Psychotherapy Main Concepts Essay

                       When we study human behavior, specifically focusing on the development of personality and crucial to how a person or individual conducts him/herself, psychology offers a variety of dimensions. The concept of personality is central to our attempt to understand ourselves and others and is part of the way in which we account for the differences that contribute to our individuality. Psychologists have been particularly concerned with shaping of the personality in relation to genetic and environmental influences. We have been fortunate that the study of human personality has been thriving and fruitful. We can choose from as many models we can to help us see ourselves better and maintain good relationships (Atkinson et al., 2000).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     For the thrust that this paper is taking, I wish to mention then my views individually, on Behavioral, Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychoanalytic, and the Existential, Humanistic perspectives. The Behavioral   model utilizes what is termed as the learning theory posited by Skinner and Watson and the rest of the Behaviorism school. It assumes that the principles in learning i.e., conditioning (Associative and Operant) are effective means to effect change in an individual. Generally, the thrust of this theoretical perspective is focused on the symptoms that a person is experiencing. Just as many of the errors of the patterns of behavior come from learning from the environment, it is also assumed that an individual will be able to unlearn some if not all these by using the techniques as applied based on the learning principles. To a certain extent I believe that this still works: reinforcements are effective to some extent and in some or many people hence I am incorporating this stance separate or distinct from the Cognitive-Behavioral approach.   In behavior therapy therefore, thoughts, feelings and all those â€Å"malfunctioning† and unwanted manifestations revealed in one’s activities can be unlearned and the work of a behavior therapist. The basic concepts include â€Å"extinguishing† – utilized when maladaptive patterns are then weakened and removed and in their place habits that are healthy are established (developed and strengthened) in a series or progressive approach called â€Å"successive approximations. When these (factors) are reinforced such as through rewards in intrinsic and extrinsic means, the potential of a more secure and steady change in behavior is developed and firmly established (Corey, 2004). – Cognitive-Behavioral therapy. In the cognitive approach alone, the therapist understands that a client or patient comes into the healing relationship and the former’s role is to change or modify the latter’s maladjusted or error-filled thinking patterns. These patterns may include wishful thinking, unrealistic expectations, constant reliving and living in the past or even beyond the present and into the future, and overgeneralizing. These habits lead to confusion, frustration and eventual constant disappointment. This therapeutic approach stresses or accentuates the rational or logical and positive worldview: a viewpoint that takes into consideration that we are problem-solvers, have options in life and not that we are always left with no choice as many people think. It also looks into the fact that because we do have options then there are many things that await someone who have had bad choices in the past, and therefore can look positively into the future. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy postulated primarily by Ellis and Beck â€Å"facilitates a collaborative relationship between the patient and therapist.† With the idea that the counselor and patient together cooperate to attain a trusting relationship and agree which problems or issues need to come first in the course of the therapy. For the Cognitive Behaviorist Therapist, the immediate and presenting problem that the client is suffering and complaining from takes precedence and must be addressed and focused in the treatment. There is instantaneous relief from the symptoms, and may be encouraged or spurred on to pursue in-depth treatment and reduction of the ailments where possible (Corey, 2004). – Psychoanalytic therapy. The Psychodynamic perspective is based on the work of Sigmund Freud. He created both a theory to explain personality and mental disorders, and the form of therapy known as psychoanalysis. The psychodynamic approach assumes that all behavior and mental processes reflect constant and often unconscious struggles within the person. These usually involved conflicts between our need to satisfy basic biological instincts, for example, for food, sex or aggression, and the restrictions imposed by society. Not all of those who take a psychodynamic approach accept all of Freud’s original ideas, but most would view abnormal or problematic behavior as the result of a failure to resolve conflicts adequately. Many of the disorders or mental illnesses recognized today without a doubt have their psychodynamic explanation aside from other viewpoints like that of the behaviourist, or the cognitivists. From simple childhood developmental diseases to Schizophrenia, there is a rationale that from Freud’s camp is able to explain (Kaplan et al, 1994). – The Existential approach, as put forward by Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Sartre, Heidegger, Rollo May, and Frankl, believes that the individual’s potential may lie dormant but that it is there waiting to be ushered in time. It recognizes that man is able to achieve great heights and that these are just waiting to be tapped not only by him/herself but that also when helped by a practitioner who is persuaded of this notion. It examines such major issues as free will and the challenges of exercising this free will, the issue of mortality, loneliness and in general, the meaning of life. The Therapy is effective when the practitioner works with elderly care and death and dying issues. It focuses on the individual needs but takes into consideration the significant relationships and the meanings they bring into the person’s life. Transcending the issues and problems are primary intentions of the therapist at the same time being realistic that certain limitations do exist and may hinder the process of recovery (Corey, 2004). –Humanistic therapy. Allport, Bugental, Buhler, Maslow Rollo May, Murphy, Murray, Fritz Perls and Rogers are those that helped usher in the Humanistic theory and consequent therapy. It holds in view the individual as possessing the options or freedom to choose, creativity, and the capability to attain a state where he/she is more aware, freer, responsible and worthy of trust. Because the human mind has immense potential, the approach assesses as well that forces from the environment bear on with the individual and depending on the interplay that occurs within the individual person, the result will either be destructive or constructive to the person. In sum, humanism takes into the perspective that essentially humans are good and not evil, and that the therapy facilitates by harnessing on the human potential through the development of interpersonal skills. This results to an enhanced quality life and the individual becomes an asset rather than a liability to the society where he revolves in (Corey, 2004). Reference:   Atkinson, R.L., R.C. Atkinson, E.E Smith, D.J. Bem, and S. Nolen-Hoeksema. Introduction to Psychology. 13th Ed. New York: Harcourt College Publishers, 2000. Corey, Gerald, 2004. Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. Thomson Learning, USA. Kaplan, HI, BJ Saddock and JA Grebb. 1994. Kaplan and Saddock’s Synopsis of Psychiatry: Behavioral Sciences clinical psychiatry. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins.

Maslows Heiharchy of Needs in Ordinary People Essay

Knowing someone that has died is extremely hard. It’s even worse when that person is in your family. When someone dies, the family is obviously going to grieve. While they are grieving together, they don’t grieve the same way, at the same time. For example, when my grandpa died in 2009, my grandma was in denial and carried on regular life for a day or two. She even did the laundry and ironed his clothes. When my mom found out about her dad, she went into depression. After a little bit, my mom got really angry and upset while my grandma went into depression for about two years. They were grieving together, but at different rates through different phases. They have both accepted the fact that he’s gone but that one day they will see him again, so there’s no need to be upset. In Ordinary People, Conrad, Calvin, and Beth also have to grieve. Throughout this grieving process, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs comes into play. Every person in the story is trying to reach for self-actualization. For example, Calvin’s need of esteem showed when he and Beth were getting ready for the day at the beginning of the book. He was thinking about how he was orphaned at age 11, and thinking about all of the roles he plays as an adult. â€Å"Calvin Jarret, forty-one, U.S. Citizen, tax attorney, husband, father.† (Guest, 7). He also showed his need of esteem when he thought specifically about fatherhood and why he messed up with Conrad by not listening to him enough. â€Å"Responsibility. That is fatherhood. You cannot afford to miss any signs, because that is how it happens: somebody holding too much inside, somebody else missing signs.† (Guest, 9)

Individual Assignment on Research Methodology Essay

The problem that the article covers is obesity. According to Reynolds, obesity involves an inbalance of the caloric intake to energy expenditure, meaning that more calories are consumed than are burned, which causes weight gain. But obesity is more than a simple equation of weight and height; it’s also a complex health issue involving genetics, hormones, culture and environment (Reynolds, 2011). Obesity has been a huge problem for lots of individuals. The discussion of obesity has been studied for a while. Individuals have been trying to find new ways to decrease or eliminate obesity. In the article, recommendations, solutions, treatment methods, and causes are presented to help decrease the percentages of obesity around the world. Study Purpose The purpose of the study is to inform and persuade the reader. It seems as though the author and researchers set out to make everyone aware of the risks associated with obesity and present them with ways of getting healthier. Researchers want individuals to get healthier. They have saved a lot of lives by raising awareness. While reading the article, I was informed on many things I did not know about obesity. It has motivated me to become healthier and guide my children down a healthy lifestyle. The main goal of the article is to draw attention to obesity and try to motivate individuals to make successful changes to their diet or exercise. Hypothesis There isn’t really a direct hypothesis stated in this article. The author and researchers only include facts and statistics throughout each paragraph. Study Variables Throughout the article, people are the study variables. The body mass index of individuals is depended upon how much they are active and what they eat. The body mass index is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters. A normal BMI range is 18.5 to 24.9, overweight is 25.0 to 29.9, obese is 30.0 to 39.9 and morbidly obese is less than or equal to 40 (Reynolds, 2011). The healthier an individual becomes, the lesser their body mass index becomes. Body mass index should be identified every once in a while, for health purposes. Conceptual Model The conceptual models used in the article are medical images. One example of the medical images related to obesity is ultrasound. Images of ultrasounds are provided to identify how obesity can affect them. Ultrasound is the most impacted by obesity. In heavy individuals, experts recommend that the lowest possible frequency probe (2 MHz) be used because ultrasound energy is most attenuated by fat at high frequencies (Reynolds, 2011). Another example used in the article is a sonogram, which is also affected by obesity. Sonograms can be affected during the care of pregnant women because of obesity. Image quality is affected if the mother has a high body mass index, located within the 90th percentile. Many medical images and screenings are provided in the article. Review of Related Literature Many people have had concerns about obesity. Some believe it’s hereditary, while others mainly believe it’s due to lack of exercise and bad eating habits. The truth is that obesity is based on the calorie intake and amount of activity. However, obesity can also be hereditary. Genetic factors can affect appetite, the rate at which you burn energy (metabolic rate) and how the body stores fat (Henderson, 2011). The related literature consists of information on obesity prevention, various obesity statistics, and the measurements of body composition in overweight individuals. All provide helpful tips for the readers and should be applied to daily life. Study Design Qualitative and quantitative researches are both used in the article. It focuses on the percentages of obese individuals, body mass index, gastric surgeries, etc. However, it also focuses on the quality of information. The author goes into the reasons for obesity and how it can be prevented around the world. Both approaches are useful and have made the article more informative. The subjects used in the article are mainly children and women, who are located in different areas around the world but the information has been gathered from all types of individuals, no matter the age, ethnicity, or gender. The duration isn’t identified. Obesity is an issue that needs to be effectively approached. There are several programs and services, used to help obese individuals get back on the right track. Some of the health problems associated with obesity is diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, respiratory problems, osteoarthritis, and cancer. It’s fantastic that articles are being printed, discussing issues related to obesity. Schools have also taken steps to decrease childhood obesity by adding healthy vending machines and lunches. The healthier people become, the better their lives will be.

