"The calling" according to Weber is, "the valuation of the fulfillment of duty in worldly affairs as the highest form which the moral activity of the individual could assume" (40). In other words, Weber goes on to say, "The only way of living acceptably to God was not to surpass worldly morality in monastic asceticism, but solely through the fulfillment of the obligations imposed upon the individual by his position in the world. That was his calling" (40).
I'm a bit skeptical about this. Taking this in a Biblical perspective, God did call as to live among the worldly. We are to go into the world and make disciples so says Matthew 28:19, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations..." (NIV). We are to live in the world but never to fall with the world. While people around us do not choose God, we must remain loyal and faithful to God. Sometimes fulfilling the "obligations imposed upon the individual by his position in the world" often times means surpassing "worldly morality in monastic asceticism."
Now one must look closely at the extent of this monastic asceticism. We don't necessarily have to become and monk or a nun in order to avoid worldly temptations. Monks and nuns have chosen that way of life. We, on the other hand, should look to them as examples. Maybe for some of us, we need to become like a monk or a nun in order to avoid doing wrong in the eyes of the Lord. And maybe for others, we have the self control to live among the world and avoid those temptations.
As for asceticism, how much is too much? We can't just hide in a closet avoiding everything. That is not the reason God put us here on earth. In addition, He did not put us on the earth to fight temptations alone. He gave us weapons, one of them being His Word. However, it also depends on the situation. For example, pornography seems to be a very "popular" but wrong addiction. In order to rid of the problem, one cannot just simply put the magazines away or shut off the computer. In some ways Weber is right: we cannot abstain from it. Sometimes we need to change our way of thinking; we need to look at the root of the problem? Why is that one individual addicted to pornography? Are they trying to fulfill something in their life that is missing? Did they go through some kind of childhood experience that led them to that kind of addiction?
Because God did not send us into this world alone, and because He sent us in this world with weapons, we have the power to live among the world and not become entrapped by it. Weber is correct in that we have a position in this world, but what obligations are we talking about exactly? If this obligation gets in the way of God's plan for us, maybe we do need to fall in some sort of "monastic asceticism"...to a degree. What I mean is that we can't always fulfill our obligations on earth because not all obligations come from God. Often times they come from anything that can lead us away from God. That is the time when we need to abstain.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Part 1: The Problem
"Man is dominated by the making of money, by acquisition as the ultimate purpose of life" (18). Weber mentions that Franklin believes money is good when it is gained for a business legally. But Weber points out something higher. Man is too controlled, too blind to not have money. It's interesting that he mentions this because Marx also touches on the topic. We have social classes, business is business, and the main reason is because of money. "In fact, the summum bonum of this ethic, the earning or more and
more money, combined with the strict avoidance of all spontaneous
enjoyment of life, is above all completely devoid of any eudaemonistic,
not to say hedonistic, admixture" (18). We can never have enough.
We have social classes. Why is it that in America, there is a high class, middle class, and low class? How did this come about? Before, I touched a little on human nature. And to compare Weber and Marx, capital is highly emphasized. Therefore, putting money and human nature together creates chaos. It seems that the strive for money blinds people to the people around them. Some will rise and others will fall. And yet, some work so hard and others don't work at all. Our social classes may just be a result of our strive of and passion for money. With possession of money, not everyone will have enough, and not everyone will have anything.
Business is business. I am not familiar with all that occurs in the business world, however, what I am aware of is the deception of a business leader to a worker. There is never a trust, it appears. I've noticed how people work to much for very little and others work very little for a lot. How can this be? Again, human nature blinds a person to the point where they are willing to deceive their own employee. It's the drive for money, for keeping a business going so that it can be as successful as can be that blinds them.
It's interesting how important capital, wealth is to us. It's interesting how we continuously seek it only to be blinded by its power. It's interesting that it's part of the cause of many occurrences that both Weber and Marx mention.
We have social classes. Why is it that in America, there is a high class, middle class, and low class? How did this come about? Before, I touched a little on human nature. And to compare Weber and Marx, capital is highly emphasized. Therefore, putting money and human nature together creates chaos. It seems that the strive for money blinds people to the people around them. Some will rise and others will fall. And yet, some work so hard and others don't work at all. Our social classes may just be a result of our strive of and passion for money. With possession of money, not everyone will have enough, and not everyone will have anything.
