Things Fall apart and Umuofia Clan Essay

Things Fall apart and Umuofia Clan Essay Things Fall apart and Umuofia Clan Essay FirstName LastName Class Period In the story Things Fall Apart, many things escalate to just falling apart. Okonkwo’s a wealthy, great, and respected warrior of the Umuofia clan. As you can infer, he’s the main character. Many things escalate in downward negative way for Okonkwo throughout the whole story. Furthermore, Europeans comes along and destroys their communities. The Europeans destroyed more than their communities, they destroyed their customs. Finally, when the white Europeans come along and they change the Nigerians customs and make them try to live like a European. Okonkwo was a well-respected and great warrior of the Umuofia clan. The clan belong to the Nigerian tribe witch was connected to nine other villages. Growing up, Okonkwo was ashamed of the reputation his father left behind for him. Okonkwo’s father was more of a leader for the Nigerian tribe. Unoka, the father of Okonkwo lead some of the villages into poverty. He left half the villages into debt with each other. He , himself was cowardly and spendthrift. Okonkwo obviously did not want to follow his father footsteps; but he has many assumptions throughout the story that his son will end up a failure like his father. The "things" that fall apart in the book are really the Ibo way of life, and Okonkwo's life as he knows it. He, himself built a self-made man who would be taken responsible to lead the tribe. Okonkwo’s commits an error that causes another clansman to get wounded; this leads into suspension of his motherland for 7 years. By this point Okonkwo’s life is falling apart in matter of seconds. The way of Ibo cultures and values also fall apart due to Christianity missionaries coming to their village. More importantly, while the missionaries were there they convinced many people who caused them into questioning their belief and faith. Due to questioning to their belief the Ibo tribe fell apart. The significant steps that cause Okonkwo life to fall apart are very straightforward. Okonkwo’s beats his wife during the week of peace, which nobody is allowed to display any act of violence. Moving on, Ikemefuna, the boy he takes care of, is sentence to death. Okonkwo is punishe d by killing his ideal son, Ikemefuna. Okonkwo kills a clansman at the funeral due to a gun malfunction. Christian missionaries come to his tribe and persuade his people to questioned their beliefs and culture. The Christian missionaries impact the son of Okonkwo, Nwoye, causing him to

3 Facts About Truckers That Overcome Stereotypes

3 Facts About Truckers That Overcome Stereotypes There are over 3.5 million truckers on the road, representing and incredibly diverse workforce. But there are a lot of pesky stereotypes that don’t necessarily reflect the people doing America’s driving. Here are a few things you should know about  truckers.  1. They showerThanks to companies like Flying J, Pilot, TA, and Petro, showers are now easily available on the road. Flying J and Pilot even have a special rewards program, called â€Å"Shower Power,† which gives one free shower daily with every 500 gallons of diesel- which is nothing in trucker tank terms. A decade ago, this wasn’t the case, but today’s trucker is actually incentivized to fuel up and stay squeaky clean.  RELATED:  9 Celebrities Who Used to be Truck Drivers 2. They’re dedicatedIf every U.S. trucker were to go on strike, even for one day, America would come to a complete halt. Some truckers get home every day and others don’t  for months at a time, but ei ther way: a trucker takes his or her job very seriously. Otherwise, our country’s goods would not be transported or delivered so efficiently.  3. They drive safelyThe trucking industry- and its drivers- are highly regulated. Most trucks are equipped with radar to prevent tailgating. Every year there are more and more laws governing truckers on the road, which makes them some of the safest drivers out there. Plus, though they may be driving for work, most truckers consider their work a joy- a new view every day, and the romance of the open road.The next time you see a trucker on the highway, try to give him the benefit of the doubt. He’s just like you: trying to do his job and get home safely.The Truth About Trucker Stereotypes