Managing Public Services Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Managing Public Services - Essay Example Performance-based budgeting is used by countries that wish to minimise the complexities and costs. Countries with limited resources and capacities such as low income countries also use the approach. The structure of the paper begins with the introduction, followed by definition and lastly the scope. After the definition of the terms, the paper focuses on one practical example of a situation that performance budgeting presents. Afterwards, the difficulties of budgeting will be discussed. The last part of the paper analyses the concepts obtained from the design, and whether they can be advanced: and if yes, what are the basics for that. Definition and scope Performance-based budgeting is the process of developing budgets based on programme funding levels. It looks into the anticipated results from the programme with a sole aim of minimizing the costs while administering effective budgeting outlines (Caiden, 1994). In terms of decisions, the budget centres on output of resources more th an the inputs. Over the years, development of different models of performance based budgeting using different mechanisms have led to better fund linking and utilization (Caiden, 1994). These models are of two types, the very sophisticated ones and those that use the basics only to advance their functions (Drucker, 1974). One may confuse the definition by thinking that performance budget depends broadly on performance. ... It reflects on both the given levels of funding and the expected results (Berry & Flowers, 1999). One result obtained from a true performance based budget is an indication of how the dollars budgeted turns into results. The result should be evidence based, reflecting general chain of events and results and not scientific assumptions (Grizzle & Pettijohn, 2002). Under this, the most effective governmental performance based budgets outlays how money is spent on the day to day activities. The link between funding of the projects and how they are going to yield towards expected results has to be emphasized. The effects that the results will pose on the intended purpose have to be highlighted (Grizzle & Pettijohn, 2002). In order to distinguish a line item budget from a program-based budget, the best way is to consider the fundamentals (Easterling, 1999). The line budget shows items in usage, for example, how each dollar is spent. On the other hand, the performance budget reflects what ea ch dollar budgeted will accomplish by a way of evidence in achieved results, for example, reduction in accidents, an improvement in health facilities, and an increase in customer satisfaction (Romzek & Dubnick, 1987). The other objective achieved via a performance-based budget is a reflection of activity performed, for example, process a grant application, inspect a worksite, and review a compliance activity (Wildavsky, 1992). This budgeting was introduced to many systems because of the value of accountability and transparency it holds. Many countries, organizations, and companies are using it in different sectors as a part of the new reforms that the world is experiencing. Most governments are aiming for management for results in

Juvenile Crime in the USA Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Juvenile Crime in the USA - Research Paper Example Its really sad to see youthful members of the society adopting violent behaviors and getting involved in criminal activities. There are many factors generate this problem; for examples: Media, Friends, and violent Video Game. However, many people agree that its start from home. Single Parenthood, Domestic violent and Child abuse, and bad parenting are some of major causes of juvenile crime and violence. "It is the tasks connected with the home that are the fundamental tasks of humanity ... if the mother does not do her duty, there will either be no next generation, or a next generation that is worse than none at all." (The 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt) Mother plays a crucial role in her child’s life. Mothers play the most part in raising the kids. Her role can be three quarters of parenting. Nevertheless, the role they play prior the birth. Nobody can substitute her. She bonded with her kids from the early days of pregnancy to a very late age. She teaches her kids the norms and right behaviors. Fathers role is complement to mothers role and yet very important. Father is the person whom the child admired and looks up to as an ideal. Fathers company gives the profound feeling of protection. Father is the one whom the son needs in life-school. From life experience, fathers usually want their sons and daughters to live better life than his. This research gives an overview of the history of family and home constrictions development in the last three centuries. It also includes statistics about the juvenile crime in the United States. This paper discusses how the violent behavior starts from home and the affects of Single parenthood, Domestic violent and child abuse, and Bad parenting. This research includes a survey among Miami Police Officers about this problem. Finally it concluded with some suggestions on how to prevent and protect the teens. Juvenile crimes started to catch the attention of the

Florida's Sunshine Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Florida's Sunshine Law - Essay Example This is so that everyone residing in the state can be assure of proper representation in the procedures and that their opinions and points of view are heard when necessary. The state of Florida should be applauded for encouraging their residents to take an active role in their government. This kind of transparency on the local and state levels means that their state and local governments are truly held accountable for their actions in relation to its direct impact on the residents. Residents of Florida will not and cannot be blindsided by the state and local governments when it comes to government policies. Rather, the state and local governments are made fully accountable for their actions to the people by the existence of the Sunshine Law. As such, the local and state government of Florida are fully aware of all the decisions that they make and tread lightly on issues that they know may be looked into by the people under the law. This type of open government and accountability is what is sorely lacking and what we wish to see more of coming from their Capitol Hill

The Potential Growth of Tourism in Canada by Hosting FIFA Soccer World Research Paper

The Potential Growth of Tourism in Canada by Hosting FIFA Soccer World Cup - Research Paper Example This paper focuses upon FIFA World Cup as one of the most followed and awaited international soccer event all over the world. The event is able to grab the attention of almost every other person in the globe. The fans of soccer are crazy enough to reach every corner of world in order to watch the event life. This results in growth and development of the sports and leisure industry. Apart from this the country hosting the event can take considerable measures and steps to exploit the event for the economic development. This requires on time decision making and strategies on part of the government of the hosting country, in order to make sure that the tourism industry of the country flourish. Such events do not only have short term influences on the tourism industry of the hosting country, but there are also positive long term implications. The tourists who will visit the country in order to attend the mega event of international soccer will spread positive word of mouth about the count ry and as a result there will be more visitors and tourists in the future. FIFA world cup is perceived to be most popular international event and is mostly followed and watched sports even all over the world. Owing to the high popularity of the event large number of people from all over the world are interested in witnessing all the action of the event in live. As a result, this event results in attracting considerable amount of visitors which in turn contributes in the process of growth and development of the tourism industry in the hosting country. ... Hence, it can be said that mega events like FIFA world cup directly influence the three major components directly related with the tourism industry which are: expenditure, infrastructure investment, and unemployment rate. 1.3. Purpose and Significance of the Research Study: FIFA world cup is perceived to be most popular international event and is mostly followed and watched sports even all over the world. Owing to the high popularity of the event large number of people from all over the world are interested in witnessing all the action of the event in live. As a result, this event results in attracting considerable amount of visitors which in turn contributes in the process of growth and development of the tourism industry in the hosting country. The main purpose behind this research study is to explore the impact of hosting FIFA world cup on the economy and tourism industry of Canada. In this research study, the researcher will present the idea that the government of Canada can expl oit and utilize this opportunity in order to promote and develop the tourism industry of the country. This research study will be significant in term of predicting the potential impact of the mega event on the tourism industry and the officials and concerned authorities can take measures accordingly. This can result in increasing in infrastructure investment and other facilities required in order to meet and fulfill all demands and requirements of the visitors and tourists. 1.4. Aims and Objectives of the Research Study: The basis aim of the research study is to explore and investigate the impact of hosting the FIFA Soccer world cup on the growth and development of the tourism industry of

Hiring issue in Law firm Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Hiring issue in Law firm - Essay Example nterviewee, Blumentrath described the importance of maintaining a well-groomed appearance and carrying an outstanding, up-to-date resume in order to gain positive attention from the organizational recruiter. One key aspect that the presenter believed was important was for the interviewee to proactively identify potential questions that might be presented during the interview. This is to ensure that there are quality communications between the recruiter and the candidate so that the interviewee is able to show interest and dedication toward understanding the principles of the law firm. From the interviewer’s perspective, these elements help set the candidate apart from the rest by showing their enthusiasm and loyalty toward the business where they wish to be employed. Critically speaking, these are many commonly-understood principles associated with recruitment and the interview process that only served as an elementary reiteration of important concepts to gain competitive edge against other candidates. Blumentrath was much more candid when it came to presenting the importance of appearance and dress in this industry. For example, women were informed to ensure that they did not have too much of their cleavage showing from a choice of low-cut dress. What she referred to as the dip test consisted of a self-test involving the ability to touch the collarbone with the tip of the thumb while laying the hand on the chest to make a certain shape. If the test passes, then the dress is considered appropriate for this environment. She also used humorous statements about keeping an extra pair of pantyhose at the desk and a less revealing cardigan in the drawer when dealing with more conservative clients. This dress discussion reinforced the importance of image in this industry and how to take action to ensure that there is always a strategy for working with diverse clients. This was an excellent eye-opener regarding how appearance will be considered by others, such as