Business is business. I am not familiar with all that occurs in the business world, however, what I am aware of is the deception of a business leader to a worker. There is never a trust, it appears. I've noticed how people work to much for very little and others work very little for a lot. How can this be? Again, human nature blinds a person to the point where they are willing to deceive their own employee. It's the drive for money, for keeping a business going so that it can be as successful as can be that blinds them.
It's interesting how important capital, wealth is to us. It's interesting how we continuously seek it only to be blinded by its power. It's interesting that it's part of the cause of many occurrences that both Weber and Marx mention.
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Communist Manifesto
I don't understand why a revolution must take place in order to get rid of all classes. If one looks at human nature, social classes are inevitable. And why is that? Because humans are competitive, greedy and are in dire need for power for example capital. These are the higher class. Others do not care as much. These are the lower class. It's almost like Darwin's "survival of the fittest" applies here. No, to be more specific, it dominates. The upper class dominates because of their blindness towards capital. Marx seemed very much aware of this conflict.
In addition, I found it interesting that Marx points out, "Differences of age and sex have no longer any distinctive social validity for the working class. All are instruments of labour, more or less expensive to use, according to their age and sex." What is this world coming to? All this is still happening to this day. How can children be considered "instruments of labour?" If this is what Communism is leading to, not a single purpose under that kind of authority will ever know what the word freedom means.
Lastly, communism although meant to be a collectivist motive actually prohibits the individual to be an individual. Communism eliminates any hope for a human to be an individual in a culture and therefore eliminating culture all together. It's what makes an individual that makes a culture and if an individual is just like everyone else, then what is culture? As Marx mentions, "'But Communism abolishes eternal truths, it abolishes all religion, and all morality, instead of constituting them on a new basis; it therefore acts in contradiction to all past historical experience.'" Notice the word 'morality.' Communism spits at anything moral which is probably why all countries' people under Communism suffer.
Overall, I truly believe that due to our human nature, there will always be social classes. Even without knowing it, that is how societies organize themselves. Also part of our human nature is that we are unaware of the results of the choices we make. What happened to a world of Communism? In addition, it's hard for many of us to understand and know first-hand what it's like to live under Communistic control. We've seen it on TV, we've read it online. But the consequences are beyond our control.
In addition, I found it interesting that Marx points out, "Differences of age and sex have no longer any distinctive social validity for the working class. All are instruments of labour, more or less expensive to use, according to their age and sex." What is this world coming to? All this is still happening to this day. How can children be considered "instruments of labour?" If this is what Communism is leading to, not a single purpose under that kind of authority will ever know what the word freedom means.
Lastly, communism although meant to be a collectivist motive actually prohibits the individual to be an individual. Communism eliminates any hope for a human to be an individual in a culture and therefore eliminating culture all together. It's what makes an individual that makes a culture and if an individual is just like everyone else, then what is culture? As Marx mentions, "'But Communism abolishes eternal truths, it abolishes all religion, and all morality, instead of constituting them on a new basis; it therefore acts in contradiction to all past historical experience.'" Notice the word 'morality.' Communism spits at anything moral which is probably why all countries' people under Communism suffer.
Overall, I truly believe that due to our human nature, there will always be social classes. Even without knowing it, that is how societies organize themselves. Also part of our human nature is that we are unaware of the results of the choices we make. What happened to a world of Communism? In addition, it's hard for many of us to understand and know first-hand what it's like to live under Communistic control. We've seen it on TV, we've read it online. But the consequences are beyond our control.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Writing Life Plan
It would be easy to say that as a writer, I already write every day. Truthfully, writers know that's false because even we have those moments when nothing comes out onto a document or paper. Therefore, I devised a plan to try to write at least daily for an hour to keep my mind going.
When writing:
1) Do not drink more than two cups of coffee per day (unless I need it to stay up a little longer).
Too often I drink too much coffee resulting in loss of focus and hyperactive episodes.
2) If I cannot work on a writing assignment for school, I must journal.