Exploring the use of outdoor play to support children's development in Essay

Exploring the use of outdoor play to support children's development in a nursery in Beckton - Essay Example One strategy seen as such is outdoor play. How useful, beneficial and challenging it is are the issues this study seeks to answer. 2.2. Significance This study can be significant in varied ways: It can be an impetus for the development of outdoor play as a vital strategy in providing meaningful early learning experiences to children; It can provide useful insights for policy making and curriculum development in nursery and pre-elementary education; and It can provide useful information for education stakeholders (school, family, community) in making use of outdoor play to promote the child’s total development. 2.3. Motivation Providing children with the best possible learning experiences that would make them enjoy schooling is what motivated the researcher to work on this topic. Knowing that children love to play, the researcher finds it interestingly relevant to explore the use of outdoor play to support children’s development, especially so that outdoor play had tradi tionally been the main strategy of nursery education (Lindon 2001, p. 125). As such underlying this study is the belief that a well-planned and well-supervised outdoor play would spell a big difference in children’s early development. 2.4. ... Introduction Learning should bring out the best in every individual. It should be enjoying and desirable especially learning in early years – the child’s formative years. Thus nursery schools must provide young children with meaningful learning experiences that would exploit their very nature – love for play. Play is inherent to a child’s growing-up. It helps develop the child physically, socially, psychologically, mentally and emotionally. This long-held belief has been affirmed consistently for years, showing how outdoor play supports the children’s development and what beneficial effects and challenges it entails. 3.2. Outdoor Play: Looking Back The central role of outdoor play in developing life skills in children may be traced back to Plato and Aristotle, with Plato defining the nursery stage (3 to 6 years) as the child’s period for playing and hearing children’s story and fairy tales; whereas Aristotle cited the need for children to be active and energetic as best acquired through outdoor play. (Frost 2010, pp. 10, 12) This antiquated view is consistently confirmed by later scholars essentially implying outdoor play as the best humane way of seeking one’s self-identity, worth and friendship. Since 19th century when childhood has been established as a distinct period of human life, the value of outdoor play to the child’s total development has been furthered. Noteworthy are the works of â€Å"Jean Jacques Rosseau, Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi, Friedrich Froebel, Patty Smith Hill, Rachel McMillan and Margaret McMillan† (Wellhousen 2002, p. x). Their recognition of the educational importance of outdoor play – pioneered by Froebel and continued by Margaret McMillan (Thomas & Harding 2011, p. 13) – have made outdoor play together with

No State Sponsors, No Terror argument Research Paper

No State Sponsors, No Terror argument - Research Paper Example Jasper’s article No State Sponsors, No Terror argues that terrorism thrives only with the aid of state sponsorship and support. Terrorism is by nature a clandestine operation and as such, states will not overtly admit complicity in terrorist activities. In this regard, terrorism represents the epitome of irregular warfare and confirms 6th century B.C. Chinese military general Sun Tzu’s contention that â€Å"all warfare is based on deception.† This essay analyses Jasper’s No State Sponsors, No Terror and argues that while the most successful international terrorists have thrived with the aid of material state-sponsorship, terrorism can succeed without state-sponsorship. However, when the international legal definition of state-sponsorship of terrorism is used, it is difficult to anticipate terrorism thriving without state-sponsorship. Therefore, Jasper’s argument that terrorism will fade away without state-sponsorship is correct when the internationa l legal definition of state-sponsorship of terrorism is applied.Summary.Jasper starts out by introducing the reader to Sun Tzu’s The Art of War philosophy which hinges on the concept that â€Å"all warfare is based on deception.† Jasper then moves on to describe the clandestine and secret operations of international terrorism. He describes the work of Hezbollah’s â€Å"terror master,† Imad Fayez Mugniyeh, who happened to operate clandestinely since the early 1980s at the age of 20.