Fairness in the Treatment of Employees and Its Benefits Essay

Fairness in the Treatment of Employees and Its Benefits - Essay Example Organisations should make sure that the employees are provided with the fair salary, benefits, and growth opportunities on the basis of their performance and abilities. Apart from this all policies and strategies of the organisation should be in compliance with the employment legislations (Koys, 1991). In this paper an attempt has been to understand the concept of the fair treatment of employees and its benefits. Along with this the role of the human resource function has been evaluated in this regard. The impact of employment legislation on the fair treatment practices is also explored. FAIRNESS IN THE TREATMENT OF EMPLOYEES AND ITS BENEFITS: It is highly important for the organisations to treat all employees fairly and equally. The term fairness is interchangeable with the justice. This means that the organisations should treat every individual employee equally irrespective of the cast, colour, gender, or any disability. For this purpose there have been different laws and legislati on. The organisations have to make sure that they have effective and efficient compliance management strategy in order to implement and follow all related laws and regulations. There have been several researchers who have worked on different research studies in order to assess and explore the impact of fair treatment and legal compliance on the organisational growth and development. Most of these research studies concluded that fair treatment results in increasing the employees’ motivation and satisfaction level, which in turn directly influence the productivity level of employees. Human resource is one of the most important assets of the organisation and in order to make most out of it the organisation should come up with strategies and policies to increase the motivation and satisfaction level of this vital asset. There are different dimensions associated with the fair treatment of the employees or justice with the employees. Most of the research studies in this regard have been done under the domain of the organisational justice. The organisational justice constitutes of different dimensions which in turn have vital associations with different organisational element and phenomena (Greenberg, 1996). These organisational phenomena includes benefit and compensation systems (Cowherd and Levine, 1992), restructuring of the organisation, the systems for punishment and grievance, and different outcomes like commitment, citizenship, conflict, trust, and several other (Konovsky and Brockner, 1993; Dailey and Krik, 1992; Greenberg, 1993). The organisational justice has been divided into two different dimensions by the researchers in this filed. First is the procedural justice which is about the questions and procedures regarding the fair treatment and process. On the other and the second dimension is of the distributive justice that focuses on the fair allocation and outcomes. According to the research studies of Cohen-Charash and Spector (2001) and Colquitt e t al (2001), the organisational justice and fair treatment of the employees result in increasing the job satisfaction, increasing the overall job performance, decrease the different employees’ withdrawal behaviours like turnover and absenteeism, increases the commitment of the employees with the organisation, and high organisational citizenship

It's Beginning to Hurt Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

It's Beginning to Hurt - Essay Example He gets astonished to see a young woman that his father was marrying. Although he lacks authority over his father’s choice in marriage, he commands to a great extend through his facial expression that the woman was not the best for his father. The father is the most authoritative person in the setup. He cautions his son not to send a message that can instigate his wife to leave him for his son. The father who is now a widower had earlier been a victim of infidelity in his marriage and were not ready to face the situation again. The newly wedded wife also shows some authority when she offers to embrace her stepson. The son had missed the nuptial, but heads to the reception. He was dressed in a muddy clothes after getting stuck into the mud on his way to the wedding. The mud he got stuck in acted as a cleansing agent for the admiration of his father’s wife. His stepmother embraces him in his muddy clothes as a way of showing him love and as an authority that she will love him just like her son. The three characters best demonstrates the authoritative personality in the

Management and Globalization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Management and Globalization - Essay Example Coordinating: It is the function of any management to coordinate the organizational goals and objectives to every single member of the organization with a view to ensure that every member collaborates towards the achievement of the targets set by the management. Controlling: The management controls the flow of organizational activities and evaluates the direction towards which the organization is leading or being led by the management in order to avoid any missteps taken in the course of business operations. The theorists of scientific management have been engaged constantly to put forth theories of management that could be turned into practice. Management is a process carried out in an organization in order to achieve the desired results. The theories of management as brought forward by renowned theorists also attempt to put the view of management theory into practice with respect to organizations. The important theories of management are discussed below: These two theorists are known to be the pioneers of the scientific management. Frederick W. Taylor is known as the "Father of Scientific Management". He came up with the view that the productivity level of workers depends upon their frequency and propensity to rest during working hours. He was of the idea that a worker can only continue to work efficiently and productively if he takes rest during the work. A tiring situation can affect the working capacity of the workers and therefore, can hinder the way of achieving organizational goals (Taylor, 1911) Gilbreth introduced the idea that the working capacity and productivity of a worker can be enhanced by reducing the unnecessary tasks and exertions on the part of a worker during the course of his work. It would enable the worker to retain his energy throughout the work process. (Gilbreth, 1911) Therefore, both the theories given by these two theorists encompass the enhancement of workmen's working capability and efficiency and assessment of possible reasons that might be affecting the workers' productivity. Hawthorne Theory The theory put forth by the management scientists belonging to this school of thought mainly focused on the Taylor's theory of Scientific Management. They experimented on the theory and came up with interesting facts about the theory. They discovered that with the passage of time, one of the principles put forward by Taylor that enhanced lighting in the working environment could result into improved efficiency of the workers, helped to improve the workmen's working capacity even to a greater extent than anticipated. However, after further research, they figured out that the enhancement in worker's productivity was mainly due to the relationships between the managers and the workers, rather than due to lighting in the w

