Lord of the Flies and Human Nature Free Essays

Good and evil. These are two words that everybody has heard. One question that can arise from these two words is whether humans are essentially good or evil. We will write a custom essay sample on Lord of the Flies and Human Nature or any similar topic only for you Order Now The question of human nature has been a topic that even the greatest philosophers have struggled with. Even the best people still have evil thoughts which demonstrate that evil exists in all of us, however much that the trait is suppressed. Evil is not a bold line straight down the middle of what is right and this is why it is my opinion that human nature is essentially evil. The book Lord of The Flies by William Golding presents the question of human nature and allows the reader to draw their own opinions on what it truly is. The story presents the situation of various young boys stranded on an island and the slow breakdown of society that occurs afterwards. There are multiple quotes in this book that can be used to argue that human nature is essentially evil. A particular example is â€Å"Fancy thinking the beast was something you could hunt and kill! You knew didn’t you? I’m part of you? †(Golding 143). The Lord of the Flies said this to Simon while he was hallucinating. In the book, The Lord of The Flies represents the devil and the fear and evil within each of the boys. Further analyzing this quote, it boils down to basically mean that everybody has evil within them. Simon was the only boy on the island who figured out that the beast was not an external threat, it was inside of them. When he tries to inform the other boys of his findings he is killed by them because they were caught in the frenzy and passion of the hunt. This allowed the beast take them over and rule their actions and caused them to act with brutality. As the story progressed, it demonstrated how the boys went from calm and civilized to savages that were completely taken over by the beast of evil. This action further shows that evil resides in all of us and progressively takes us over as we commit savage acts for the acts that we commit are the ones that will ultimately dictate our nature. After succumbing to their inner beast it seems that the thirst for blood was not subdued in the boys. They killed Piggy shortly after Simon’s tragic demise and instead of expressing any type of remorse Jack says to Ralph â€Å"See? See? That’s what you’ll get! I meant that! There isn’t a tribe for you anymore! †(Golding 181). He reveled in seeing Ralph’s tribe break down and with that the death of all order within the boys. Not even conform to being leader now, he and his tribe hunted Ralph down and lit the island on fire to try to draw Ralph out of his hiding place to kill him. This fire, the fire of savagery and evil, had an undesired consequence and got them rescued by order and society in the end. At the end of the book Ralph â€Å"wept for the end of innocence and the darkness of man’s heart† (Golding 202). This particular excerpt exhibits that at the end of his trial by fire (literally) Ralph had realized that deep inside, the nature of man is evil. Without any rules in place, the boys reverted to man’s original state of chaos and evil and destroyed the innocence that they had from being children. It was at the end that Ralph could see that humanity is an evil and twisted thing once he had experienced the death of his most loyal friend and seen and participated in Simons killing. The only two boys who realized that the beast was in them all were ultimately killed by the evil evident in human nature. How can young children, who are notably more innocent and less corrupted than adults, revert to such acts of evil? The only logical answer that one may be able to find is that everyone has an inherent sense of good and evil. This sense of evil seems to be the one that reigns supreme in mankind and its nature. There are many examples in history one can use to argue that human nature is essentially evil. A striking example is the reign of Mao Zedong in China that started in 1949. He was the founder of the People’s Republic of China and was a communist revolutionary. Once he had reunited China through his Campaign to Suppress Counterrevolutionaries, he enacted a widespread land reform. Zedong used terror and violence to overthrow the owners of large pieces of land and then divided it into people’s communes. The true evils of his reign come to play during his Cultural Revolution. Zedong’s regime persecuted millions of people and tortured them, publicly humiliated them, and even forcibly relocated youth to the countryside. Another campaign that killed millions was the Great Leap Forward. The Great Leap Forward led to a famine that killed around 18 to 42 million Chinese citizens. Instead of focusing on feeding his people, Zedong was more worried on maintaining face and continued exporting grain and refused outside help. Zedong could have avoided this huge genocide but he was more preoccupied with paying back his debts to the USSR. His desire for power and to one day lead a country that surpassed the United States lead him to neglect the most important element, his people, which is an evil in of itself. Evil can come in many forms, be it how you treat someone to just human nature in general. In Lord Of the Flies, William Golding coveys the message that there is evil inside every person, no matter how good they may seem. Examples in history can also prove that human nature can be a terrible thing and no matter what, there are always going to be bad people who can embody the sense that human nature is evil. One cannot judge and say that human nature is just a good thing or just a bad thing either. There are shades of grey and the in-betweens that one has to account for. In its entirety however, human nature is good with most people just choosing to give in to the evil, leading one to the conclusion that human nature is essentially evil. How to cite Lord of the Flies and Human Nature, Papers