Philosophy of Life Essay Example for Free

Philosophy of Life Essay The hardest part of any journey is the first step. Human life would be so much easier if we were born into it with a roadmap and a flashlight some say we actually were, but we forgot where we put them. Nonetheless, part of life is clearing your own path, making your own map, finding lifes meanings, and defining your philosophy or world view, the next hardest part of the journey, once youve found your truth, is living it every day walking your talk. I believe we are each here for a purpose and everything happens for a reason. We chose who we are physically, when and where we were born, and the life circumstances presented to us. Why nobody really knows. There are many possibilities. To learn lessons, like a school to be part of the overall evolution of human consciousness , to atone for karma, make up for errors and omissions in past lives, to play a role in a universal game or dramatic production, to satisfy spiritual cravings for the sensual, tactile pleasures of human life. I even read/heard someplace that Earth is the penal colony of the Universe . Hell on Earth, the place where sinners do badders have to work out their sentences for their evil deeds. I also heard recently that human life on earth is like a vacation: leave home, travel to wonderful new places, experience the joy and awe, then return home. I must admit that at times it feels like the vacation from hell car gets a flat tire or two it pours rain every day at the beach or worse, while camping intestinal illness on a cruise ship. Could be any of these things, could be all. I tend to lean toward the evolving karmic classroom approach. But the ultimate truth is that we are born to die. Our physical human lives are temporary, blips on the screen, a dash between the date of birth and the date of death on your tombstone. But while we are here, anything can occur, there are no accidents, nothing is impossible, miracles happen.

Victorian Essentials Learning Standards Essay -- Education

Victorian Essentials Learning Standards (VELS) is a learning strand purposed to develop problem solvers out of learners (VCAA, 2009). Focusing on ways to communicate, comprehend and envision both ideas as well as information. With all intent of developing independent leaner’s, who can think for themselves as well as be creative when it call for it. On the other hand, Principles of Learning and Teaching (PoLTS) helps the teacher review lessons and assess whether learning has taken place, in so doing determining whether the set learning objectives were met, if not how could the learning be better improved to make up for it (DEECD, 2011). It has six principles with component parts. LESSON 1: WRITING. Lesson 1 is a writing lesson. It is intended to enable learners develop and or improve their communication skills through storytelling. In the process, aid them appreciate their abilities to express themselves variously other than through just speech. The indeed intended learning out comes, which were to tell a story and communicate through text and images were achieved. It actually superseded all expectations. Learners were so engrossed in the exercise it was a pain to have to break the process at the end of the lesson. Not only was the entire lesson interactive, learners hardly needed any supervision after being shown what was required of them to accomplish. There was a lot of free expression and their involvement was total, even from the usually shy students. Moving around among them to supervise what they were doing showed they had caught on well with the lesson. Every one of them was excited to show off what they had been able to achieve and all were proud of their results. By virtue of the fact the learners were able to tell t... ...aching. Retrieved June 3, 2012, from http://www.education.vic.gov.au/studentlearning/teachingprinciples/default.htm ERIC Digest, ED407938 1997-00-00 Concept Mapping: A Graphical System for Understanding the Relationship between Concepts. Retrieved June 3, 2012, from www.eric.ed.gov Jonassen, D. H., Carr, C.& Yueh, H. P. (1998) Computers as Mindtools for Engaging Learners in Critical Thinking. TechTrends, v43 n2 p24-32 Sarama, J. & Clements, D. H. (2006) Mathematics, Young Students, and Computers: Software, Teaching Strategies and Professional Development. University at Buffalo, State University of New York. 2006, Vol. 9, No. 2, 112-134 VCAA. (2009). Teaching, learning and assessment advice. Retrieved June 3, 2012, from http://vels.vcaa.vic.edu.au/support/teaching.html VELS. (2008) Interdisciplinary Learning Strand: Information and Communications Technologies