Organizational Behavior Study Guide Essay Example for Free

Organizational Behavior Study Guide Essay Organizational Behavior – is the understanding of how organizations work and how to have people perform efficiently. It is extracted from different areas of study, and is interested in how these fields are integrated into workplace behavior. Basic Leadership Model – knowledge of OB x behavioral skills = leadership effectiveness Organizational Behavior – 1) individual level is where members make sense of the world and derive motivation. 2) how teams function. How they deal, ethical decision making, and power politics. 3) Organizational level – how the firm is structured, selecting developing talent, creating sustaining a culture, manage change. Behavioral skills – facilitate team decision making, effective communication, effective negotiation, use power wisely, and managers organization change. Organization change over time – theories become more complex and and yet more accurate but they are harder to apply since they are all based on the situation and culture limits the applicability of these theories also. Pre 20 century – work was done from home/crafts, orgs were military and church, Adam Smith division of labor and theories of use of machinery to save labor costs. 1900 – industrialism and mass production using division of labor. 1920 – scientific management fred taylor: cult of efficiency task analysis, standardization, pay by performance, training, and systemic selection. Classical management: Henry Fayle: PODSC: planning, organizing, directing, staffing, and controlling. Unity of command: one leader, specialization: doing one activity and people got good at it so replacing was easy. Scalar chain: the yields of an output TxC input multiplied by constant. Span of control: how many subordinates under control. During this time was 5 to 7 now its over 20. 1930 Hawthorne studies by Elton mayo. Findings were that interaction in the test group had increased productivity; feelings and supervision had big effect in production. Informal groups also were formed due to interaction. 1940 –group dynamics: when teams made their own decisions they required more information to be shared with employees and yet this was complex but made them have a sense of commitment to the job. Bureaucracy with Max Weber: job descriptions, specific responsibility, written rules, right of appeal, fair and equal treatment and managing became a profession to learn. 1950- Task leaders were only concerned with accomplishing the task. Social leaders were concerned with employees. Limits to rationality suffice rather than maximize. There is a limit of how much info. You can absorb. Gordon Howell: it asked for professionalism and more scientific knowledge. 1960,1970-Systems thinking environment and organization explaining and predicting behavior. Contingency thinking variables on factors. Leadership is contingent on many factors. 1980 and now – Mckribbin porter studies asked for more communication, and social skills and cultural diversity. Leader-awareness will make a better leader. Biographical traits, personality, attitudes and values, ability influences your perception and motives. And perception and motivation influence productivity, absence, turnover, and satisfaction. When hiring: skills, attitudes and values, and personality are looked at if you fit in the organization and see how well you work in teams. People who don’t fit in will have low performance high absenteeism/turnover. Age-older people are less likely to be absent for avoidable reasons and more likely to be absent for unavoidable reasons. (such as illness). Older people have les employment opportunities. Their job provides them with higher wages and pension benefits. Productivity there is no relation with age. Positive satisfaction 60+. Gender- no gender differences and no differences in productivity. Women are more likely to be absent because of children. Marital status- in general married people are more stable, brings job to be more valuable, fewer absence and turnover rates, more satisfied. Tenure – people who have been around for a long while are likely to stay and there is decreased turnover. Tenure on previous jobs help predict employees future turnover. Promotes conveys loyalty. Extra experience leads to increased productivity. Ability – skills that individual posses. Intellectual ability: mental activities, thinking, reasoning and problem solving. Those individuals who have a high intellectual ability and work at jobs that do not challenge them become bored and lack motivation. Physical ability: require physical traits for some jobs. Emotional intelligence: self awareness becoming aware of yourself and your areas of strength. Self management working without constant supervision. Self motivated ability to persist if there is setbacks or failures, social skills the ability to deal with others and their emotions, empathy ability to sense how others are feeling. Emotional intelligence affects job performance as employees can relate to each other. Cultural Values – experiences learned that shape our behavior. High low power distance: how equal or unequal you are between others in your society, u.s is low/democratic. Uncertainity avoidance: preferring structure than unstructured. Cognitive dissoance: when there is a conflicting emotion or tension after making a decision. Refers to any incompatibility than an individual might perceive between two or more if his or her attitudes, or between his or her behavior and attitudes. Personality – heredity, environment, situations determine personality. Locus of control: the degree to which people believe they are masters of their own fate. When we succeed we take credit for it, but when we fail, we blame others. Internals: in control of our destiny and are more satisfied and fewer absences. Externals: believe their lives are controlled by outside forces higher absences and less satisfaction. Extroversion: social, assertive. Introverted: reserved, timid. Machiavellianism: pragmatic, emotional distant, ends justify means, aggressive tactics. High mach’s: less persuaded, win more, manipulate more, flourish face to face and when there’s no rules. Self esteem: more confidence, higher risk takers. Self monitoring: ability to adjust to external behavior and situations. High Self monitors: aware of outside cues, and put on faces. Perceptions-input gives meaning to surrounding. Influenced by perceiver: attitudes, motives, interests, experiences, expectations. Target: motion, size, background, similarity. Situation: time, work, social. We judge people to find a behavior based on motives and interests. Attribution Theory- Attribution theory- Tries to explain the ways in which we judge people differently, depending on the meaning we attribute to a given behavior. We attempt to determine if a given behavior is internally or externally caused. Assessed by 3 factors: Distinctiveness- whether an individual displays different behaviors in different situations. Consensus- is his response unique or expected from everyone in a similar situation? Consistency- does the person respond the same way over time? Fundamental attribution error- The tendency to underestimate the influence of external factors and overestimate the internal factors when making judgments about others’ behaviors. Self-serving bias- The tendency for individuals to atribute their own successes to internal factors and blame failures on external factors. Frequently used shortcuts in judging others: Selective perception- The tendency to selectively interpret what one sees on the basis of one’s interest, background, experience, and attitudes. Halo effect- the tendency to draw a general impression about an individual on a basis of a single characteristic. â€Å"he is all good and nothing bad† or vice versa. Contrast effect- Evaluation of a person’s characteristics that is affected by comparison with other people recently encountered who rank higher or lower on the same characteristic. Ie. Someone being assessed right after an expert or someone that does a bad job will affect how you view that person. Stereotyping- Judging someone on the basis of one’s perception of the group to which that person belongs.Profiling/Stereotyping- A form of stereotyping in which a group of individuals is singed out- typically on basis of race, ethnicity- for intensive inquiry, scrutiny, or investigation.Self- fulfilling prophecy- a situation in which a person inaccurately perceives a second person, and the resulting expectations cause the second person to behave in ways consistent with the original perception. Motivation- how much effort an individual puts forth to achieve organizational goals. Performance = motivation, ability, opportunity. Learning Theory – environment determines an individuals behavior. Law of Effect(operant conditioning, or reinforcement theory) behavior is a function of its consequences. People got to learn to behave a way to get what the want. Shaping Behavior- individuals behavior is shaped by rewarding each successive step that moves them closer to a desired response. Positive reinforcement: following a desired response with something pleasant, negative: following a response by termination or withdrawal of something unpleasant. Punishment: causing an unpleasant condition to eliminate an undesirable behavior. Extinction: eliminating any reinforcement that maintains behavior. Applied: Well pay vs sick pay, lotteries, and recognition programs. Need Theory- the individual is in control of changing behavior and not the environment. Maslows Hierarchy: Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. From Low to high. 1. Physiological- food, water, shelter, bodily needs 2. Safety- protection from emotional and physical harm 3. Social- affection, belongingness, friends 4. Esteem- self respect, autonomy, recognition, attention 5. Self actualization- achieving full potential, growth As each need becomes satisfied the next need becomes dominant. A substantial satisfied need no longer motivates. High order needs: internally satisfied such as social , esteem, and self actualization. Low order needs: externally and psycho and safety needs. Extrinsic rewards such as pay tends to decrease motivation for something that was intrinsically rewarding. Extrinsic rewards given to someone performing an interesting task causes interest in the task. Two factor theory: intrinsic factors such as advancement, recognition, responsibility, and achievement, are related to job satisfaction and extrinsic factors such as supervision, pay, company policies, and working conditions are associated with dissatisfaction. Hygiene factors – these factors are conditions surrounding the job â€Å"low order needs† and people complain about and in order to motivate people on the job hertzburg suggests to emphasize characteristics that people find intrinsically rewarding. Equity Theory- comparison of outcomes such as rewards and promotions, to inputs such as effort, skills, experience, and knowledge to others in the organization and then respond to eliminate any inequities. Inequity (under rewarded) low performance and over rewarded performance will increase. Job enrichment (vertical)- is the vertical expansion of jobs, increasing the degree to which the worker controls the planning, execution, and evaluation of his or her work. Expanding jobs vertically gives employees the opportunities, responsibilities, and controls that were previously reserved for management. Autonomy, feed back results, feedback channel, and recognizes individuals desire to grow. Job enlargement (horizontal)- is the idea to expand jobs, more tasks to work with, broaden the job. Skill variety, task identity: seeing the job getting fully done, task significance allows employees to form natural work units where asks they perform create meaningful whole. Employee Involvement Programs- allows orgs to focus on areas their workers know best. Gives sense of belonging, power, information, attitudes/values, and rewards move down the org, allows high needs to be satisfied, becoming motivated, committed, performance up, and satisfied. Line of sight: things way too far away that decreased motivation. Expectancy Theory- belief that an employee will be motivated to exert effort when it will lead to good performance then reward and hence satisfy its goals. Developed by Victor Vroom. Expectancy (effort – performance) belief That effort will lead to good performance. Skills experience and performance clarity is satisfied. Instrumentality (performance – reward) belief that good performance will lead to desired outcomes. Valence (reward – personal goal) the degree to which org. rewards will satisfy your needs and how attractive they are intrinsic and extrinsic. Effort to perform = expectancy, instrumental, valance. Gain Sharing- a formula based on group incentive plan. Focuses on productivity cost saving rather than profits. Relies less on extrinsic factors. Gain can happen without profit. Skill based pay- pay levels are based on how many skills employees have. Technical, managerial, and social. Provides flexibility to perform diff. tasks and skills are interchangeable. Facilitates communication between people to gain better understanding of the jobs. Downside, no promotions and there are limitations to how much you can learn before you top out. Timed training rotation: periodic shifting of an employee from one task to another. When employee becomes not challenged the employee is changed to maintain motivation levels high. Trait Theory- differs leaders from non-leaders. By looking at personal qualities to traits. Works well when in no structure or ambiguous teams. Leaders are born not made. Emergence of leadership rather than the leaders effect on performance. They have to be ambitious, energy, honesty, integrity, high self monitors. However, the theory may not work because fails to clarify the importance of different traits. Not a clear cause and effect relationship. Behavior Theories- assumes that leaders can be trained and the goal here is to develop potential leaders. The problem with these theories is that effective behaviors do not generalize across situations. Ohio studies: 2 dimensions: initiating structure: extent to which a leader is likely to define goals and expectations. Leaders focus is task. Consideration: the extent to which a leader has a relation with employees, trust, respect for ideas, and feelings. The leader is people oriented and focused on the employees.

Apple Competitive Strategy

Apple Competitive Strategy Apples practices, procedures and policies reflect the differentiation strategy to target the wide range of customers as the overall competitive strategy of the company. The company serves a wide range of differentiated product to the customers ranging from the classy power user to the new first time users. The differentiation is based on unique design, reliable quality and customer services driven by high customer values. The innovation strategy allows the improvements in new product development and development in the existing products. The differentiation strategy provides such innovative products to a wider range of customers. Through the integration of these strategies the company aims to meet the demand evolving in the market. The implementation of unique designing and development of operating system and software has been a source of strong competitive advantage. The company has diversified its market to digital electronics and computer market in addition to personal media player industry as the target market which proves that the strategies of the company are still at evolving stage due to new diversified market. Apples has also entered to the tablet industry through the products such as iPad and mobile industry through the products such as iPhone (Masi, 2009). Question 2: What are the key elements of Apples strategy in computers, personal media players, and Smartphone? Have its strategies in its core businesses yielded success? Explain. Answer: The business strategy of Apple aims to design and develop its own OS, hardware, software applications and services uniquely which facilitates the customers with the innovative and new product solutions having unique features such as easy usage, flawless additions, and innovative designs. The companys strategy of continual improvement and research and development leads to the development of new innovative product which enhances the market position of the company. With the integration of the strategy, the company consistently builds and hosts the dynamic platform for identifying and releasing the third party digital content and its application through various stores of iTunes. This store comprises of the Apps store and iBookstore which helps the users to use and access the third party applications either in MAC or through iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. The company strategy also includes the expansion of distribution channels so as to enhance its wide customers reach, high quality service s and after sales services to the customers. The company has also uniquely positioned itself as a superior and highly incorporated digital lifestyle and productivity solution provider (APPLE INC FORM 10-K (Annual Report), 2011). Question 3: What does a competitive strength assessment reveal about Apples computer business, as compared to the leaders in the personal computer industry? Use the methodology in Table 4.2 to support your answer. Does it appear that the companys competitive positions in personal media players and Smartphone or stronger or weaker than its position in computers? Answer: Competitive strength assessment of the company reveals following factors as the strength of the company: Highly Differentiated Business Strategy: The company provides highly differentiated product to its wide range of customer in highly diversified market including personal computer, Tablets, mobile, portable media player industry. It also provides highly innovative and new product integrating with its own hardware, software and designs to solve the problems of the customers and meet their demands (Danesi, 2011). Diversified Product Offering: Apple provides its various products in multiple market segments i.e. MP3 players market, PC market, Tablet Market, and other wireless communications market within the digital and consumer electronic industry. Apple is considered as the true innovator in the consumer electronic industry and this has exposed the existing products to gigantic market opportunities (Danesi, 2011). Other strengths: Other strengths of the company as per the advisors and critics are as follows: Apple Hardware Design. Apple Marketing. Leadership. Competitive Advantage (Apples Competitive Advantage, 2004). The market analysis suggest that the Apple stands at 3rd position in the PC market with the market share of 10.6 % while in the mobile market, it stands at second position with 24.2 % of market share. The company holds the share of 78 % in the overall media player market. This reveals that the market share of the company in this industry is much stronger than the personal computer industry (Slivka, 2012) (Keene, 2012) (Macale, 2011) Question 4: Does it make good strategic sense for Apple to be a competitor in the computer, personal media player, Smartphone, and tablet computer industries? Are the value chain activities that Apple performs in computers, personal media players, tablet computers and Smartphone very similar and compatible or are there very important differences from product to product? Which of the four products linescomputers, tablet computers, personal media players, or Smartphonedo you think is most important to Apples future growth and profitability? Why? Answer: The value chain of the Apple Inc suggest that the company is efficiently handling the chain of activities in innovative and design leading to management of all the activities and operations which provides it a great competitive advantage. The procedure at Apple Inc is moved in following manner: As per the market growth and stock report, the iPhone generates 42.1 % of the total revenue for the company while iPad generates 21.8% of the total revenue. Mac Contribution to the total revenue is 18.9 % while iPod contributes for the generation of 7.3% of the revenue and other peripheral services contributes 9.8 % of the revenue. From this data, it is clear that the Smartphone market and revenue share is the highest contributing segment for the company. However equal emphasize should be given to all the other segments also in order to achieve the total competitive advantage (Danesi, 2011). Question 5: What is your assessment of Apple Computers financial performance the past three years? Answer: The above graph depicts that the profitability of the company increases form 25 % to 40 % consecutively from 2006 to 2009. The graph also depicts that the revenue of the company have been increased from 10 billion to 17 billion in due course of time which depicts that the company is continuously growing with the total competitive advantage of the global international market. The ratio analysis suggests that: The current ratio of the company is continuously increasing showing the increase of current assets and decrease in current liabilities with some downturn in the year of 2009. Debt equity ratio remains the same with small fluctuations which shows that the company is balancing effectively between the current liabilities and the shareholders wealth. Efficiency ratio and debtor turnover ratio is continuously increasing with a certain down turn in the year of 2009 which shows that credit sales are going down and cash sales are increasing (Apple Inc). Question 6: What recommendations would you make to allow Apple to strengthen its position in its most important markets? What steps should it take to ensure that the iPad becomes a success in the marketplace and a major contributor to the companys overall performance? Answer: Following recommendations are being recommended for the company in order to strengthen its position in the market: The Ultimate Convergence Device. Modern Medical Device Platform. Environmental and social efforts in partnership. Dual Band GSM/ CDMA iPhone Worldwide. Collaborative Recycling benefits. Capturing Convergence Device Market. iTune Stores eBook Distribution. Implementing First party quality check in OEM Factories. Productive use of unused cash. Continues implementation of expansion strategy. Differentiated Lifestyle Branding. Following strategies are recommended for iPad: Flash player should be added as one of its feature. It should also be comprised of USB and camera. It should be compatible with the iPhone applications. Develop a separate marketing strategy for iPad.