When it comes to assignments, my attitude is not always in the right place. Not having an open mind and complaining about all these assignments and homework that has to be done will not get me anywhere. Therefore, journaling, preferably in the morning, clears the mind and opens doors for the writing world.
3) Read read READ!
I cannot think of a better way to improve one's vocabulary, writing style, professionalism, and the list goes on. If I'm not reading a book for school, I read another book for fun. A drawback to this method is that readers tend to read what they like and what they know. Writers, on the other hand, must read a diverse load of books. If a writer only writes what they know, eventually, they will lost credibility and lose part of their audience.
4) Change location to change boredom.
Writing in the same place, for example my room, it becomes a cage or a trap and nothing is produced. In addition, I am the type of writer who grabs little things from a variety of sources: classes, books, people, locations, nature, experiences, and so on. These observations cannot all come from my room. Dillard, for example, at one time was in a cabin. That's just what writers need. Many people often cannot study in their room because they can't concentrate or they end up succumbing to sleep. It'd be common sense to study somewhere else. And just like writing, I must move, to move my fingers, to produce masterpieces--if possible.
5) Do not write when in a mood.
Just like in the workplace, one should not, no matter what the situation, let their moods/emotions get the best of them, especially in front of customers. Therefore, writings should not portray a writer's lack of control and wisdom. We are meant to share yes but so much depends on the content. I wouldn't read a rant that had no point. Wording is especially important and can easily be misinterpreted if not chosen wisely. There are times when one can't write for fear of pouring out their emotions resulting in a ruined piece. And that's ok because...
6) Take a break.
Yes I will try to journal every day but when I can't, I can't. When I really don't want to, I won't. A writer needs to clear their mind and often times it means not to write. Forceful writing, in my opinion, is the worst kind of writing. There may be, out there somewhere far away, those who can do well when forced to write. But. For most of us, it merely looks like a waster paper.
7) Sleep well.
I've noticed that when I am not as tired, I write clearly and can think clearly. Now this is obvious, yes, but when one needs a pic-me-up, that's when coffee is a writer's best friend. And not anyone can sleep eight hours a night, depending on one's schedule. Yet, all around us there are articles and books and anything about health and they all say the same thing: get enough sleep.
8) Observe. (Adding to number 4.)
Wherever one is at, whatever time, with anyone, observe. The observers are the multitaskers, the ones who "pretend" to read but are really listening to others' conversations. Observers are not creepers in any way. They merely watch and listen for inspiration although in the eyes of society, creeper is another label. Observing can, but not always, is like gaining experience without actually experiencing what you are observing. And at the same time, to observe is humbling.
9) Remind yourself why you write in the first place.
The answer is different for everyone, but it's good to just remind ourselves.
10) Set due dates/goal list.
Not only me, but many seem to get to work faster and better when they are under pressure and need a date in order to finish in time. Sometimes we need a little kick or a slap in the face or something to get us going.
This list can go on and on...
When writing:
1) Do not drink more than two cups of coffee per day (unless I need it to stay up a little longer).
Too often I drink too much coffee resulting in loss of focus and hyperactive episodes.
2) If I cannot work on a writing assignment for school, I must journal.
When it comes to assignments, my attitude is not always in the right place. Not having an open mind and complaining about all these assignments and homework that has to be done will not get me anywhere. Therefore, journaling, preferably in the morning, clears the mind and opens doors for the writing world.
3) Read read READ!
I cannot think of a better way to improve one's vocabulary, writing style, professionalism, and the list goes on. If I'm not reading a book for school, I read another book for fun. A drawback to this method is that readers tend to read what they like and what they know. Writers, on the other hand, must read a diverse load of books. If a writer only writes what they know, eventually, they will lost credibility and lose part of their audience.
4) Change location to change boredom.
Writing in the same place, for example my room, it becomes a cage or a trap and nothing is produced. In addition, I am the type of writer who grabs little things from a variety of sources: classes, books, people, locations, nature, experiences, and so on. These observations cannot all come from my room. Dillard, for example, at one time was in a cabin. That's just what writers need. Many people often cannot study in their room because they can't concentrate or they end up succumbing to sleep. It'd be common sense to study somewhere else. And just like writing, I must move, to move my fingers, to produce masterpieces--if possible.
