An overview of Civil disobedience

An overview of Civil disobedience At the beginning of â€Å"Civil Disobedience,† Thoreau expresses agreement with the idea â€Å"that government is best which governs least†. When carried to its logical conclusion, this concept leads to the realization â€Å"that government is best which governs not at all†. Thoreau believes government is the mode people have chosen to affect their will and is apt to be exploited before the people can act through it. Whatever the government assumes or promises, Thoreau argues, it does not keep a country free and it does not educate. He claims that all good that has been accomplished in America has been done not by the government, but by the people. He also argues that further accomplishments may have been reached if the government had not interfered. Thoreau states that as a reasonable citizen, he does not ask for no government at all, but an improved government. The first step in improving a government is for the people to identify what kind of government would earn their respect and loyalty. The problem is that not every individual has a say in how the government should perform, and many do not have the respect or even acknowledgement from the government. The majority can rule simply because it is more physically powerful, and the minority has essentially no say in shaping law. To Thoreau, a government based on majority rule is not based on justice. He asks, â€Å"Should an individual citizen have to resign his conscience to the legislator?† If this is so, why would a person even have a conscience? Thoreau states that we should be men first and subjects later. It is not desirable to develop a high opinion of the law, so much as for justice and right. For an individual to do what he thinks is right is the only duty which one has the right to assume. Thoreau makes a good argument; a group on its own has no conscience. However, a group of conscientious people is a conscientious group. Thoreau claims that when the people have respect for an undeserving government, the only natural result is that the people will be following the law against their wills, against their common sense, and against their conscience. So, Thoreau asks, are these people men at all? He states, â€Å"A wise man will only be useful as a man, and will not submit to be clay†. Thoreau states that most men do recognize the right of revolution when a government’s tyranny or inefficiency are sufficiently great and unendurable. When most of a country is unjustly overrun, then this is the time for honest individuals to rebel and revolt. Thoreau refers to voting as â€Å"a game†. He states that a person votes as he thinks is right, but that he is not necessarily bothered by whether or not his belief – his vote – is successful. The people, he believes, seem to be willing to leave this to the majority. Thoreau argues that a real wise man would not take the risk of what is right not prevailing and would also realize that there is not much virtue in the action of the mass. But as far as real men go, Thoreau believes that they are few and rare. He makes this clear in this essay; â€Å"How many men are there to a square thousand miles in the country? Hardly one.† Thoreau believes that there are few real people, it seems, because we are hypocritical, inconsistent, and weak in our beliefs. He claims that many disapprove of the nature of the government but continue to support it. Such people, he argues, should be resisting the government. An individual cannot genuinely be content when he knows he is consciously being cheated or deceived. Thoreau believes that instead of obeying rules one knows to be unjust, the individual should attempt to alter those laws. He suggests that the power of governmental control is what causes people to perceive resistance as worse than obedience. The government and the mass do not seem to be aware of or appreciate the wise minority who would push for reform, and those who choose to resist are punished and humiliated. Most people would rather wait until the majority agrees that laws should be revised via traditional process than to resist. Thoreau argues that if a government expects an individual to follow and carry out injustice, then that government is not one that should be followed. He makes a very good claim by saying that when one is under a government which unjustly imprisons people, then prison would be the appropriate place for a true, just individual. Thoreau evidently believes that an individual should not follow laws which he or she believes to be unjust. He states, â€Å"Know all men by these presents, that I, Henry Thoreau, do not wish to be regarded as a member of any society which I have not joined.† He declares that a real man would find it less confining to be locked up in a prison cell knowing that he was doing what is right, rather than living â€Å"free† in a society while obeying laws he believes to be wrong. Thoreau tries to make it clear at the end of the essay that he does not hate the idea of government, but that it is in dire need of major improvement, and that it should only be followed if it is just and if it has the consent of those who it governs. He states that the state will never be progressive and free until it recognizes the individuals, rather than the mass, and respects them accordingly.