The Ancient Astronaut Theory Theology Religion Essay

The Ancient Astronaut Theory Theology Religion Essay What if everything that you thought about ancient civilization was false, what if human technology as we know it was catapulted forward by ancient visitors, what if early in human history, the earth was visited by extra-terrestrials and humans came in contact with them. The whole idea of alien visitors is very intriguing, to even think that our earth was a place for outsiders and is so hard to even fathom, this is why it is so interesting. But what other explanations are there for pieces of evidence that have been found that werent humanly possible for humans to create. Ancient visitors is the only theory out there right now that can explain it, and I believe in it because there is just too much evidence and not enough human technology at the time to not believe that something weird was going on. Is it so hard to believe? Is it so hard to believe that ancient hieroglyphs depicting gods and birds coming out of the sky and giving the locals tools and information were actually UFOs comi ng out of the sky and these gods were aliens giving them survival techniques or blueprints for gigantic structures? These are just some of the questions that fuel the ancient alien theory. All of this speculation about human history and contact with ancient aliens started with the Ancient Astronaut Theory which is a culmination of theories of many different scientists particularly in the latter half of the 20th century. The Ancient Astronaut Theory was mainly proposed by a scientist named Erich Von Daniken. He proposed that extraterrestrials with superior knowledge of science and engineering landed on the Earth thousands of years ago, allocating their craft with early civilizations and perpetually changing human history. The fact remains that there is so much evidence and weird happenings in our history that Von Danikens theory has validity. (Erich Von Daniken and Ancient Aliens) The Ancient Astronaut Theory is definitely the umbrella over everything regarding ancient aliens and is what has led to this explosion in the past couple of years about this weird topic. The new show Ancient Aliens on the History Channel has been a harbinger for beliefs like this and has opened the eyes of scientists everywhere. It is one thing to hear about all of these ancient artifacts and crazy buildings that could not have been built by humans, but something entirely different to actually see these practically impossible feats that early humans were able to achieve with no understanding of technology and with nothing but a hammer. http://www.history.com/images/media/slideshow/ancient-aliens-image-gallery/sky-people.jpg -The Sky People: this was found at the Mayan ruins in Tikal, Guatemala and resembles an astronaut in a space helmet. Now there is a definite counterargument against this theory and it is about a couple of different things. Firstly, there is an argument that it would take between 600 and 1,200 light years for a system that could support life to get to Earth. Next, that if aliens actually did get here, why would they help us. And third, why would extra-terrestrials visit us a long time ago and then just stop and not visit us now? (Ljubuncic) These are three of the strongest counterarguments made against theories of ancient visitors and while they are substantial, they are explanations against them, as there are in every argument- which is what makes an argument legitimate. For the first claim, we have no idea how advanced life would be if it were to exist beyond us, they could be 600-1,200 light years ahead of us in technology so that 600-1,200 light year trip to earth is more like a year of travel. Secondly, why not help? I think that if we visited another life form and we were far more advanced tha n them that we would definitely help them out. And lastly, because now we are advanced enough and on our way to huge leaps in technology, the astronauts just helped us get started. There are so many pieces of evidence that just has to raise the question, has the earth been visited my outsiders? Places like Stonehenge, and the Moai of Easter Island are filled with mysterious traits that really does make you think about what if? How could human beings without sophisticated tools or the knowledge of engineering craft, transport such incredible structures? If somebody who told you that there was a deity, who could control the universe and be able to make a planet, would it be that farfetched to believe that there were ancient visitors that came to the planet and helped civilizations with technology and tools? I took a survey asking kids who lived in my dorm if they thought just with prior background knowledge that ancient aliens actually existed or that there was some sort of outside intervention to explain things that are here on earth today. Out of 10 CU students that I asked, there were only 3 of them that thought there was no outside intervention. This is so tr ue that people really dont know what happened explain these structures or depictions of aliens in caves so there had to be something that was going on back then for these impossible feats to happen. All of these monumental places and weird occurrences that had happened in the past are truly amazing considering the technology that they had back then, really almost too amazing to believe that these people built them. All of these different places can all be directly related to one thing- ancient astronauts. A place called Ollantaytambo located in Peru is an absolutely monumental fortification located about 30 miles from Machu Picchu. There is something very strange about Ollantaytambo. The citadel served as both a temple and a fortress. At some time unknown, and for reasons unknown, work mysteriously stopped on this huge project. The gigantic monoliths are part of what was to be a shrine or temple. At some time unknown, and for reasons unknown, work mysteriously stopped on this huge project (Barclay). At the northern end of the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo has a weird but special spirit about it. The legend goes that a white bearded God, Wiracocha, came into the town and blessed the people. The people honored him so much that they carved his face in the side of the mountain where you can see it today. Was this white bearded god perhaps a white cloaked alien? How was this giant obelisk put into place so uniformly and well? How were the giant slabs of stone taken to the top of the mountai n where Ollantaytambo resides? How were these intricate cuts made on these stones enabling them to fit together? Truly this is amazing that these stones were forged together with nothing more than a hammer by the Incas. It just doesnt fit the bill, how could these ancient Incans have built this astonishing structure with a chisel? The stones had said to be almost welded together and with such sound precision that the obelisk is perfectly fit together with no cracks or splits after thousands of years of erosion and wear. Ollantaytambo is unbelievable, just look at it. How was it put together by humans? http://www.world-mysteries.com/mpl_8otru.jpg How was this massive structure assembled by ancient humans? It really just doesnt make any sense that this was actually made by early humans with no tractors or welding, ancient aliens? There are so many artifacts on earth are that are affiliated with, or suspected to be the result of ancient alien technology. A location like this is the Carnac Stones located in Carnac, France. These stones are a collection of gigantic rocks that have been set in place in meticulous and calculated assortments. Some configurations resemble straight lines and rows while others are circular shapes. The Carnac stones together, simulate a series of triangles that make up a complicated mathematical formula the Pythagorean Theorem. Another appealing issue around the structure of these stones is the very difficult calculations needed to actually put them in sync to where they are, and just when exactly these stones were assembled. The Carnac Stones were made in 3300 BC which is during the time of the stone ages. Pythagoras didnt invent the Pythagorean Theorem until 530 BC its impossible that people in the stone ages had the competence that was needed to calculate and create the shapes requ ired to execute the Pythagorean Theorem. Because of the size of the stones and the very limited tools available to people of that time its also very doubtful that they were able to lift these humongous stones into their upright place. Researchers have not yet found out the real objective of the Carnac Stones. The stones have places inside of the composition that couldve been antique tombs or burial chambers. Were these stones used to have burial ceremonies for ancient aliens? The Carnac Stones might have even been used to guide alien UFOs as they are one of the three structures on earth that can be seen from space. There is also research that is being done on possible astronomical pieces of the structures. The Carnac Stones are located at the latitude where the sun on winter and summer solstices forms a Pythagorean triangle. https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJ1IgPIlllm3CSLcfrU4VVvC7riiTzcWT8vP38ZFFh61JZVXx5YeVLP3onJWF8TF6aBd83jMCbXkx9ajEFhr2WFWynFwu_QLlVQQpF553XjnUJFCRhfGIbx11Xueojrh8V1e8A3oMcZ7O/s1600/carnac-stones.jpg Is this site evidence that ancient aliens came to the Earth and administered our ancestors knowledge of new mathematical calculations and wisdom of great technology from other worlds? How was the Pythagorean Theorem being incorporated into the stones formation when the Pythagorean Theorem hadnt even been invented yet? The Carnac stones are very unusual and something that has to raise the question of ancient extraterrestrial intervention. (Hixon) Another one of the many oddities in the world related to ancient astronauts is called the Nazca Lines in Peru. Drawn into a highland in Perus Nazca Desert, are a series of ancient depictions stretching more than 50 miles has dumbfounded archaeologists. Along with simple lines and intricate shapes, they include drawings of animals, and humans, some measuring more than 600 feet wide. Because of their vast size, the lines can only even be seen clearly from high in the sky-and there is no evidence that these Nazcans, who lived in this area between 300 B.C. and 800 A.D., had any sort of way to see these lines in their full entirety because they couldnt go up in the sky, or could they? According to ancient alien theorists, the figures were used to guide spaceships when they landed, and the lines were used as runways. What on earth would the Nazca people use these ample lines for? http://www.mysterycasebook.com/2007/nazcalines2.jpg The Nazca Lines are a complete mystery. No one has proof of who built them or why they were built. They are truly a befuddling landmark. The Nazca Lines have many explanations including ancient gods, or a landing strip for returning aliens, which would have been very helpful to outsiders to have been able to have an airstrip. The ground patterns are dated back to between 200 BC and 600 AD (Ronquillo). Because these lines are so old it really brings up the question what were they using this airstrip for and how on earth did they even build such precise lines. This plain or plateau where theseslines are located is very dry and calm. Because there is not much wind or rain to erode anything off of this plain, these lines have stayed here for such a long period of time. This place is an ideal setting for someone that wanted to leave their mark. The concentration and precision of the Nazca lines leave no doubt that there was required long-term, intensive labor required to construct them wh ich is strange because they serve an unkown purpose. Why would the Nazca people spend so much time on something that has no apparent purpose? Were they in fact constructing an airstrip for outsiders? Could it have been a place where UFOs landed? Why would the Nazca people do all of this for nothing? They wouldnt just construct this giant sized, stone etched, concrete sheets of earth for a tribal or even practical purpose for like roads or something. Could it have been a DIA for ancient astronauts? (Ronquillo) One of the most troubling questions about our ancient civilizations and ancient aliens has to do with religion. When examining old religious texts there are a number of stories that seem to be describing people coming from the sky, which they thought were angles, demons, and even God. Ancient astronaut theorists believe that these stories and encounters could have actually been contact with ancient aliens. We know that these ancient civilizations would describe things using pictures and hieroglyphs. So if they would create these glyphs based on what they saw is it not strange that we have found countless pictures of what looks like flying objects? These ancient peoples believed that the gods of their religions came down from the sky and had the ability to fly on these machines. When you consider the stories of King Solomon in Israel they talk about him flying around on a magic carpet. It was said that he would fly in the sky and map the surrounding areas. Was this their way of descri bing a real flying machine that was used thousands of years ago? There are also mountains near Tibet that King Solomon would fly to and the tops of the mountains resemble what looks like a runway. It is uncommon for these mountains to have such flat surfaces. Could they have actually constructed runways for these flying machines to land on? One of the things to consider is how ancient civilizations would refer to gods as powerful beings that were superior to man. Its possible that these in fact werent gods but aliens who possessed advanced technology that may have made them seem Godly. It doesnt seem impossible that these people would worship these legendary Gods that came from the sky and seemed so superior. Were they actually Aliens? And is it possible that the aliens wanted these ancient civilizations to worship them? Maybe in return for the praise they were getting the aliens in fact did supply us with equipment and technology and knowledge to advance our civilization. This could have been the very beginning of all religious beliefs. (Ancient Aliens) http://www.history.com/images/media/slideshow/ancient-aliens-image-gallery/ascention-of-solomon.jpg -Ascension of King Solomon: According to some experts, King Solomon of Israel owned a flying machine that let him navigate great distances and be a cartographer of the world. Ancient alien theorists have observed that many religious texts feature numerous types of aircraft. (History.com) If there were ever ancient astronauts that came to the earth and helped human civilization with knowledge and tools, they definitely left some good evidence behind for conspirators to feast on. If there these theories are true, which there is enough evidence to validate it, it would change everything that we know about human history and change our whole perspective on our earth in the universe. This is the world that we live in and to think that if ancient aliens came to earth and altered what we think of as human doings, really affects how each and every one of us live our lives in this world. This whole topic is just so interesting because there are just so many weird things that are happening and have happened in human history and just has to make each and every one of us think, what really went on here? It is so astonishing that some of these things exist today and even more astonishing that we have absolutely no idea how or why some things are the way they are. All we can do is theorize and speculate about ancient outsiders coming down to earth and forever changing the course of human history. What if everything that you thought about ancient civilization was false, what if human technology as we know it was catapulted by ancient visitors, what if early in human history, the earth was visited by extra-terrestrials and humans and these visitors came in contact. What if we were alive because of ancient aliens? What if we are where we are here today because of ancient astronaut technology. You have to wonderà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦

Analisis Of The Poem Dreamers :: essays research papers

Dreamers   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Dreamers is a WWI poem that is about the soldiers rather than the war itself, the message of the poem is that soldiers although viewed as hated killers that kill innocent victims the poem expresses the fact that the soldiers are just like the â€Å"normal† person, the poem also consists of many thoughts and doesn’t single out one side or another this shows that is was probably written by a observer of the war or someone that was directly involved in the war itself.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first two lines of the poem sign is a great display of what people make soldiers out the be and what a normal citizen pictures them as â€Å"Citizens of Deaths gray land† a typical view of a solider that is fighting in a war is a bringer of death and some one who does not think twice about killing someone, but it is quickly countered buy telling the reader that although they are deaths soldiers they are not free from deaths fatal grasp them selves and gain nothing from the fighting.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The second two lines are a dramatic turn stating that as soldiers the stand starring destiny in the face to face, but is again turned as the thought of the solider is that he isn’t think ing about death but is thinking about feuds, jealousies ,and sorrows, not exactly like a normal person but shows that they are like â€Å"normal† people in the sense that they care about what they have done.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Third two lines are like the first talking about what a soldiers is supposed to do followed but a dramatic line that shows that they as people are not invisible, the first line states the soldiers are supposed to win giving them a heavy burden that rest dead on there shoulders, but is yet again turned around by the fact the writer lets us know that some come out in body bags and some come out with the â€Å"fatal climax† which is that they have to go fight a war that they don’t wish to be a part of.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The fourth two lines are the second most powerful in the poem, it shows that the soldiers who are fighting are dreamers when the guns begin to fire, and the dream of the things that most people take for grantit like a warm home, clean beds and there beautiful wives which are left at there homes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The next four lines tell of the horrors that the soldiers induer such as trenches that are plagued with rats and that are flooded with rain and are

Shoah - Movie Summary Essay -- Film Movies

The movie begins with Simon Srebnik going back to Chelmno, he is one of the two survivors. He was taken to Chelmno when he was thirteen, his father was killed in front of him, and his mother died in the gas vans. He was known throughout the camp for his agility and his beautiful singing voice. Before abandoning the camp the Nazis shot everyone, including him, in the head. He was left for dead, but was found and survived. Simon went back to tell of the experience he had. He cannot believe what happened as he walks along what is left of the frame of the buildings. He said that 2,000 were burnt per day, but he remembers the camp as being peaceful. No one ever shouted, they just went about their work. He was forced to go up the river, under guard, to get food for the rabbits from the alfalfa fields. Along the way he would sing and the people along the shore would listen and some still remember. The other survivor of Chelmno is Michael Podchlebnik. The day he went to the camp everything died in him, he is human though and wanted to live. He wants to forget about the Holocaust and doesn’t like to talk about it. In the beginning he thought himself as dead because he never thought he’d survive. His job was to unload corpses, on his first day he cried. On his third day he saw his wife and children. He put his wife in the grave and asked to be killed. The Germans said he was strong enough to work and that he wouldn’t be killed yet. Motke Zaidl was a survivor of Sobibor. They vis...

Age Of Technology Essay

We are certainly in the age of technology, but with all technology that is available, where does the line of privacy lie? More and more technical gadgets are being tested and manufactured for the convenience of individuals to enjoy them in the privacy of their own homes. Also, any business or public place you visit with most likely be ran by the aid of some sort of technical gadget. Society has become so used to this, no one really questions when personal information is asked to be shared to a complete stranger and typed or scanned into a piece of technology. Who knows where all of this information is going? With emails, cell phones, and google, it’s virtually impossible NOT to get someone’s personal information. Emails are something that’s getting sent on a daily basis all day every day. With having to set up email accounts, which ask for your social security numbers are basically your fingerprint, is an open door for people to find out any information they want to about you. Typically, some companies use company email addresses for memos that need to get to employees or company executives or any personal emails that need to be shared. With company emails come company email policies that will explain why the emails were provided and what is not acceptable content to pass through email. In the Michael A. Smyth v. The Pillsbury Company case, Mr. Smith and another employee were terminated for exchanging emails that made threats to sales managers and made rude comments about certain company events. Mr. Smith sued the Pillsbury Company for violating public policy by committing a tort known as â€Å"invasion of privacy†. In the policy, Pillsbury stated that all employee emails were going to remain confidential and privileged including plaintiff. On these grounds, Smith thought he had a case against the Pillsbury Company, but as the defendant (Pillsbury) pointed out, the company wants to keep their employees safe so the frequent email checks to ensure that nothing illegal or disrespectful is being sent to any member of the company employees that utilize the email provided by the company. To Pillsbury this was a liable enough reason and invasion of privacy was not relevant. To me, this goes along with other popular gadgets and social networks such as smartphones, Facebook, and Google. All of these are intertwined because they all are things that society virtually live off of but it can give you the birth place of any human being if you just knew a few simple things. With Smartphones you can surf the web, sign your phone onto any email account (where your social security number is ALWAYS need), and satellite waves called Wi-Fi or Wireless Local Area Network. Wi-Fi can pick up anyone’s smartphone and or computer and can receive the carrier’s information like telephone numbers or even where this individual lives! This could probably be a disadvantage or an advantage depending on the situation. If I was lost, say for instance, if I used a smartphone, my actions could be traced and I could possibly be found. On the other hand, if I was trying to stay away from someone, they could use Wi-Fi or internet to track me and see where my last location was. With Google and Facebook these are things I feel are inevitable. If you have ever paid a bill online, signed up for anything, or searched for something via web, your personal information is already out there for the grabbing! Billions and billions people use Google and Facebook on a daily basis. If you have signed up for facebook and you have conceived a Facebook page, you can be googled! The USA Patriot Act that stands for, Uniting (and) Strengthening America (by) Providing Appropriate Tools Required (to) Intercept (and) Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001. This Act was enforced and signed by President Bush after the September 11th disaster. A four year extension of the Act was also signed via autopen by President Obama which gave protection to government officials when roving wiretaps, business records, and other personal information that could possibly help government relations in the long run. I personally agree with the law. We are in the world of electronics and technology. Everything we own, every business we run or visit, and every website we search is tracking us. If a serial Facebook rapist was out to get me, by him sending me an inbox message on Facebook or even being my friend on Facebook, he could easily be tracked down through those just seemingly small thing. There are other things like ancestors.com that could help you finish the missing piece of your family tree. Even though privacy is a big part of being an individual, you have to be mindful of the things you do when it comes to the internet and technology. There are certain ways for you to maintain individual privacy such as not putting your phone on speaker or using headphones when you listen to music. The law doesn’t prohibit the right to conversation but when the conversation is done through texting, if it gets leaked, who’s at fault? It’s your right to have a cell phone but is it the other person you text their right to repeat it? When the send button was pressed you gave up your right to the confidentiality of that conversation. So to me, it’s just life. I try to keep what I can to myself but once I cross that line of â€Å"internet service† I give up a little piece of privacy with every search, download, or sign up.