Literary Essay Essay

Nothing says adventure like running away from villains and getting shot at to start a career as a spy. Though many townspeople of Cumberland in Geoffrey Treases Cue for Treason think Peter Brownrigg is the best of the best, it is clear that not many people inherit the qualities to become a good spy. Katherine Russel is an exception. Kit is courageous and secretive, and therefor is the best spy in Cumberland. To begin, courage is one Kits most striking characteristics. Although it is shown throughout the book on many occasions, by a couple characters, it tells us that she is a brave person. One example of this was when the miners tried to block the road so they could rob the two, but they failed. This happened because kit was able to be courageous affectively, at the right time. â€Å"So she rode back. Heroine or idiot? I didn’t know. I’m flattered to know that, for the moment, she was thinking more of my fate† (Trease 253) said Peter Brownrigg after Kit turned to save him. Katherine was able to get away on her horse when peter was unable to. Katherine was being very courageous risking her own life for that of her friends when faced with a dangerous situation. When Mr. Desmond fell into a river with his horse Katherine was one of the first people to jump in and save him. As peter said himself â€Å"She swam like an otter, and I saw at once that I needn’t fear for her anymore, than myself† (90). Jumping into a river to save someone who is injured must be the biggest act of courage and bravery. Again she risks her life for that of someone else’s and returns unscathed. She also risked revealing her secret when she changed from her wet clothes. The last point would be when Kit manages to find out Mr.  Armthwaite is actually a friend of Sir Philip Morten. Courage is shown here when she threatens him and jumps out of a window with Peter. â€Å"If you touch that bell cord† said Kit â€Å"you’ll get something that will upset you still more† (229). Mr. Armthwaite is left dumbfounded that she found this out. The courage is shown here when she finds it in herself to pull out her gun and start accusing Mr. Armthwaite of being on Cahoots with Sir Philip Morten. These are the parts of the book that show she is courageous which is as to why she is the best spy in Cumberland. Next, Kit shows how she is very secretive and protective about her life and about how many things people know about her. The main secret she is keeping from everyone is that she is a girl. She does not relize it but all the other child actors, at the time, were angry because she did not participate in any of their games or activities that would show her true identity. â€Å"Kit showed no special interest in me –or anyone else, for he lived a strange aloof existence† (75) said Peter when he was discovering and questioning who kit was â€Å"Who was Kit Kirkstone? † (74). This is an important part of the book because it gives Peter an idea that he is actually a she. It also shows that she was able to keep her secret for that long already. Another good way she was being secretive was the way she never told anyone bout Sir Philip Morton or what he was going to do to her. This was shown when Kit spills the beans on her past life including the arranged marriage with Sir Philip â€Å" I pity the man who marries you against your will† (114) chuckled Shakespeare. The way the other characters react when this is told is surprisingly believable (shocked and surprised). This is so because Sir Philip Morton is also the man chasing peter. Katherine was also able to keep this a secret till this part of the book. The Last point would be when Kit tells Mr. Desmond she is actually a boy. Mr. Desmond is one of the many people who believed this throughout most of the book. After giving Mr. Desmond a fake name, Katherine is allowed into the actors group after showing some talent â€Å"Kirkstone will pass† sighed Desmond. This is shows how good she is at lying. Kit had no choice to lie to Mr. Desmond because he would have not let her act if she found out she was a girl. Mr.  Desmond would have put her on backstage with his wife Mrs. Desmond. Considering all the points that were shown throughout the book on Kits secrecy and true identity, it’s safe to say that she is the best spy in Cumberland. In conclusion, courageous and secretive are just two of the many words to describe Katherine Russel, which shows she is the best spy in Cumberland. Through the acts and demonstrations given by Katherine Russel, it is obvious she should continue down the path that she has chosen, but when shown again, is the life of a spy an appropriate one? Appropriate for a twelve year old girl?

