Truth for All

"The further conviction has been growing upon me that whatever is possible for me is possible even for a child, and I have found sound reasons for saying so. The instruments for the quest of truth are as simple as they are difficult. They may appear quite impossible to an arrogant person, and quite possible to an innocent child. The seeker after truth must be humbler than the dust. The world crushes the dust under its feet, but the seeker after truth should so humble himself that even the dust could crush him." (Gandhi Introduction 18)

This is quite a profound statement that Gandhi makes, even before the reader begins to delve into his book. This statement perfectly illustrates Gandhi's humbleness as he claims that much of what he has accomplished and continues to achieve can be attained by all including the young. This goes to show that Gandhi believed himself to be no more higher than any other human being in the world. Truth is out there for the taking for all those willing to pursue it. To one individual, the search can be mind numbingly difficult, but to another it can be second nature. What it boils down to is one's perspective and approach to it. But before you can gain this transcendence (although one who has reached such a level would not believe it to be such), you must bring yourself to a level, internally, to that of "dust." This thought seems quite unattainable to me, as I cannot even begin to imagine this feeling. One's thoughts and actions must not illnatured in any which way-almost flawless. In the business of our lives is this really possible? I can not think of many individuals who have reached such a state. One can only hope to gradually encompass all that Gandhi affirmed in his lifetime.

Never Take Your Eyes off the Ball

“I had believed what Business week wrote about me, ‘everything he touches turns into gold.” I said, “They are right. I’m the greatest. I’m the greatest.’ ” (Pg.227)

In this chapter Donald Trump goes back into the 1990s where he had faced difficulties in life and in business due to the recession that had struck the economy hard. In the quote above we see that Donald admits that he had believed what others had said and wrote about him either news articles or business magazines, because at this point Donald Trump was one of the richest men in New York City. At this point in his life he had expanded the business that he and his father had started from nothing to being worth billions of dollars. People all over the world were asking Donald Trump to come in and give advice to audiences of over 20,000, and from this he generated millions of dollars which he called easy money. Donald had so much media attention that he decided to get less involved in his work and more involved in the media industry. Donald was making appearances on TV reality shows and on anything that included money, TV, and popularity. But then came the recession which not only affected his TV career but also his real-estate business. Donald Trump came from being the golden man to almost becoming bankrupt and living on the streets. This chapter in the book “Think Big and Kick Ass” written by Donald Trump was called Never Take Your Eyes off The Ball. In this chapter Donald Trump explains how he had made it so big by hard work and dedication, but all fell apart when he got too caught up in the success that he was having that he let it get to his head. I believe the important lesson in this chapter is that never get caught up in the success that has come to you, but focus on the success that still to come.

Troubles and Triumphs

Jon Krakauer’s Into the Wild detailed the life and death of Chris McCandless; a young man who decided to radically change the way he was living to invent a new life for himself. Just after graduating from College McCandless donated $25,000 in savings to charity, burnt his remaining money, abandoned his car as well as most of his worldly possessions and began a new life. McCandless hitchhiked around the United States, and in doing so, he decided he would embark on an adventure; living out in the Alaskan bush for several months all alone. In leaving home, McCandless became totally disconnected from his family and his past. One day he just packed up and left without telling anyone. Chris totally changed his identity, calling himself Alexander Supertramp, and set out on his adventure.

John Krakauer was able to collect a great deal about the life of Chris McCandless through Chris’s diary, letters Chris wrote, and talking to the people Chris met along his journey. It is amazing how much insight into McCandless’s life was uncovered. Krakauer simply lays out the details he’s discovered of McCandless’s life for the reader to interpret. He allows the reader to take away what ever life lessons they want to from the troubles and triumphs of McCandless. That being said, Krakauer was quite emphatic when it came to information about McCandless’s views of society. McCandless felt that our society was too sheltered and that people were living dull and unhappy existences that could be different with a radical change in lifestyle.

Jon Krakauer does an excellent job of putting you in the mindset of McCandless, an idealistic youth seeking the meaning and beauty of life through the raw allure of nature. Krakauer definitely does Chris McCandless’s life justice in expressing the energy of a tangled soul pointed north. Krakauer also compares McCandless to several other men who have lost their lives in similar accidents in the Alaskan wilderness. Krakauer jumps back and forth from early in McCandless’s life to the end of his life throughout the book. In doing this the book can sometimes seem confusing. Also Krakauer sometimes goes to great depths to describe some things that he may not have needed to talk so much about. Other than those few points, my view of the book is that it is very well written and always kept me entertained.

Into the Wild is arguably one of the most famous contemporary non fiction biographical nature novels out there. This is definitely for good reason. The Motion Picture adaptation of the book became extremely popular, thus, popularising the book even more. Chris’s story is definitely one that is inspiring to the masses. Being free of the chains of society, taking hold of your life without any limits or boundaries and making the most of each day, being one with the world we live in and in harmony with the land. It isn’t a surprise why Chris’s story became so famous.