Martin Luther King Short Bio

Michael Luther King Jar. Became Martin Luther King Jar. Martin Jar. Was so eager to learn that he tried to go to school when he was five years old. He was too young to go to school that year. Martin Jar. Went to first grade when he was six years old. Martin Jar. Played with his sister, Christine, and his brother, Alfred Daniel. Monopoly, Chinese checkers and marbles were Martin Jar. ‘s favorite indoor games. He also played the piano, violin and he sang. Outside, Martin Jar. Rode his bike, football, baseball, flew kites, and built a tree house with his brother Alfred. Martin also liked to play tricks on people.One day, he loosened the leg on a Plano bench. When his Plano teacher sat down, he crashed to the floor. Martin Jar. Had a bad experience when he was six. He and his friends often played games in his big backyard. One day, Martin Jar. Asked two white friends to play with him , but their mother told Martin Jar. That her boys could never play with him again. Martin Jar. Was so upset. His parents explained about the laws separating African Americans and white people. African American children couldn't go to the same schools as white people. They couldn't share drinking fountains or restrooms with white people.If an African American got on a bus had to give up his or her seat for a white person. Although the laws were wrong, Martin's Jar. Mother told her son to always remember that he was somebody. Thirteen! When he was in the eleventh grade, Martin Jar. Wrote a special speech and won a prize. He was so excited that his â€Å"big words† had pleased people. On the bus ride home, however, Martin Jar. Was told to give up his seat to a white man. Martin said, â€Å"It was the angriest I have ever been in my life. † Martin Jar. Skipped the twelfth grade and went to Morehouse College in Atlanta. He tried to decide how he could best wallpapering Americans.He questioned whether he should be a doctor, a lawyer or a Minister? Martin Jar. Decided to b ecome a Minister like his father. Martin Jars. First sermon was in a small room at Benzene Baptist Church. He spoke so powerfully that many people crowded into the room to hear him. More and more people came tap hear him and before long he was preaching in a larger room so that more people could her his inspiring sermons. Martin Jar. Returned to College again and earned a doctorate in theology. He was now Dry. Martin Luther King Jar. He met a girl called Correct Scott at the College where he earned his doctorate and in 1953 Martin Jar. D Correct Scott got married. Martin Jar. And his wife moved to Montgomery, Alabama. There he worked hard at being a good Minister and community leader. On December 1, 1955, an African American woman, named Rosa Park, refused to give up her seat on a bus too white man. She was arrested and taken to Jail for breaking the law that required African Americans to give up their bus seats to white Americans. Her arrest angered many African Americans in Montgo mery, Alabama. They refused to ride on the buses until the law was changed. Dry. Martin Luther King Jar. Agreed to lead the bus boycott.He and his family were heartened and their home was bombed but he knew that what they were doing was right. Eventually the U. S. Supreme Court was asked to decide on whether the bus segregation law was good. The Court decided that the boycott was wrong. Dry. King and his fellow boycotter had won. Dry. King led more battles to end unfair laws in the United States. He worked to ensure that all children could go to schools together. He tried to change laws so that African Americans could vote in elections and be paid the same wage as white people. At times Dry. King was Jailed because he stood up for what he knew was right.On the 28th of August 1963 Dry. King gave a famous speech entitled â€Å"l Have A Dream†. Millions of people heard him say â€Å"l have a dream that my four children will one day of their character†. In 1964 Dry. King r eceived the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent efforts to change the unfair laws in the United States of America. On April 4th 1968 Dry. King was tragically shot and killed in Memphis, Tennessee, ending his dream of equal rights for all Americans. People around the world were saddened by the death of this peaceful leader who gave his life to make the world a better place for all.