Leadership Theories: the Evolution of Context Essay

This paper defines â€Å"context† as it relates to leadership and the inclusion of context in leadership theories. I will show examples of different leadership styles and how they relate to the context of leadership. In closing, I will reflect on the challenges of contextual theories and how these challenges can be met in the current environment. Meaning of Context and Treatment in Leadership Research Different types of leadership often need to be applied in a distinct manner, depending on the context and who is involved. Osborn, Hunt, & Jauch (2002) indicated leadership theory and research needs to expand to the complex levels of leadership. The authors further posited leadership theory needs to explore the dynamism involving the context in which leadership takes place, rather than to study leadership taking place in a vacuum. Here, the authors referred to context as the circumstances or parameters that cause effective leaders to emerge. Leadership in context takes on many different characteristics and certain circumstances can cause different actions. A closer examination of the linkages between components of theory increases one’s understanding of individual differences in leadership development (Allen, Shankman, & Miguel, 2012). Authors Osborn, Hunt, & Jauch (2002) illustrated four contexts of leadership; stability, crisis, dynamic equilibrium, and edge of chaos. Stability takes into account surrounding external circumstances involving the composition of organizations, scopes, and skill sets. Stability examines the various measures of leadership to improve and to develop objectives for anticipated circumstances. I worked with a leader who demonstrated stability in a position; however, that same leader transferred to a different position and she became unstable. In the previous position, the leader was confident in her role, encouraged interaction from the team, and made team members feel comfortable to approach her at any time. The leader transitioned to a new contract, and a new client and things changed. The leader became unapproachable, and she became overwhelmed by her role and the pressures of the job. A lack of stability in this environment was evident because team members did not have effective leadership. Eventually, that person resigned and moved on to a less demanding and less stressful position. Crisis can be defined as, â€Å"a situation that threatens high priority goals that suddenly occurs with little or no response† (Hermann, 1969). A crisis causes changes in the leadership context that compel leaders to adjustment to the situation. A change in the context can be the defining moment of a leader’s effectiveness and leadership ability. Crisis may be unavoidable in some situations, but an effective leader will plan before, during, and after a crisis. Contingency plans, communications plans, and strong leadership can assist in alleviating some of the stress associated with a crisis. Leaders must recognize when to delegate authority if and when the need arises. The third context of leadership is a dynamic equilibrium, defined as a gradually increasing change. In a dynamic organizational system, the role of leadership is to support opposing forces and harness the constant tension between them, enabling the system to improve (Nonaka & Toyama, 2002; Teece & Pisano, 1994; Weick & Quinn, 1999). Various components affect dynamic equilibrium in leadership, such as, technology, external forces, and market conditions. To improve, the organization has to maintain a dynamic equilibrium among the various components. The authors referred to fourth context of leadership as, edge of chaos. Edge of chaos can be defined as being on the verge of pandemonium, but not quite there. Virtually, everything is tainted, but not so tainted that the organization implodes or explodes (Authors Osborn, Hunt, & Jauch 2002). If everything is tainted, there would be complete chaos in the organization. New Factors and the Inclusion of Context in Leadership Theories The emerging field of cross-cultural leadership research has underscored the importance of examining how the inclusion of the context in models of leadership may alter how effective or desirable leadership is operationally defined, measured, and interpreted. Integration of culture as a contextual factor in models of leadership necessitates that researchers consider; the cultural implicit theories of both leaders and followers, the cultural implicit heories of both leaders and followers, the interpretation of enacted behaviors, the broader cultural context in which leaders and followers interact, the duration of the leader–follower relationship, and exogenous events that may trigger different interpretations of leadership, such as instability, uncertainty, and growth (Avolio, B. , 2007). A Leader Who Effectively Engaged With Context Leadership / Leader Who Failed To Read and Engage with Context Leadership Effective ly Leadership in context may undertake numerous characteristics, which may put leadership in conflict. Examples of leadership that may effectively engage within context are doctors who work in an emergency room of a hospital (Hannah, Uhl-Bien, Avolio, & Cavarretta, 2009). In this example, the authors suggested doctors may show high levels of leadership when put in extreme circumstances frequently. Consequently, there is a need to be prepared constantly and to maintain high levels of vigilance and situational awareness to ensure quick and accurate responses. Examples of leadership that may fail to engage within context are managers within a hotel (Hannah, Uhl-Bien, Avolio, & Cavarretta, 2009). In this example hotel managers may fail to be prepared and develop safety procedures in case of a fire emergency. The authors explained that because of the relatively minimal chances of a fire occurring coupled with the surety of an adequate rescue response from authorities, hotel managers are less likely to make preparations in case of a fire. According to this premise, managers may not manifest any leadership tendency because circumstances do not create a need to exercise leadership (Hannah, Uhl-Bien, Avolio, & Cavarretta, 2009). Differences in Leadership Styles and Approaches In the first example, the leaders demonstrated a sense of urgency and an understanding of responsibility which requires immediate reaction as leaders. In the second example, leaders do not demonstrate the same urgency. The leaders are of the mindset that someone else will respond if the situation occurs. Each situation determines the leadership style which accomplishes the organization’s goals and vision; therefore, there is not a â€Å"best† leadership style or approach. Challenges of Developing Contextual Theories of Leadership Efficiency may come with leadership, but leadership can be overpowering and complex. Innovation of alliances is not always required for leadership. However, a study conducted by Osborn & Marion (2009) examined the aspects of contextual leadership in which transformational leadership was dysfunctional for the innovation of alliances. Today’s technology enables leaders to influence followers virtually. Even though, the follower may not be in the same location as the leader, this should not create an issue with leaders motivating followers to undertake an assignment. Purvanova and Bono (2009) suggested leadership through virtual means may exhibit the same behaviors as the traditional face-to-face style. The authors argued that leaders may adapt behavior based on context of the situational demand. An example of a leader’s virtual influence is the course for which this paper is written. The professor influences the class to improve writing skills by assigning additional exercises to better prepare for the doctoral study. In addition, the class is encouraged to relate personal experiences to tie in with assigned readings and research. The context determines the matter in which leaders influence their follower, whether leadership is conducted face-to-face or virtually. How Contextual Theories of Leadership Challenges Can Be Met The examples above demonstrated the dynamics and complexity of contextual leadership. Challenges in contextual leadership can be met by examining the factors for the source and development of leadership. The initial step is to determine the situation, analyze the nature of leadership, and document the context of the leadership development. Similarities can assist in determining the effective leaders of the future. Theories on leadership have determined that leadership is about showing flexibility in our ever changing environment and applying the appropriate leadership context in the ideal situation. Conclusion The subject of leadership garnered much research and study. Leadership consists of a variety of characteristics and complexities involving the context in which leadership takes place. Analyzing the complexity of the context of leadership can aid in determining future leaders. To understand individual differences in the context of leadership requires additional study. Further research will assist educators and scholars with the added knowledge of applying effective leadership.