5) Do not write when in a mood.
Just like in the workplace, one should not, no matter what the situation, let their moods/emotions get the best of them, especially in front of customers. Therefore, writings should not portray a writer's lack of control and wisdom. We are meant to share yes but so much depends on the content. I wouldn't read a rant that had no point. Wording is especially important and can easily be misinterpreted if not chosen wisely. There are times when one can't write for fear of pouring out their emotions resulting in a ruined piece. And that's ok because...
6) Take a break.
Yes I will try to journal every day but when I can't, I can't. When I really don't want to, I won't. A writer needs to clear their mind and often times it means not to write. Forceful writing, in my opinion, is the worst kind of writing. There may be, out there somewhere far away, those who can do well when forced to write. But. For most of us, it merely looks like a waster paper.
7) Sleep well.
I've noticed that when I am not as tired, I write clearly and can think clearly. Now this is obvious, yes, but when one needs a pic-me-up, that's when coffee is a writer's best friend. And not anyone can sleep eight hours a night, depending on one's schedule. Yet, all around us there are articles and books and anything about health and they all say the same thing: get enough sleep.
8) Observe. (Adding to number 4.)
Wherever one is at, whatever time, with anyone, observe. The observers are the multitaskers, the ones who "pretend" to read but are really listening to others' conversations. Observers are not creepers in any way. They merely watch and listen for inspiration although in the eyes of society, creeper is another label. Observing can, but not always, is like gaining experience without actually experiencing what you are observing. And at the same time, to observe is humbling.
9) Remind yourself why you write in the first place.
The answer is different for everyone, but it's good to just remind ourselves.
10) Set due dates/goal list.
Not only me, but many seem to get to work faster and better when they are under pressure and need a date in order to finish in time. Sometimes we need a little kick or a slap in the face or something to get us going.
This list can go on and on...
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Epiphany of Rhetoric
Writing is not just writing. Words are not just words. Content is not just content. As mentioned in the last two blogs, writers put a lot of work in what they write. Just as speakers organize their speeches in such a way as to grab the attention of their audience, so does a writer.
Covino & Jolliffe point out something quite crucial about rhetoric: "Certainly, the rhetoric of a text is the selection and organization of language it uses to move potential readers and listeners to consider its ideas and conclusions. But the rhetoric of a text is also the intellectual, cognitive, affective, and social considerations that guide the writer or speaker to use the language as he or she does, and the rhetoric of a text is the effect it actually has on people who listen to it or read it" (8). How important it is to known how to persuade one's audience and dive deep into their innermost being. Often times, if not most, a writer--a true writer--must move its audience in such a way...
If I were to grab my audience's attention, it would probably be through pathos. Not that I would deceive them by not providing any credibility or logic; I just find pathos to be quite powerful. Most humans are often moved when they've been touched emotionally. On the other hand, if I were speaking to a group of scholars, I would probably focus more on ethos and maybe a little of logos as well.
When trying to grasp the attention of the audience, a writer's purpose is not to please them for all writers have a certain style in which makes them unique. That uniqueness should be what grab's their readers' attention. For me, I tend to write in the simplest of forms mainly because I lack a broad and intellectual vocabulary but also my audience tends to target those who may not speak English fluently. I don't want my pieces of writing to be hard to comprehend; I want all to understand. Therefore, if I were targeting a group such as scholars, I would be more pressured in writing intellectually as possible. However, if I can barely explain my thoughts and ideas intellectually, then it's best to simplify it in simple English.
Covino & Jolliffe point out something quite crucial about rhetoric: "Certainly, the rhetoric of a text is the selection and organization of language it uses to move potential readers and listeners to consider its ideas and conclusions. But the rhetoric of a text is also the intellectual, cognitive, affective, and social considerations that guide the writer or speaker to use the language as he or she does, and the rhetoric of a text is the effect it actually has on people who listen to it or read it" (8). How important it is to known how to persuade one's audience and dive deep into their innermost being. Often times, if not most, a writer--a true writer--must move its audience in such a way...