Science and poetry Essay Example For Students

Science and poetry Essay In science one tries to tell people, in such a way as to be understood by everyone, something that no one ever knew before. But in poetry its the exact opposite. (P A M Dirac) Do both the approaches suggested in the quotation enjoy equal success in expanding human knowledge? The expansion of knowledge is many a persons main goal. Like most goals, expanding knowledge (familiarity, awareness, or understanding gained through experience or study1) can be attained via many paths. These paths, or ways of knowing, include, among other channels, two very important, seemingly conflicting ones: science (a methodological activity, discipline, or study) and poetry (a piece of literature written in meter or verse). In order to explore each disciplines success in expanding knowledge their differences, similarities, links, and impacts must be explored. A difference that lies between the two could be in how each one serves in creating acceptable truths. Scientific truths, for example, are discovered while poetic truths are arbitrated. The former are known to already exist, as scientists seek them, while poetic ones are infinite and created via mediation. In science, there are facts (which are agreed upon and irrefutable) while in poetry nothing is correct or accurate (since unlike science, poetry has many conflicting views on truth and knowledge). Usually a scientist does not seek truth in the absurd and illogical; an artist strives to look for knowledge and beauty in the incongruous. Poetrys goal may be to go beyond languages (usually via metaphors, similes, etc ); science is a language that is there to describe what is beyond us. Poets utilize imagination to lose themselves; mathematicians map out their imagination to use it. Some claim that scientific theories come to play with a flash of intuition before it is built using meticulous construction. In poetry, the theory comes after a poems writing which was built through of a flash of intuition. Mathematical creations could be fashioned by anyone; poetic ones are unique to the individuals that have fabricated them. As mentioned earlier, science can be seen as a language, while poetry uses it. Some claim that poetry is beauty through truth, while science is truth through beauty. There are many differences between the two, with campaigners of both parties claiming each one more important to expanding human knowledge and criticizing each others successes. Another view is that these differences are superficial and superfluous in the light of their similarities and importance to each other while expanding one realm.

Taiwan Facts Essays - Republic Of China, Republics, Taiwan

Taiwan Facts title = Taiwan Facts Taiwan, officially Republic of China, island (in 1994 est. population was 21,299,000), 13,885 sq mi, in the Pacific Ocean, separated from the mainland of S China by the 100-mi-wide (161-km) Taiwan Strait. The capital is TAIPEI. Other major cities include KAOHSIUNG, Tainan, Taichong, and Chilung. About one quarter of Taiwan's land area is cultivated; rice, wheat, sugarcane, and sweet potatoes are the most important crops. In the 1970s industry replaced agriculture as the major export earner. Light industry is the major manufacturing sector, with electronics far ahead. Other manufactures include electrical equipment, chemicals, motor vehicles, and machinery, and service industries are beginning to be more important. The main natural resources are woods and other forest products. Religions include Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and Christianity. Taiwan was first settled by the Chinese in the 7th century, the island was reached by the Portuguese in 1590. It was held by the Dutch in the 1640s, and by China's Ch'ing dynasty from 1683. Occupied by Japan after the First Sino-Japanese War , Taiwan remained in Japanese hands until 1945. When CHIANG KAI-SHEK and the Nationalists, or Kuomintang, were kicked from mainland CHINA by the Communists, they shifted the seat of their government to Taiwan. The U.S. long supported and aided the Nationalists, but in the 1970s Taiwan's international political position had eroded. In 1971 it lost China's seat in the UN to the People's Republic of China, and in 1979 the U.S. broke diplomatic relations with the Nationalists to establish relations with the People's Republic of China, although keeping good economic and cultural ties. Martial law, in effect since 1949, was lifted in 1987, and many jailed political dissidents were freed. Pres. Chiang Ching-kuo died in 1988 and was succeeded by LEE TENG -HUI, a Taiwan native. In 1991 Lee ended emergency rule, which had permitted the domination of the National Assembly by aging mainland delegates elected in 1947. In elections in 1992 the Kuomintang retained control of the assembly, but the major opposition party won a third of the seats.