The Vanishing Rain Forest essays

The Vanishing Rain Forest essays The purpose of this paper is to discuss the deforestation of the Amazon rain forest. This discussion emphasizes the social and geographic background, the impact of deforestation on the Amazons people and resources, and the causes as well as some proposed solutions of the problem. The Amazon rain forest is so vast it can be seen from the space shuttle. Will this statement be true ten years from now? The logs that are taken from the rain forest are money for today and the wasteland of tomorrow. Virtually all tropical rain forests may vanish in the next twenty-five years. (Richter) With the extinction of the forest will come the extinction of much of the worlds most remarkable wildlife. In an editorial statement, The Economist magazine noted that the Amazon rain forest in Brazil contains . . . nearly one third of all the worlds tropical forest-and a greater variety of plants than any other country. The Amazon has more types of fish than in all the rivers of Europe; the trees are home to more species of birds than in all the forests of North America. (The Month Amazonian Burns 15) The resources of the Amazon do not stop with the trees and animal life, for the plant life must also be included. Drugs derived from plants native to rain forest have been successfully used in the treatment of Hodgkins disease, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, as an aid in surgery, for the production of sex hormones and the birth-control pill. About one-third of the worlds medicines currently are derived from tropical plants. They are expected to contribute far more in the future, up to and including the possibility of life saving compounds for cancer and/or AIDS. (Hope Reaches the Amazon) However, perhaps the greatest resource of the Amazon rain forest is its contribution to the worlds oxygen supply. Indeed, the rain forest is so massive that it is estimated that d...