If I were to grab my audience's attention, it would probably be through pathos. Not that I would deceive them by not providing any credibility or logic; I just find pathos to be quite powerful. Most humans are often moved when they've been touched emotionally. On the other hand, if I were speaking to a group of scholars, I would probably focus more on ethos and maybe a little of logos as well.
When trying to grasp the attention of the audience, a writer's purpose is not to please them for all writers have a certain style in which makes them unique. That uniqueness should be what grab's their readers' attention. For me, I tend to write in the simplest of forms mainly because I lack a broad and intellectual vocabulary but also my audience tends to target those who may not speak English fluently. I don't want my pieces of writing to be hard to comprehend; I want all to understand. Therefore, if I were targeting a group such as scholars, I would be more pressured in writing intellectually as possible. However, if I can barely explain my thoughts and ideas intellectually, then it's best to simplify it in simple English.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Dillard: "The Writing Life" Part 2
There are fears that writers' dread the most. And in Chapter 4, I could feel the shock as Dillard watched her typewriter burst into flames. It recalled a very tremendous and painful moment in my life.
I myself have the top 3 things I fear most when it comes to writing. 1) Although I often don't feel confident to publish or share my writings to the public, I don't want to lose them either. They are stored carefully in a hard drive where I can only access them. When writing, I become so connected, so attached to my stories and characters. At one point, I was writing quite a lot and had gotten far in quite a few of my short stories. It was a very prideful time for me for I am also notorious for not finishing any of my writings. Unfortunately, that happy time did not last long. Not sure what happened, but one day, when I plugged in my USB, I found nothing in the folders. Nothing. I was devastated; everything I wrote electronically since I was fifteen years of age was lost. Because of this, it was hard for me to get back into writing again, but thankfully, I had backed up a couple of those stories in another hard drive. Not all had been lost.
2) Dillard really emphasizes those times when one sits down and can't write a single word down. Either there is nothing in the brain or there is a potential idea that can also potentially ruin it all. This is my second fear, and the ironic thing is, this happens all the time. One of my favorite quotes in Dillard's book, "[The writer] is careful of what he reads, for that is what he will write" (68). Writing is not something that comes easy, although we all have our moments. We are very careful, making sure every paragraph, every sentence, every word, flows nicely and creates a masterpiece.
Lastly, 3) a writer writes to share, but it cannot guarantee an audience. Maybe only a few care about a story on chemistry while millions care about a story on vampires. I have to put aside the thought on 'pleasing' my audience, and yet, I don't write to 'please' them. I write to share and to teach and to learn. The fear of not being heard is always at the back of my mind, but true writers know that those who do hear are meant to hear.
I myself have the top 3 things I fear most when it comes to writing. 1) Although I often don't feel confident to publish or share my writings to the public, I don't want to lose them either. They are stored carefully in a hard drive where I can only access them. When writing, I become so connected, so attached to my stories and characters. At one point, I was writing quite a lot and had gotten far in quite a few of my short stories. It was a very prideful time for me for I am also notorious for not finishing any of my writings. Unfortunately, that happy time did not last long. Not sure what happened, but one day, when I plugged in my USB, I found nothing in the folders. Nothing. I was devastated; everything I wrote electronically since I was fifteen years of age was lost. Because of this, it was hard for me to get back into writing again, but thankfully, I had backed up a couple of those stories in another hard drive. Not all had been lost.
2) Dillard really emphasizes those times when one sits down and can't write a single word down. Either there is nothing in the brain or there is a potential idea that can also potentially ruin it all. This is my second fear, and the ironic thing is, this happens all the time. One of my favorite quotes in Dillard's book, "[The writer] is careful of what he reads, for that is what he will write" (68). Writing is not something that comes easy, although we all have our moments. We are very careful, making sure every paragraph, every sentence, every word, flows nicely and creates a masterpiece.
Lastly, 3) a writer writes to share, but it cannot guarantee an audience. Maybe only a few care about a story on chemistry while millions care about a story on vampires. I have to put aside the thought on 'pleasing' my audience, and yet, I don't write to 'please' them. I write to share and to teach and to learn. The fear of not being heard is always at the back of my mind, but true writers know that those who do hear are meant to hear.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Dillard: "The Writing Life" Part 1
"I cannot imagine a sorrier pursuit than struggling for years to write a book that attempts to appeal to people who do not read in the first place" (19). It's sad to say, but I agree with this quote 100%. Annie Dillard beautifully described the struggle of the life of a writer. It's not easy to write about one's idea to an audience who may never understand or enjoy what the writer sees. Then what's the point of writing in the first place?