A tragedy

In the chapter named, 'A tragedy' Gandhi describes how he was once strayed from the path of vegetarianism by a friend. The significance of this event is easily shown through the title, as it implies that he felt this detour was a terrible mistake, and one of huge importance. Gandhi further shows the tragedy of this event in the sentence 'I was beaten.' as the battle like language used here suggests that he was forced into straying from vegetarianism, and he knew that he really didn't want to do it, he was simply swayed by others. This is further emphasised by the use of the short, emphatic sentence.

'Every time I dropped off to sleep it would seem as though a live goat was bleating inside me, and i would jump up full of remorse'

This shows how much Gandhi regretted his behavior after he ate meat for the first time,  and is particularly emphasised by the simile of the goat. It also suggests that although he believed (at that time) it was right to eat meat, he did not believe it was morally correct, and it suggests that he did not enjoy his meals of meat for the year they lasted. 

The Bohemian-Gay Index

"The second and much larger factor is reflected by our Bohemian-Gay Index, which combines the concentration of artists, musicians and designers with the concentration of gays and lesbians in a region. Regardless of which variables we applied, what version of the model we used, or which regions we looked at, the concentration of bohemians and gays consistently had a substantial correlation with housing values." (pg. 142)

Richard is referring to factors that shape housing values. This bold statement is one that has created the most controversy and has also helped Richard Florida to become the phenomenon he is today. Although Richard has statistical data to prove this, the reasoning behind this theory makes sense. It seems obvious that artists, musicians, designers, gays, and lesbians would want to live in a nonjudgemental community that value open mindedness and self-expression. Are these not qualities that the general public value as well? The lack of cultural barriers and prejudice attract a large number of people of different racial and social backgrounds thus increasing the housing values in the area. I do not feel as though Richard is encouraging people to look for the largest cluster of gays and lesbians when considering where you should move, but rather that each city is different and unique in its own way and that you should consider all of the different aspects of a place before making your final decision of where you would like to live.

Positive Thinking, Positive Results.

So far in Blink, Malcolm Gladwell has discussed how the adaptive unconscious is powerful in making the right decisions. I was beginning to wonder if these quick judgments could ever be wrong. Then I read the chapter called the "Warren Harding Error". This chapter addresses how rapid cognition can go awry. It is entitled the "Warren Harding Error" after the US president Warren Harding. In the beginning everyone thought Harding would make an excellent president. Why? Just because he looked like one. Society put all of their trust in their snap judgments and elected him as a president. Evidently, according to historians, he ended up being one of the worst presidents. For the rest of the chapter Gladwell explains why these snap judgments can be so wrong.

Gladwell tells of a scientist who conducted an experiment and was able to prove that people can be “primed”-they could be subconsciously taught to think something. Through a series of tests these scientists discovered that with subtle hints, they could program the brain to subconsciously enter a stream of thought. I think this theory relates directly to the Harding Error. These unconscious biases influence peoples' decisions and the experiments of priming prove this.

When people thin slice, they take in little information and make assumptions about the situation. What can get in the way of this are negative first impressions. The cars salesmen is a significant example Gladwell used of how to control snap judgments. The successful cars salesmen Bob Golomb, has learned to master his thin slicing by not letting his subconscious biases get in the way of his decisions. He does not try to spot the sucker, or “lay-down” as most cars salesmen do. He treats everyone equally, and with this positive outlook he actually achieves a more consistent result rather than gaining one big sale by forsaking the minor ones.

“…outside of awareness, does not mean outside of control.” (pg 96)

I think what Gladwell is trying to convey is rapid cognition or snap judgments, are influenced by what we are exposed to. However, we can control them by exposing ourselves to positive things. With the great power of snap judgments comes great consequences if not properly managed.

"When the poet Paul Valery once asked Albert Einstein if he kept a notebook to record his ideas, Einstein looked at him with mild but genuine surprise. "Oh, that's not necessary," he replied . "It's so seldom I have one."

Albert Einstein was one of the greatest minds ever and this quote just shows that know matter how smart somebody is, they are not a genius 100% of the time and still have to work like normal people. They may get extraordinary ideas and create tools, equipment and equations that will make us all want to hate the sciences forever and for always but the ideas are such a huge benefit to the world and have no detrimental properties. (apart from giving students a hard time) Albert Einstein is most recognized by E=MC^2 or his speed of light equation was one of the few beneficial ideas he had in his entire life. Furthermore, Einstein worked in a post office as his job. He worked hard like every normal person and then when he got off work he would work at his passion which was science. Einstein was no different to anybody. We have our jobs, mine is school. During the day we work and after we get to relax and enjoy whatever we want.