Gay Marriges essays

Gay Marriges essays The upcoming 04 election has many important political issues; including the war in Iraq, the state of the economy, and the ban on same- sex marriage. Perhaps the most controversial of these is the debate on whether to ban same-sex marriage in the state constituion. Lori Aratani discusses this delicate topic in her article entitled, Gay marriage is a hot button issue in the presidential race, in the Knight Ridder/Tribune News. Her article analyzes this debate, and how it is attracting much attention from the voting public. Both candidates running for office have a firm stance on the issue and it has seemed to have divided the nation. President Bush is in favor of the constitutional amendment which places a ban on same-sex marriage. While Senator John Kerry, although not in favor of same-sex marriage, feels that it is up to the state whether or not to place a ban on this matter. Though it is impossible for any opinion to not carry a bias, Aratani remains fairly unbiased in her art icle. She discusses the current political climate, and the effect this issue is having on society as a whole. What was perhaps most effective on making this article unbiased, was the fact that is illustrated the issue as being a major political driving force. The author presented the opposing views of both candidates well, arguing both sides of the issue, presenting clear and accurate information regarding this delicate topic. As the author states, President Bush supports amending the U.S. Constitution to ban gay marriage...Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., the Democratic presidential nominee, doesn't support gay marriage, but he also doesn't favor amending the Constitution to outlaw it. He says states should be free to recognize same-sex civil unions... She went on to discuss how President Bushs running mate Dick Cheney does not necessarily support Bushs stance on the matter, although he says he defer[s] t ...