Currently--well for the last year and a half--I've been working on a novel of my own. (Not that I would ever get it published, although if I end up finishing it, it would be nice to go through the whole publishing process.) As I read Dillard's road block experiences, especially on Chapter 3, I recalled the times when I too really struggled with the novel I have been working on. Just like Dillard, I went through more than one cup of coffee in order to focus but there were so many distractions around me. A writer has many, too many variables to consider when writing. This includes characters, organization, sentences, audience--audience is a biggy--, and the list goes on.
As a writer myself, I got the impression that Dillard thinks a lot. For example, I tend to think a lot...almost too much. Actually, I basically think nonstop. And maybe this is why I get nothing done. Maybe this is why I struggle a lot with papers and other times I write a paper in less than a couple of hours. I just can't seem to control my thoughts and organize them when I want to, and then there are those few occasions when it just all spills onto paper nicely. Others times, I feel like a writer's mind doesn't seem to produce anything. But, it's always a relief to know that these roadblocks are common among us as Dillard points out, "This morning, as on so many mornings, I lacked sufficient fuel for liftoff" (50). In my experience, if I don't take a break in a novel or piece that I'm working on, eventually I'm going to ruin it and perhaps never come back to it. That is often times why I fear writing. Yet in other moments, I can't think of anything to put down. An idea might pop out but as I add it to my piece, I know it won't work. So I go back to where I had stopped and wait and wait until a scene or sentence gets me back on course.
If only non-readers and maybe some readers knew just what kind of life it is to write with such agony and an overwhelming mind. We as writers have these ideas that are so meaningful to us, and yet is under appreciated from others. As Dillard mentions, "Why do you never find anything written about that idiosyncratic thought you advert to, about your fascination with something no one else understands? (67). Not long after she states, "There is something you find interesting, for a reason hard to explain" (67). Writers want to bring out an idea or an image or anything on our minds that we find passionate relevance in our lives. And we want to share that.
Currently--well for the last year and a half--I've been working on a novel of my own. (Not that I would ever get it published, although if I end up finishing it, it would be nice to go through the whole publishing process.) As I read Dillard's road block experiences, especially on Chapter 3, I recalled the times when I too really struggled with the novel I have been working on. Just like Dillard, I went through more than one cup of coffee in order to focus but there were so many distractions around me. A writer has many, too many variables to consider when writing. This includes characters, organization, sentences, audience--audience is a biggy--, and the list goes on.
As a writer myself, I got the impression that Dillard thinks a lot. For example, I tend to think a lot...almost too much. Actually, I basically think nonstop. And maybe this is why I get nothing done. Maybe this is why I struggle a lot with papers and other times I write a paper in less than a couple of hours. I just can't seem to control my thoughts and organize them when I want to, and then there are those few occasions when it just all spills onto paper nicely. Others times, I feel like a writer's mind doesn't seem to produce anything. But, it's always a relief to know that these roadblocks are common among us as Dillard points out, "This morning, as on so many mornings, I lacked sufficient fuel for liftoff" (50). In my experience, if I don't take a break in a novel or piece that I'm working on, eventually I'm going to ruin it and perhaps never come back to it. That is often times why I fear writing. Yet in other moments, I can't think of anything to put down. An idea might pop out but as I add it to my piece, I know it won't work. So I go back to where I had stopped and wait and wait until a scene or sentence gets me back on course.
If only non-readers and maybe some readers knew just what kind of life it is to write with such agony and an overwhelming mind. We as writers have these ideas that are so meaningful to us, and yet is under appreciated from others. As Dillard mentions, "Why do you never find anything written about that idiosyncratic thought you advert to, about your fascination with something no one else understands? (67). Not long after she states, "There is something you find interesting, for a reason hard to explain" (67). Writers want to bring out an idea or an image or anything on our minds that we find passionate relevance in our lives. And we want to share that.
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