"In France, a chemist named Pilatre de Rozier tested the flammability of hydrogen by gulping a mouthful and blowing across an open flame, proving at a stroke that hydrogen is indeed explosively combustible and that eyebrows are not necessarily a permanent feature of one's face."

Bill Bryson is an amusing and almost juvenile in his writing style. When I read this quote I laughed so hard I almost choked. Many people in serious positions tend to never let anything amuse them and seem to disassociate themselves from everything that could give them some joy in their lives. Chemistry is a dangerous class and Pilatre de Rozier probably had a very shortened life style from his silly antics in the chemistry lab (which Ms. Shakerinia would disapprove of very much) but at least he attempted to amuse himself doing a job that most people would see as dull and uninspiring. (Not to mention dangerous) We are all to serious in general and it makes things boring. All the boring jobs could be much more desirable if people would stop being so serious all the time and crack the occasional joke without causing damage to equipment or injure people.

"Tune your television to any channel it doesn't receive and about 1 percent of the dancing static you see is accounted for by this ancient remnant of the Big Bang. The next time you complain that there is nothing on, remember that you can always watch the birth of the universe."

This quote really showes the wondrous aspects of our life that many people do not know about. As a society, we tend to complain about the meaningless aspects of our lives that one hundred years ago would not have been an issue. Today we complain about the television, the Internet and other silly things that we take for granted. We need to open our eyes as a society and realise that even the silly things that we witness almost every day, such as the dancing static on TV channel that we don't get, has a huge significant impact in our lives no matter how silly and insignificant they may seem.

In the congress

'No one had troubled to understand the resolution, everyone was in a hurry to go and, because Gokhale had seen the resolution, it was not thought necessary for the rest to see it or understand it!'

In this chapter, Gandhi discusses the procedures of the congress of India, focusing in particular on the passing of his resolution concerning Indians who had settled in South Africa. This quote illustrates how none of the delegates really cared much about the resolutions they were voting on, and so simply voted them all through. This is emphasised by the rule of three used, and the tone suggests that Gandhi was not happy with the way in which congress was run, and wanted things to change. This quote contrasts greatly with another from later in the chapter:

'As soon as it was time for my resolution, Mr. Wacha called out my name. I stood up. My head was reeling.'

This quote emphasises the importance of this resolution to Gandhi, and this importance contrasts greatly with the lack of interest or caring from the congress as shown earlier. Gandhi conveys his commitment and passion for his cause in this quote, and this is further emphasised through the use of short, emphatic sentences which really show how important this was to him.

A Cup of Tea

Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era (1868-1912), received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen. Nan-in served tea. He poured his visitors' cup full, then kept on pouring. The professor watched the overflow until he no longer could restrain himself. "It is overfull. No more will go in!". "Like this cup", Nan-in said, "you are full of your own speculations and opinions. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?"

I find this passage to be resoundingly truthful. As I go on reading"Writings from Zen masters", I find myself not being able to understand the Eastern philosophy and Zen concepts. A “gateless gate”, being able to “Walk freely between heaven and earth” I find that I can envision it, but am far from actually being able to comprehend these notions. That is why I find that I am like the professor, already full if my own beliefs, and looking upon Zen with a lens that has already decided what it is going to see. If this book has helped me with anything, it is emptying my cup. It has helped to break down my pre-conceived ideas and realize that there is definitely more than one way to think of the world, more than one way to exist, and more than one way to think of the ultimate higher living.

Does Happiness Come From Within You?

“She had felt that love was a beautiful flower but not for her to touch, though its fragrance made the garden a place of delight.”(59)

One of Helen Keller’s mentor’s was Alexander Graham Bell; the inventor of the telephone. Dr. Bell had also dealt with deaf conflictions within his family and that is where his curiosity for the deaf began. He had met Helen when she was just a little girl and they continued to remain in contact as Helen grew older. Several times Helen had accompanied him to his conventions which embraced the deaf in order to further their learning in speech. Throughout these conventions the two would engage in conversations and at one point in time Dr. Bell told her that should the occasion ever arise, she should not hesitate to marry. He went on to tell her that her case was not hereditary and that there was hope. Yet despite all of his willingness Helen felt as if marrying her would be like “marrying a statue.” (59) Keller didn’t want to someone be burdened with the obligation of taking care of her. Helen had only been in love once and unfortunately that never ended as planned.

The question that I must ask myself now is, is it possible to be elderly, alone and happy? Though I’m not in the position to answer this question my instinct tells me no. I feel as if one could never be happy because they would have no one to share their happiness with. Anyone care to add to this question?

