderers, liars, homosexuals, and thieves you name it. The whole idea of God then is to scare you into thinking or acting like a particular group wants you to. You can’t see how things really work in the world because your probably stuck thinking it is how it is because “He” said so.

“I believe God exists”

God may and in fact does have a positive impact on many people. Growing up in an extremely religious, faithful environment may steer some one into having an exceptional moral/virtuous lifestyle. Believing in God creates a faithful “diehard” attitude. Church grants a social environment as well as a religious. Kids have fun and make friends in Sunday school. I did. Reading the texts and singing hems may be stepping-stones into further educational development. And learning from the stories in the Bible may teach you a lesson you could use somewhere down the line.

 PART 3

The existence of a true God has been an issue of debate since the concept of a “God” was established. Truly, there is no evidence of “His” existence yet hundreds of millions of people rely on “Him” on an everyday basis. With the concept there come holes, or unknowns, which may never be answered. Thus, these holes pose questions like: What is God? Who created God? Why did God waste “His” time on creating the universe? Why are there so many religions? Why are there so many denominations of the Christian religion and is one superior to another? If God loves us as said in all texts of the major religions why then, in some, is there a hell where human souls go to be tormented for eternity? Could God be an elaborate fairy tale that explains the unexplainable in this vast world of unexplained things?

          If God exists the only way to prove his existence is by some sort of physical proof or evidence. Existence is defined as that which consists of matter or energy. If God is not composed of these two key elements then it does not exist. If God is composed of matter and energy it is therefore subject to physical laws. If God is subject to physical laws than he cannot be all knowing or perform miracles, like parting the water of the red sea or creating our existence, since miracles, by definition, are violations of physical laws. Thus God does not exist. So why then are there those who hold true to the “fact” that there is a God. I think that people are affected by God emotionally. They are linked to the feelings and traditions associated with reading the bible (even though most Christians haven’t ever read the book!), going to church (a lot don’t do this either), and just seeing the planet as this beautiful place where they share there existence with all other living creatures and ask the question why. And the answer is based not on knowledge but on faith.

It is true that going to church or temple or mosque or wherever someone goes to pray to their God may be beneficial to some in the long run, that is, it builds social skills at a young age, teaches morals, makes one “do the right thing” when a problem arises, and gives a sense of community to all those who attend. Clinging to a God is unnecessary though because without practicing a religion or going to a holy place to pray and reflect, one can gain a sense of community, morals and values, social behavior, and common sense. Though it has been tested time and time again a devout Christian or religious person will never be swayed from the fact of God’s existence to be converted into taking a Darwinian point of view and vice versa.

One must experience and see the world for how it truly is. Ask questions and find answers other than “God said it and it was”. For if people just laid down like that to every question they had about the workings of the world we wouldn’t have a smallpox vaccine, found out that the world wasn’t really flat or that we actually revolve around the sun. We wouldn’t have started cancer research or invented abortion. We would be helpless to our surroundings and could not have been able to escape our primal backgrounds. Thus God is a man made apparition, of sorts, used by man in many different ways.

When it comes to teaching, I agree strongly with the fact that the initiative of a teacher and the way they present a subject are the underlining factors on whether their information is passed to the student or not. I can agree to an extent that race and gender do play a part in some circumstantial cases such as Afro-American studies and women studies. For example, a black teacher is better off teaching an Afro-American studies course. Would you take a Chinese man seriously if he were your Afro-American studies professor? I certainly couldn’t because deep down somewhere a part of me would think he had no idea what he was saying since he wasn’t black. The same can be said of men teaching women studies courses. Could you take them seriously? Although these vague circumstances apply to these classes the same cannot be said and should not be said of others such as science, math, history, and English. If a teacher is apt and knowing of their study in either of these classes, and they give a presentation that is fresh and exciting in its demeanor anyone could pass their class, unless of course ignorance comes to claim the student. The same can be said for a teacher ignorantly and blindly rolling into a class and thinking all the white students are idiots. I’ve had good black and white professors in my experience, all equally as talented and equally as effective.

           I write for therapy. Writing is a way to release inner feelings when all else fails. For me my greatest motivation is the therapuetic aspect of writing, although Orwell’s motives are just ones as well. Egoism may not be a motive but it sure does dictate over some of the things I write especially when it comes to poetry. When I write prose my main motivation, away from the prior, is aesthetics. Writing down how wonderful a snow fall was or beautiful a sunset is will always remind you of that moment in time when you read the passage. Political purpose seldomly drives my writing, although I do like reading bias political authors writings. I am more of a vocalized political analyst per say.