American Liberty: From Past to Present

Liberty is a concept that is commonly used by the average American in his daily affairs. A lexical definition of liberty states that it refers to the freedom to believe or act without the restriction of an unnecessary force. As far as the individual is concerned, liberty is the capacity of a person to act according to his will. But do we really know the history of America’s liberty? Do we really understand the historical events that have shaped the liberty that we know of and enjoy in these contemporary times?In this paper, I will be examining the roots of American liberty from the founding era to the modern debates surrounding the concept of liberty. I will also be looking into the proponents of liberty and those who have shared a significant role in defining and upholding liberty as we know it today. The Founding Era Hundreds of years before today, America was an entirely different place. Long before the creation of the Constitution, different European countries have already established their own settlements across America. The Spaniards and the French were among the early colonizers until the time of the British.During the rule of the British Empire, severe shortage in human labor resulted to enslavement and indentured servitude of the natives. In the years that followed, conflicts broke-out between the Native Americans and the English settlers. It should be noted, however, that Virginia already had black indentured servants in 1619 after being settled by Englishmen in 1607 (â€Å"Virginia Records Timeline: 1553-1743,† http://memory. loc. gov/ammem/collections/jefferson_papers/mtjvatm3. html), thereby suggesting that the attainment of genuine liberty from the colonizers is yet to be realized.It is perhaps during the time when the English pilgrims came to Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1620 and established their colonies that the concept of liberty came about, not the least in the context of the pre-Constitution history of America. As Mark Sargent w rites in his article â€Å"The Conservative Covenant: The Rise of the Mayflower Compact in American Myth,† some of the passengers in the Mayflower ship â€Å"who were not travelling to the New World for religious reasons would insist upon complete freedom when they stepped ashore† since the New World is already â€Å"outside the territory covered in their patent from the [British] crown† (Sargent, p.236). After the Seven Years War between the British forces and the alliance of French and American Indian forces in 1763, the British Empire enforced a series of taxes on the Americans so as to cover a portion of the cost for defending the colony. Since the Americans considered themselves as subjects of the King, they understood that they had the same rights to that of the King’s subjects living in Great Britain.However, the Sugar Act, Currency Act—both passed in 1764—the Stamp Act of 1765, the Townshend Act of 1767, to name a few, compelled the Americans to take drastic measures to send the message to the British Empire that they were being treated as though they were less than the King’s subjects in Great Britain (Jensen, p. 186). Moreover, the taxes were enforced despite the lack of representation of the American colonists in the Westminster Parliament.One of the famous protests taken by the Americans is the Boston Tea Party in 1773 where numerous crates containing tea that belonged to the British East India Company were destroyed aboard ships in Boston Harbor. As a result, the British government passed a series of acts popularly known as the Intolerable Acts in 1774, further fanning the growing oppression felt by the American colonists. Eventually, the American Revolution ensued beginning in as early as 1775 when British forces confiscated arms and arrested revolutionaries in Concord, thereby sparking the first hostilities after the Intolerable Acts were passed (Jensen, p.434). From 1775 to 1783, the colonies tha t formed their own independent states fought as one as the Thirteen Colonies of North America. Lasting for roughly eight years, the American Revolutionary War ended in the ratification of the Treaty of Paris which formally recognized the Independence of America from the British Empire. Between these years, the colonies underwent several changes which constitute part of the developments toward the framing of the Constitution (Bobrick, p. 88).One of these changes is the shift towards the acceptance of notable republican ideals, such as liberty and inalienable rights as core values, among several members of the colonies. Moreover, the republican ideals of the time saw corruption as the greatest of all threats to liberty. In essence, the concept of liberty during the founding era revolves around the liberation of the American colonies from the British Empire and the growing oppression it gave to the colonists through taxation burdens and a series of repressive acts.For the American colo nists, liberty meant the severing of its ties from the British government and the creation of its own independent nation recognized by other countries. The writing and ratification of the Constitution On the fourth of July in 1776, the second Continental Congress signed and officially adopted the United States Declaration of Independence which established the separation of the thirteen American colonies—the colonies which were at war with Great Britain from 1775—from the British Empire.Although others say that the founding moment of America is not on July 4 but two days earlier (Groom, http://independent. co. uk/arts-entertainment/books/review/the-fourth-of-july-and-the-founding-of-america-by-peter-de-bolla-455878. html), it remains a fact that there came a point in time when America finally declared its independence. The evolution of American political theory—especially that which is concerned with liberty—can be better understood during the confrontatio n over the writing and the ratification of the Constitution.In fact, the Declaration asserts that people have unalienable rights which include life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The Articles of Confederation served as the constitution which governed the thirteen states as part of its alliance called the â€Å"United States of America†. After being ratified in 1781, the â€Å"United States of America† was brought as a political union under a confederate government in order to defend better the liberties of the people and of each state. Meaning, each state retained its independence and sovereignty despite being politically held together as part of the union.However, the Articles were not without opposition and criticisms from several notable political thinkers of the time. For example, James Madison saw several main flaws in the Articles of Confederation that were alarming, or threatened the very existence and purpose of the Articles first and foremost. For one, Madison was concerned about the dangers posed by the divided republics or â€Å"factions† given that their interest may stand in conflict to the interests of others. Madison argues in The Federalist, specifically in â€Å"Federalist No.10,† that in order to guard the citizens from the dangers posed by these individuals who have contradicting interests, a large republic should be created, a republic that will safeguard the citizens from the possible harms brought by other states. It is likewise important to note that the union is not a homogenous group of citizens with the same political inclinations. Madison also argues that for the government to become effective it needs to be a hybrid of a national and a federal constitution.The government should be balanced in the sense that it should be federal in some aspects and republican in others instead of giving more weight to each separate state over the larger republic. In his â€Å"Federalist No. 39,† Madison prop oses and describes a republic government guided by three fundamental principles: the derivation of the government’s legitimate power through the consent of the people, representatives elected as administrators in the government, and a limitation on the length of the terms of service rendered by the representatives (Kobylka and Carter, p.191). Madison also pointed out in â€Å"Federalist No. 51† that there should be checks and balances in the government, specifically among the judicial, legislative and the executive branches. The judiciary, therefore, is at par with the other two inasmuch as each of the other two are at par with one another. Giving one of the three more powers disables the other two to check if that branch is still functioning within its perimeters.As a result, the more powerful branch becomes a partisan branch which consequently creates dangers to the liberties of the people. Another important part of the evolution of American political theory is the c ontention raised by Patrick Henry. In a letter sent to Robert Pleasants in January 18, 1773, Patrick Henry sees the relationship between the new government and the institution of slavery as a contradiction precisely because while the new government is said to be founded on liberty, there the evil that is slavery persisted under the new government.During those times, slavery was not yet abolished and that the new government was unable to meet the challenge of living up to its roles and foundations by failing to address the institution of slavery and demolishing it altogether. Moreover, Henry understood the efforts of secession from the hands of England were a matter of freedom or slavery, which can also be looked upon as a question of either a freedom from or a continuation of tax slavery from the British.While Madison was part of the â€Å"Federalists† who were supporting the ratification of the Constitution, the â€Å"Anti-Federalists† apparently argued against its ra tification. It was Patrick Henry who led the group in criticizing the contents of the proposed Constitution. For instance, Henry argued that the phrase â€Å"We the People† in the Preamble of the Constitution was misleading primarily because it was not necessarily the people who agreed and created the proposed Constitution but the representatives of each participating state.Thus, Henry argues that the Preamble should instead read as â€Å"We the States† which in turn delegated power to the union. Another argument of the Anti-Federalists is the claim that the central government and, therefore, the central power might result to a revival of the monarchic type of rule reminiscent of the British Empire which the Patriots fought. The fear is that, by delegating a considerable amount of power to the central government, the liberties of the individual states and the people are weakened as a result.Nevertheless, the Constitution was adopted on September 17, 1787 and later rati fied in each of the state conventions held. The anti-federalists share a significant role in strengthening some of the points of the Constitution through the succeeding amendments. The first ten amendments to the Constitution are popularly known as the Bill of Rights; it is largely influenced by the arguments of the anti-federalists. For the most part, the Bill of Rights aimed to guarantee that Congress shall not create laws which stand against the rights and liberties of the citizens of the nation.In effect, the Bill of Rights limits the power of the federal government in order to secure the liberties of the people in the United States. In â€Å"Federalist No. 84,† Alexander Hamilton argues against the Bill of Rights for the reason that the American citizens will not have to necessarily surrender their rights as a result of the ratification of the Constitution and, thus, the protection of the rights through the Bill is unnecessary. Moreover, Hamilton also argues that creatin g a Bill of Rights would effectively limit the rights of the people since those that are not listed in the Bill will not be considered as rights.In response to the argument, the Ninth Amendment to the Constitution was introduced and ratified later on. The amendment specifically states that the rights of the people are not to be limited to those which are listed in the Constitution. As it can be observed, the time before and during the ratification of the Constitution and the succeeding amendments made reflect how the people at the time sought to protect the liberties that they have realized and gained after the American Revolution and the defeat of the British Empire.Moreover, the debates at that time revolved around the issue of what to do with the liberties gained and how to secure them for the coming generations. One side—the Anti-Federalists—argues that the central government weakens the independence and sovereignty of the states as well as the rights and liberties of the people. The other side—the Federalists—argues that the Constitution will help preserve and strengthen the Union. Modern debates In the years that followed, debates over the interpretation of the Constitution, the role of the government and the place of the individual in American society have escalated.In his essay â€Å"Resistance to Civil Government† (popularly known as â€Å"Civil Disobedience†) first published in 1849, Henry David Thoreau asserts that the people should not simply remain passive and allow the government to be an agent of injustice. Much of Thoreau’s political beliefs eventually follow that same philosophy. In his work Walden published in 1854, Thoreau attempts to live a life of solitude in a cabin, away from the reaches of the society. In one of his days in Walden, Thoreau was arrested for the charge of not paying his taxes. His defense was that he refuses to pay federal taxes to a government that tolerates slavery.In ess ence, the fact that Thoreau decided to stay in solitude for approximately two years (although the contents of Walden was made to appear as though all the events happened within just a year) signifies his decision not to conform to the dictates of the society. On the contrary, Thoreau lived a life of liberty, free to do anything that he chooses without the institutions of society restraining him. The same sentiment—non-conformity or disobedience to the dictates of the society, especially the government—echoes through in Thoreau’s other work, which is â€Å"Civil Disobedience†.Thoreau asserts that â€Å"the only obligation which I have a right to assume is to do at any time what I think [is] right† (Thoreau, http://sniggle. net/Experiment/index. php? entry=rtcg#p04). That passage, along with the rest of â€Å"Civil Disobedience† and its theme in general, implies that people have an inherent liberty, which is the liberty to do any time what the y think is right. Taken altogether in the context of the concept of liberty, Thoreau seems to suggest that people ought to disobey a government that oppresses other people since each individual has inalienable rights that nobody can take away, not even the government.In the face of oppression such as slavery (which was still very much a part of America within twenty years after the ratification of the original Constitution since the issue of slavery was a very delicate and contentious matter during the Philadelphia Convention), Thoreau even suggested that Abolitionists should not only confine themselves with the mere thought of abolishing slavery but resisting the instructions of the government such as paying taxes.Thus, as a reading of Thoreau’s works would suggest, to have liberty is to act upon crucial issues instead of passively allowing contentious actions of the government to thrive and continue. I cannot help but think that Thoreau’s concept of liberty is someth ing that is absolute, which I also take to mean as confined only within one’s disposition instead of being limited by the government. Moreover, since Thoreau suggests that liberty is doing any time what one thinks is right an individual should first know if what he or she thinks is indeed right instead of being wrong.Charles Madison notes that Thoreau was heavily concerned with the â€Å"ever pressing problem of how one might earn a living and remain free† (Madison, p. 110). I cannot help but begin to think that Thoreau attempts at embodying and enacting his individualistic beliefs. As Leigh Kathryn Jenco argues, â€Å"The theory and practice of democracy fundamentally conflict with Thoreau’s conviction in moral autonomy and conscientious action† (Jenco, p.355); democracy is essentially the rule of the majority which consequently ignores the decisions of the minority. However, I think that much of Thoreau’s thoughts were heavily influenced by the c ircumstances during his time. His aversion towards the imposed taxation policy of the government stems from the fact that the government at that time still tolerates slavery which is directly against an individual’s liberty.Thoreau’s insight on the perceived conflict between the liberties being upheld by the Constitution and the actual state of the government during his time points us to the ideal that the people are sovereign because the people is the ultimate source of power of the government. If it is indeed the case that the Constitution upholds the rights of individuals including the right to liberty, it seems appropriate to consider as well why slavery at that time was not immediately abolished entirely especially at the time when the Constitution was ratified.In fact, it was only in 1865 under the Thirteenth Amendment—about 80 years after the original Constitution was adopted—when slavery was legally abolished and when Congress was given the power to finally enforce abolition. During the time when slavery was not yet abolished and immediately after the original Constitution was ratified, it can be said that not all citizens living in America were given full liberties. Several people were still laboring as slaves to their American masters.That is perhaps an often neglected piece of history that undermines the spirit of creating a Constitution and a government that will uphold the rights of the people. The pre-American Revolutionary war, the founding era, the ratification of the original Constitution, the creation of the Bill of Rights and the other succeeding amendments to the Constitution—all these stand as testimonies to the evolution of American political thought. The concept of liberty has played an important role in the development of the federal government and the Constitution.Although the history of American political thought might reveal that the attainment of liberty through the years has never been a smooth jo urney, contemporary America has reaped a large amount of benefits from the sacrifices and ideas of the Founding Fathers and all the people who lived and died during those times. Some might even argue that liberty is yet to be truly attained in today’s American society. But if liberty is yet to be attained in practice, how is it possible that people are given the right to air their grievances before the government?How is it possible that people have the liberty to do as they please so long as what they do does not conflict with what is legal? In any case, the present American Constitution guarantees the liberty of the people and that there are institutions which seek to promote and guard that important right. Had it been the case that the early Americans swallowed everything that the British Empire throw in their way and that the Founding Fathers abandoned the creation and amendment of the Constitution, the United States of America would not have been the land of the free and the home of the brave.Works Cited Bobrick, Benson. Fight for Freedom: The American Revolutionary War. 1st ed. New York, NY: Atheneum, 2004. Groom, Nick. â€Å"The Fourth of July and the Founding of America, by Peter De Bolla†. 2007. Independent. Co. Uk. October 16 2008. . Hamilton, Alexander, James Madison, and John Jay. The Federalist, on the New Constitution. 1787. October 18, 2008 . Jenco, Leigh Kathryn. â€Å"Thoreau’s Critique of Democracy. † The Review of Politics 65. 3 (2003): 355-81. Jensen, Merrill. The Founding of a Nation: A History of the American Revolution 1763-1776. Indianapolis, IN: Hackett Publishing Company, 2004. Kobylka, Joseph F. , and Bradley Kent Carter. â€Å"Madison, The Federalist, & the Constitutional Order: Human Nature & Institutional Structure. † Polity 20.2 (1987): 190-208. Madison, Charles. â€Å"Henry David Thoreau: Transcendental Individualist. † Ethics 54. 2 (1944): 110-23. Sargent, Mark L. â€Å"The Conservative Covenant: The Rise of the Mayflower Compact in American Myth. † The New England Quarterly 61. 2 (1988): 233-51. Thoreau, Henry David. â€Å"Resistance to Civil Government†. 1849. October 18 2008. . â€Å"Virginia Records Timeline: 1553-1743†. The Library of Congress. October 17 2008. .