Middle East in world affairs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Middle East in world affairs - Essay Example e who have sacrificially dedicated their lives into trying to bring resolutions between the Israelis and the Palestinians through the use of non violent measures. The film is a close look at the constant growing foundations of the peace movements among the Israelis and the Palestinians (Kuriansky 66). It is in general a replication of the various conflicts surrounding the equal parties. The exploration of the lives of both the Israelis and the Palestinians into the numerous citizens’ lives in both areas has created this symmetry. This is the occurrence of the various lives that have constantly been hurt by the loss of the citizens and have considered the side of peace in order to resolve conflict. The fact that the Israelis and the Palestinians have chosen peace over revenge creates a pact of proper symmetry between the two parties thus inculcating a value of the grass roots of the two communities. The film in itself creates a factor that does not involve the politicians since what the politicians have, is easily blown away but what they have in place as a community is of value and is thus held close to their lives to avoid slipping aw ay from them. This film thus stands as a documentary that reverberates to show and interview ordinary people who achieve peace on both sectors. For instance in the movie, Robi Damelin, a mother who has got an Israeli origin has lost her son and reckons together with Ali Abu Awwad, a Palestinian (Kuriansky 230). This Palestinian has also lost a brother and several other members of the family and thus they connect. The social aspect of both parties is seen to come out strong in the lives of the two parties and is an inspiring story. The film is void of subjectivity and incorporates both communities equally without discrimination of one party. These are citizens who are working together for the everyday living towards peace away from destruction. The other factor of the constant dialogues between the communities creates symmetry.

Revise Persuasive Speech Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Revise Persuasive Speech - Essay Example In this regard, I seek to demystify an understanding of the BOTOX procedure; the serious side effects posed by the procedure, and create awareness reiterating that BOTOX injections are harmful to one’s health. III. Today I would like to enlighten you in understanding the BOTOX procedure; the serious side effects posed by the procedure, and create awareness reiterating that BOTOX injections are harmful to one’s health. 1. The term BOTOX refers to a purified type of botulinum that is a neurotoxin. Evidently, the neurotoxin when injected results to a medical situation called botulism. In this regard, it is normally injected in small amounts so as to relax the facial muscles and minimize wrinkles. 3. In this regard, scientific information indicates that a single gram of BOTOX could result to the death of as much as one million people. On the other hand, a couple of kilos could result to the total wipeout of all humanity as we know it. B. According to the medication guide of the Food and Drug Administration, it states that BOTOX may cause serious side effects that can be life threatening. These include difficulty in breathing or swallowing and spread of toxin effects. Moreover, the effect of botulinum toxin may affect areas of the body away from the injection site and cause symptoms of a serious condition called botulism. These evidently include loss of strength and muscle weakness all over the body, double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, hoarseness or loss of voice, loss of bladder control among others. 2. Moreover, according to the New York Post in December 16th 2013, Gwyneth Paltrow was quoted in an interview that, â€Å" I won’t do BOTOX again, because I looked crazy. I looked like Joan Rivers!† Also in another confession, the queen of BOTOX, Nicole Kidman admitted that, â€Å"I did try BOTOX, unfortunately, but I got out of it and now I can finally move my face again.† Such shocking confessions and lamentation just further

Midlife Crisis: Myth? :: essays research papers fc

Midlife Crisis: Myth? Imagine being forty or fifty and asking yourself questions like: What have I done all of my life? Why am I sitting behind a desk? And what am I doing driving a 1994 Grand Am, when I could be driving a BMW z3? Then you come home and your partner says, "Honey, I set up and appointment for you to see Dr. Sherwood." and you reply "What for?" Going through some a midlife transaction is common in men. From having symptoms, then coping with it, and getting professional help. In movies like: "Father of the Bride II† and "American Beauty" going through a midlife crisis is glamorized, although in real life it is very painful and not as fun and not near as funny. But is it all a myth, a made up story? Piotr Oles defines, â€Å"The midlife crisis as†¦significant change in the self and †¦men entering middle age. William Pollack, Ph.D., a psychologist at Harvard Medical School and co-director of the Center for Men at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts, states that â€Å"All men go through a midlife transition†¦but only some go through a midlife crisis† (O’Connor). Symptoms usually occur in men between the ages of 40 and 50. After all the children have grown up and left the house to pursue their own live, men feel like they are left behind (O’Connor). Now it is only he and his wife, with feelings that their child may soon be taking care of them. Then it becomes common to wake up in the middle of the night and wonder to yourself, â€Å"Is there any more to life than this† (Adler). Toni Bernay, Ph.D., a Beverly Hills, psychologist concluded: The things that had kept them working and kept the passion going are coming to and end. Their spouses don’t seem as interesting to them as they once did, and they’re facing years where all there is going to be is him and her (Adler). A story in â€Å"Geriatrics† talked about one man’s experiences with midlife crisis and how he, â€Å"gained recent notoriety in the local newspaper when he was arrested for driving under the influence and lost his license† (Samuels). Drinking is another symptom of a midlife crisis or how Gail H. O’Connor put it, â€Å"You become a happy-hour regular†. According to Steven Samuels, â€Å"About one in eight older adults have a problem related to alcohol abuse.