Illumination

"The upshot of Swedenborg's teaching was that the essence of divine life is love and that men are dead unless they are animated by it. Without love they are in a state of spiritual death, while abandonment of self is another name for heaven and self-will is the cause of the torment of hell." pg 101

Van Wyck Brooks, author of Sketch for a Portrait, makes many references to past philosophers, important figures and knowledgeable people. Perhaps the most influential person in Helen Keller’s life which was remarked to in the novel was Emanuel Swedenborg. Swedenborg was a philosopher more than anything. His main objective was to “make Christianity a living reality upon earth” (100) He was a firm believer in the spiritual sense, which claimed to present no difficulty.

In the chapter “My Religion” Helen Keller, the native Catholic, observed different aspects of the religious world and admits that the Bible is something which she could not come to terms with. It baffled her, even though she was naturally a strong believer in God. Ms. Keller longed for a “practical religion” (98) which strived to perfect man and depend on love. Both Swedenborg and Keller had undergone an “illumination” which defined their devotion to this practical belief. For Helen it was the kindle which showed her the world of acquired knowledge. Opposed to this idea was Anne Sullivan who had no religion at all. Notwithstanding, Helen continued to look deeper in this new religion. She felt that Swedenborg had not made a new Bible, but had “made the Bible all new to her.”

Confidence in Your Ideas

“The first principle is that you must not fool yourself - and you are the easiest person to fool.” (Feynman, 343)

Throughout much of his autobiography, Richard Feynman tells stories about his collaborations with famous minds ranging from the theoretical, such as Albert Einstein, to the much less so, such as Nick the Greek. During his time at Los Alamos, he worked with many of the great names in physics, such as Edward Teller and J. R. Oppenheimer, assisting them with calculations. He found that many of these physicists, with such illustrious accolades and distinctions, chose to discuss their theories with him before anyone else. At first he questioned this practice, since he was hardly as qualified as many of his contemporaries. However, it was Neils Bohr who explained to him the difficulty there was in finding someone with whom he could openly discuss theories without that person being intimidated by reputation. Feynman found that when he discussed theories and ideas, he focused on the concept as opposed to the person who was conveying it. Feynman uses this anecdote to explain his quotation above. Often times, people have a tendency to second-guess themselves and reject their own ideas. This tendency brings up the hidden difficulty in the thought process of defending one’s own ideas. This, again, comes back to the idea of having a comprehensive knowledge-base in order to defend ideas. However, from the quotation above, Feynman tells that having such a knowledge-base is never enough. Having the courage and vigour to follow through with the idea is just as necessary. He draws attention to the famous example of Millikan’s oil-drop experiment that was used to find the elementary charge constant (electric charge of a single electron). Millikan’s experiment found the value, but had a fundamental flaw in it: he incorrectly measured the viscosity of air. Thus, for years, scientists who reproduced the experiment would bias their results towards the accepted value of the time. Never had the possibility entered their minds that Millikan’s value could be wrong because they lacked the confidence to defend their own results.

The Thought of Leaving

“I stared at the plans. “Dad,” I said, you’ll never build the Glass Castle.”
“Are you saying you don’t have faith in your old man?”
“Even if you do, I’ll be gone. In less than three months, I’m leaving for New York City.”
“What I was thinking was you don’t have to go right away,” Dad said. I could stay and graduate from Welch High and go to Bluefield State, as Miss. Katona had suggested, then get a job at The Welch Daily News. He’d help me with the articles, like he’d helped me with my piece on Check Yeager. “And I’ll build the Glass Castle, I swear it. We’ll all live in it together. It’ll be a hell of a lot better than any apartment you’ll ever find in New York City, I can guaran-goddamn-tee that.” (pg. 238)

Jeannette, like her sister has made the decision to leave Welch and pursue her dream of living in New York City. At this point in her life she has realized that her father does not keep the promises he makes. She knows that even if he promised that he will build the Glass Castle it most likely will not happen. I think Jeannette’s father, Rex, realizes that if Jeannette leaves then his main supporter will be gone. Because of this realization Rex tries everything he can to persuade Jeannette to stay in Welch. He tries to show her that she will be happy finishing school at Welch High, and can go to the neighbouring state university. Now that she was leaving he felt abandoned, and most likely realized that he let his family down. We can understand why Jeannette wants to leave, she spent many of her years in school rifling through trash cans looking for food, doing the “skedaddle” in the middle of the night from hospitals in order to avoid paying the bill, or waiting for Dad to come home after another night at the bar. Rex Walls was an alcoholic who felt that a simple life was too ordinary for him, but whose big dreams he promised for his family never seemed to come to life. The title of the book refers to a great glass house that he was going to build once he made his fortune from finding gold and becoming rich. Yet despite his many flaws, Jeannette never speaks badly of the person he was. Rather seeing him as a father she loved and admired, while being profoundly disappointed by him. As the children grew older, Rex seems to be away from home more often, draining the family’s resources that his young adolescent son and daughters worked for. When the children confront him about his disloyalty to the family, he becomes offended because he used to pride himself on being able to provide and protect them. Despite the many attempts to become and stay sober, Rex always returned to alcohol.