Quotation Marks and Apostrophe S

Quotation Marks and Apostrophe S Quotation Marks and Apostrophe S Quotation Marks and Apostrophe S By Maeve Maddox Aika asks: how do I properly sequence s and punctuation marks? As I can’t think of any example of beginning a quotation with a disembodied ‘s, I’ll offer this guideline from the Chicago Manual of Style: . . . A term enclosed in quotation marks . . . should never be made into a possessive. 7.30 For example, you can write the Atlantic Monthly’s editor or Gone With the Wind’s admirers because the titles taking the possessive are italicized. You may not, however, do the same thing with the title of a short work such as â€Å"Ode on a Grecian Urn.† Titles of short works are enclosed in quotation marks. You would have to rearrange your phrasing so as not to have: â€Å"Ode on a Grecian Urn†Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s admirers. You’d rephrase it as admirers of â€Å"Ode on a Grecian Urn.† Here is a related entrance on Chicago: Q. When indicating possession of a word that ends in s, is it correct to repeat the s after using an apostrophe? For example, which is correct: â€Å"Dickens’ novel† or â€Å"Dickens’s novel†? A. Either is correct, though we prefer the latter. Please consult 7.15–18 for a full discussion of the rules for forming the possessive of proper nouns. For a discussion of the alternative practice of simply adding an apostrophe to form the possessive of proper nouns ending in s, see paragraph 7.21. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Punctuation category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Creative Writing 10110 Techniques for More Precise WritingContinue and "Continue on"

Papermaking Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Papermaking - Research Paper Example However, prior to the discovery of the paper making technology, writing and reading was a very cumbersome process that involved scribbling on wooden tablets, woven papyrus reeds, and other expensive materials1. As such, writing was only left for a few individuals in the community who could afford accessing the expensive writing materials as well as getting adequate space to store the written materials. The invention of papermaking technology is one of the four major inventions that can be traced back to China, alongside gunpowder, compass, and the printing technique. According to Ancient records, the invention of the papermaking technology is accredited to Cai Lun (also Tsa’i Lun), an official working in the Imperial Court during the Han Dynasty2.Reportedly, Cai Lun came up with this invention in the year 105 AD. However, recent archaeological studies have unearthed sufficient evidence pointing to the fact that paper was already being used in China several years before Cai Lun’s reported invention. Nevertheless, the role of Cai Lun in the history of paper making is still relevant in the paper industry. This is because he was the first to popularize the technology by putting together a recipe for the whole process and reporting it to the Emperor3. Cai Lun’s technology quickly became popular in China because it was cheap, reliable, used readily available resourc es, and was easier to make4. The main raw materials for Cai Lun’s paper technology included fishnets, fibres, old rags, mulberry, and hemp waste. The main focus of this paper is to explore the history behind paper making and how it extended from China to the rest of the globe, and how this invention has influenced the world today. Essentially, Cai Lun’s paper making discovery helped to lay the foundation of the technology used in huge paper factories in Europe, America, and other parts of the world today. Cai Lun is

Defining The Self Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Defining The Self - Essay Example Modernity has, however proved that the human mind is capable of so much more. While I am a full time student, I have managed to take up two jobs as well. While in today’s world that is not a wonder, in the 17th and 18th century, it was unfathomable that one could take up two or more mentally and physically engaging tasks at once. This illustrates that the mind has so many capabilities; most of which humanity is not even aware of at this time. The abilities and endeavors that human beings will pursue in the distant future have not been comprehended in the current time. Kant is also in support of Hume’s assertion that they are not â€Å"unshakeable truths.† The beliefs that human beings live by in actuality do not have an explanation. Once someone asked me why I believe that stealing is wrong. I found myself fumbling with the answer. In actual sense, I have acknowledged that the only reasons I believe this is because firstly, my religion states it and secondly, those before me instilled it in me. However, none of the reasons laid out above are logically strong or supported. Therefore, Kant was right in stating that there is no evidence of the existence of â€Å"certain truths†; we have created them within our minds. John Locke shared Kant’s line of thought (the latter) but modified it. His focus was not more on the lack of existence of unshakeable truths, but rather on lack in existence of innate facts (Caruth, 31). The existence of God is one that has caused controversy in the literary world. If there were such a thing as innate facts, the existence of a supreme being ought to be one of them. This is because it is a belief that a larger majority of the world shares. If indeed there is a supreme being, it ought to be an innate (inborn) fact, as he is the creator of everything, including human beings. However, as a child, I had to attend Bible studies and learning sessions to completely understand the concept of God as well as what