Ar Rahman Awards

Rahman was the 1995 recipient of the Mauritius National Award and the Malaysian Award for contributions to music. [90] He was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for his first West-End production. A four-time National Film Award winner and recipient of six Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, fifteen Filmfare Awards and thirteen Filmfare Awards South for his music and scores. [1] He has been conferred Kalaimamani from the Government of Tamil Nadu for excellence in the field of music, special music achievement awards from the Government of Uttar Pradesh and Government of Madhya Pradesh and thePadma Shri from the Government of India. 91] In 2006, he received an honorary award from Stanford University for contributions to global music. [92] In 2007, Rahman was entered into the Limca Book of Records as â€Å"Indian of the Year for Contribution to Popular Music†. [93] He is the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient from the Rotary Club of Madras. [94] In 2009, for his score of Slum dog Millionaire, Rahman won the Broadcast Film Critics Association Award, the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score,[95] the BAFTA Award for Best Film Music, and two Academy Awards for Best Original Music Score and Best Original Song at the 81st Academy Awards.Rahman has received honorary doctorates from Middlesex University and Aligarh Muslim University. [96][97] Later the year Rahman was conferred the honorary doctorate from Anna University in Chennai. [98] He has also won two Grammy Awards, for Best Compilation Soundtrack Album and Best Song Written for a Visual Media. [99] Rahman was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honor, in 2010. 100] Rahman's work for the film 127 Hours garnered him Golden Globe, BAFTA, and two Academy Award nominations for Best Original Music Score and Best Original Song in 2011. [101][102][103] He is an Honorary Fellow of the Trinity College of Music, presented to him by Trinity College London. [104] On 7 May 2012, he was confe rred Honorary Doctorate from the Miami University, Ohio. During the acceptance speech, he mentioned that he received a Christmas card from the US President's family and an invitation for the dinner at White House. [105]

Essay The Civil War - 494 Words

The Civil War The Civil War is acknowledged as the greatest war in American history. Known as The War that Never Ended. Nearly three million fought, and 600,000 died. It was the only war fought on American soil by Americans, and for that reason we have always been fascinated with The Civil War. On April 12, 1861, at 4:30 AM, Confederates under General Pierre Beauregard opened fire upon Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina with the use of 50 cannons. The Civil War began. The Civil War lasted 4 years, from 1861 until 1865. The Civil War has been called the first modern war by many historians. The Civil War was caused by an endless amount of conflicting forces, principles, and prejudices, instigated by sectional differences and†¦show more content†¦The American Revolution had been fought to validate the idea that all men were created equal, but slavery was legal in all of the thirteen colonies. Eventually its existence came to color every aspect of American life. A new president, Abraham Lincolns inaugural address was at once firm. He decided it would be best to wait to broach the subject of slavery and compel the southern states to come back into the Union. The War began. The North seemed to have a greater advantage, they were backed up by the President. Lincoln, however, didnt have the type of power a President in our time does. Lincoln faced extreme hardships and pressures. George Thomas, from Virginia proved to be one of the Union armys steadiest and most competent field commanders. President Abraham Lincoln numbered members of his wifes family among his secessionist antagonists and John C. Pemberton, of Philadelphia, also helped Lincolns crusade. Stonewall Jackson was well known, even at the time, as an eccentric and a strict follower of the rules. He fought with General William Loring in Western Virginia and had reason to arrest A.P. Hill for violating marching regulations. John Bell Hood was arrested and threatened with court-martial after 2nd Bull Run when he refused to turn over ambulances his men had captured to General Nathan Evans. The troops under the command of Braxton Bragg despised him and his generals deified him when he failed to follow upShow MoreRelatedThe War Of The Civil War921 Words   |  4 PagesThere are no doubts that acts of war can have a negative impact on the individuals involved. There are countless stories of the soldiers’ experiences in the war, and how it affected their lives, families, and attitudes. However, there is a large demographic that is hardly accounted for: children, specifically during the Civil War era. Understanding the children that lived in the time of the Civil War is imp ortant because it affected their future careers, shaped their attitudes towards race, and affectedRead MoreCivil War And A Revolution1196 Words   |  5 Pagesthat a civil war is going on there. On the other hand, others argue that it is a revolution against oppression that has been brutally responded to. Evaluating the situation in Syria requires solid understanding of specific terms of a civil war and a revolution. Also, is there a general consensus on what a civil war or a revolution is? Can the situation in Syria simply be classified into one of these two? The first important thing to know is that there is no single definition of a civil war that historiansRead MoreThe War Of The Civil War964 Words   |  4 Pageswasn’t one sole cause of the Civil War but there were many events that took the country to war and put brother against brother and states against states. Abraham Lincoln wanted to preserve the union and that could only be attained by civil war. Slavery which was an underlying cause for the war played its role in the division that divided the North against the South. Ultimately the preservation of the union, slavery and the consequences and conflicts leading to the Civil War all rested on President Lincoln’sRead MoreThe War Of The Civil War1522 Words   |  7 PagesCosts The war produced about 1,030,000 casualties, including about 620,000 soldier deaths—two-thirds by disease, and 50,000 civilians. The war accounted for roughly as many American deaths as all American deaths in other U.S. wars combined. Based on 1860 census figures, 8% of all white males aged 13 to 43 died in the war, including 6% in the North and 18% in the South. Union army dead, amounting to 15% of the over two million who served, was broken down as follows: Notably, their mortality rateRead MoreThe War Of The Civil War1540 Words   |  7 PagesOver the course of the Civil War, approximately three million men (and a handful of women disguised as men) served in the armed forces. By comparison, before the war, the U.S. Army consisted of only about 16,000 soldiers. The mobilization that took place over the four years of the war touched almost every extended family North and South and affected the far reaches of the country that had split in two. By war’s end, approximately 620,000 men had died, an estimate that is currently undergoing scrutinyRead MoreThe War Of The Civil War777 Words   |  4 PagesThe widespread violence that turned into the Civil War began with the election of 1860. Abraham Lincoln won the election of 1860 without a single vote from the states below the Ohio River. South Carolina was the first state to respond to Li ncoln’s election. On December 20, 1680, South Carolina seceded from the Union. South Carolina was the first of the â€Å"Original Seven† who seceded from the Union, including Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas. This became known as â€Å"secessionRead MoreThe War Of The Civil War1039 Words   |  5 PagesThe civil war is by far the bloodiest war in American history. In the four deadly years of war, over six-hundred thousand Americans were killed. Many disputes that led to the civil war. These conflicts started under President James Buchanan who was a Democrat elected in the election of 1856. The issue of slavery, states’ rights, the abolitionist movement, the Southern secession, the raid on Harper’s Ferry, the election of Abraham Lincoln all contributed to the start of the civil war. The civil warRead MoreThe War Of The Civil War Essay1444 Words   |  6 PagesThe story of this outlaw originated during the Civil War years, Apr il 12,1861-May 9, 1865. The War were the rich sat and watched, while the poor died. A War that wanted to keep black people as slaves permanently by the South (Confederates). Newton Knight quickly grew unhappy with the situation that the people of Jones County, where he was originally from were in. He also did not approved of slavery at all. Newt was the Outlaw who freed Jones County s people, whites and blacks alike when they mostRead MoreThe War Of The Civil War1284 Words   |  6 PagesEnglish 30 January 2015 The Civil War There are many facts most people generally do not know about the Civil War, so much research is needed to improve one’s knowledge about the Civil War. Authors such as: Robert G. Lambert, Rustle B. Olwell, and Kay A. Chick were all helpful in this research. Many people think that everyone on the Union side of the war believed that blacks should be equal to whites. Most people also think that everyone on the Confederate side of the war believed in slavery. SomeRead MoreThe War Of The Civil War1723 Words   |  7 PagesThe Civil War is by far the bloodiest war in American history. In the four deadly years of war, over six-hundred thousand Americans were killed. Many disputes that led to the civil war. These conflicts started even before the presidency of James Buchanan, who was a Democrat elected in the election of 1856. The issue of slavery, states’ rights, the abolitionist movement, the Southern secession, the raid on Harper’s Ferry, the election of Abraham Linc oln all contributed to the start of the Civil War

Marie Antoinette, Queen Executed in French Revolution

Marie Antoinette (born Maria Antonia Josepha Joanna von Ãâ€"sterreich-Lothringen; November 2,  1755–October 16,  1793) was the queen of France, executed by guillotine during the French Revolution. She is most known for supposedly saying Let them eat cake, although the French quote translates more precisely as, Let them eat brioche, and there is no proof that she said this. She was reviled by the French public for her lavish spending. Until her death, she  supported the monarchy against reforms and against the French Revolution. Fast Facts: Marie Antoinette Known For:  As the queen of Louis XVI, she was executed during the French Revolution. She is often quoted as saying, Let them eat cake (there is no proof of this statement).Also Known As:  Maria Antonia Josepha Joanna von Ãâ€"sterreich-LothringenBorn:  November 2, 1755  in Vienna (now in Austria)Parents: Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor, and Austrian Empress Maria TheresaDied:  October 16, 1793 in Paris, FranceEducation: Private palace tutors  Spouse: King Louis XVI of FranceChildren: Marie-Thà ©rà ¨se-Charlotte, Louis Joseph Xavier Franà §ois, Louis Charles, Sophie Hà ©là ¨ne Bà ©atrice de FranceNotable Quote: I am calm, as people are whose consciences are clear. Early Life and Marriage to Louis XVI Marie Antoinette was born in Austria, the 15th of 16 children born to Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor, and Austrian Empress Maria Theresa. She was born on the same day as the famous earthquake of Lisbon. From birth, she lived the life of wealthy royalty, educated by private tutors in music and languages. As with most royal daughters, Marie Antoinette was promised in marriage in order to build a diplomatic alliance between her birth family and the family of her husband. Her sister Maria Carolina was married to Ferdinand IV, King of Naples, for similar reasons. In 1770 at age 14, Marie Antoinette married the French dauphin Louis, grandson of Louis XV of France. He ascended the throne in 1774 as Louis XVI. Life as Queen Marie Antoinette was welcomed in France at first. Her charisma and lightness contrasted with the withdrawn and uninspiring personality of her husband. After her mother died in 1780, she became more extravagant, which led to growing resentment. The French were also suspicious of her ties to Austria and her influence on King Louis XVI in attempting to foster policies friendly to Austria. Marie Antoinette, formerly welcomed, became vilified for her spending habits and her opposition to reforms. The 1785–1786 Affair of the Diamond Necklace further discredited her and reflected poorly on the monarchy. In this scandal, she was accused of having an affair with a cardinal in order to obtain a costly diamond necklace. After an initial slow start at the expected role of child-bearer—her husband apparently had to be coached in his role in this—Marie Antoinette gave birth to her first child, a daughter, in 1778, and sons in 1781 and 1785. By most accounts, she was a devoted mother.  Paintings of the family stressed her domestic role. Marie Antoinette and the French Revolution After the Bastille was stormed on July 14, 1789, the queen urged the king to resist the Assemblys reforms, making her even more unpopular and leading to the unproven attribution to her of the remark, Quils mangent de la brioche!— often translated as Let them eat cake! The phrase was actually first seen in print in Jean-Jacques Rousseaus The Confessions, written before Marie Antoinette was queen. In October 1789, the royal couple was forced to move from Versailles to Paris. Two years later, the attempted escape of the royal couple from Paris was stopped at Varennes on October 21, 1791. This failed escape was reportedly planned by Marie Antoinette. Imprisoned with the king, Marie Antoinette continued to plot. She hoped for foreign intervention to end the revolution and free the royal family. She urged her brother, the Holy Roman Emperor Leopold II, to intervene, and she supported a French declaration of war against Austria in April 1792, which she hoped would result in the defeat of France. Her unpopularity helped lead to the overthrow of the monarchy when Parisians stormed the Tuileries Palace on August 10, 1792, followed by the establishment of the First French Republic in September. The family was imprisoned in the Temple on August 13, 1792, and moved to the Conciergerie on August 1, 1793. The family made several attempts to escape, but all failed. Death Louis XVI was executed in January 1793, and Marie Antoinette was executed by the guillotine on October 16 of that year. She was charged with aiding the enemy and inciting civil war. Legacy The role Marie Antoinette played in French governmental affairs, both domestic and foreign, was likely greatly exaggerated. She was particularly disappointing to her brother, the Holy Roman Emperor, for her inability to further Austrian interests in France. Her lavish spending, furthermore, did not significantly contribute to Frances economic troubles before the revolution. Marie Antoinette, however, remains an enduring symbol, around the world and across history, of the extravagance of monarchy and aristocracy—against which revolutionaries define their ideals. Sources Castelot, Andrà ©. Queen of France: A Biography of Marie Antoinette. Harper Collins, 1957.Fraser, Antonia.  Marie Antoinette: The Journey. Anchor Books, 2001.Thomas, Chantal The Wicked Queen: The Origins of the Myth of Marie-Antoinette. Zone Books, 1999.