Countable and Uncountable Nouns Explained for ESL

Countable and Uncountable Nouns Explained for ESL Nouns are words that represent things, places, ideas, or people. For example, computer, Tom, Seattle, history are all nouns. Nouns are parts of speech which  can be both countable and uncountable. Countable Nouns A countable noun is something you can count such as apples, books, cars, etc. Here are some sentences using countable nouns: How many apples are on the table?She has two cars and two bicycles.I dont have any books on this shelf. Uncountable Nouns An uncountable noun is something you cant count such as information, wine, or cheese. Here are some sentences using uncountable nouns: How much time does it take to go to the station?Sheila doesnt have a lot of money.The boys enjoy eating cake. Uncountable nouns are often liquids or items that are difficult to count such as rice and pasta. Uncountable nouns are also often concepts such as honesty, pride,  and  sadness.   How much rice do we have at home?She doesnt have much pride in her country.We bought some past for lunch. Nouns That Are Both Countable and Uncountable Some nouns can be both countable and uncountable such as fish because it can mean the meat of the fish or an individual fish. This is true with words like chicken and turkey as well. I bought some fish for dinner the other day. (meat of the fish, uncountable)My brother caught two fish last week at the lake. (individual fish, countable) Test Your Knowledge Check your understanding of common countable and uncountable nouns with this short quiz: Are the following words countable or uncountable? carwine  happiness  orange  sand  booksugar   Answers: countableuncountableuncountablecountableuncountablecountableuncountable When to Use A, An, or Some Use a with objects we can count that begin with a consonant like a book, a car, or a house.Use some with objects we cannot count like some milk, some time, or some pasta.Use an with objects we can count that begin with a vowel like an orange, an ocean, or an eternity. Test your knowledge with this exercise. Do we use a, an or some for these words? book  winerice  apple  music  tomato  rain  CDegg  food   Answers: asomesomeansomeasomeaansome When to Use Much and Many The use of much and many depends on whether a word is countable or uncountable. Much is used with a singular verb for uncountable objects. Use much in questions and negative sentences. Use some or a lot of in positive sentences. How much time do you have this afternoon?I dont have much fun at parties.  Jennifer has a lot of good sense. Many is used with countable objects with a plural verb conjugation. Man is used in questions and negative sentences. Many can be used in positive questions, but is more common to use some or a lot of. How many people are coming to the party?She doesnt have many answers.Jack has many friends in Chicago. Test your knowledge. Complete the questions and sentences some, a lot of, much, or many. How ____ money do you have?I dont have ____ friends in Los Angeles.How   ____ people live in your city?She wants _____ time off work this month.How____does that book cost?They dont have ______ time this afternoon.How ____ rice is there?I would like to have _____ wine, please.How ____ apples are there in the basket?Peter bought ______ glasses at the store.How ____ gas do we need?He doesnt have _____ rice on his plate.How ____ children are in the class?Jason has _____ friends in Miami.How ____ teachers do you have? Answers: muchmanymanysome  muchmuchsomemanysome, a lot ofmuchmuchmanymany, some, a lot ofmany Here are some final tips  to help you understand how to use how much and how many. Use how many for questions using countable or plural objects. How many books do you have? Use how much for questions using a non-countable or singular object. How much juice is left? Use how much for questions asking about one object. How much does the book cost? Test your knowledge of what you have learned on this page.  Take the Much or Many? quiz!

Prevalence Of Community Policing And Its Effectiveness In United Research Paper

Prevalence Of Community Policing And Its Effectiveness In United States - Research Paper Example Thus, policing involves the process of dealing with the lawbreakers and thereby maintaining law and order in the city. Implementing new ideas and reforming the concepts of decision making and creating a new culture in the police departments in relation to a particular geographical place, city or community is defined as community policing. â€Å"Community policing is a philosophy that promotes organizational strategies, which support the systematic use of partnership and problem solving techniques, to proactively address the immediate conditions that give rise to public safety issues† (Community Police Defined, n. d). Thus, the concept of community policing is comprised of various components such as the community partnerships, organizational transformation, and problem solving methodologies. This paper will discuss the prevalence and effectiveness of the community policing in the United States of America. As stated above, one of the vital components in community policing would be the community partnership, under which government agencies, private businesses, media, non profits and service providers would be involved. Particularly, they will assist the police in developing solutions to the problems which mainly affect the public safety such as crime, social disorder, fear of crime, etc. The other element includes the organizational transformation where the basic structural components such as organizational structure, policies, information systems, etc., are optimized effectively, which allows the effective structuring in the community policing. The problem solving aspects involve the process of engaging in the proactive and systematic examination of public safety problems to develop optimum solutions, and then rigorously evaluate the responses to those solutions. Thus, some of the problem solving activities in the policing include: a) Scanning b) Analysis c) Response d) Assessment (Fri edman, 1992). The concept of scanning includes identifying and prioritizing the problems. Analysis part mainly focuses on researching and collecting the details about the problem. Developing solutions for the problem and implementing the solution encompasses response step in problem solving. The final step includes evaluating the success of the response and assessing the solution. Therefore, from the above sentences the major components in community policing can be well understood. Consequently, â€Å"Community policing is a policy and strategy aimed at achieving more effective and efficient crime control, reduced fear of crime and improved quality of life† (Friedman, 1992). From both community as well as police perspectives, the community policing can be clearly defined as a way to control the crimes which mainly arise due to the societal factors. Some proactive measures need to be implemented in some instances through the way of replacing the reactive policing. Above all, t he decentralized implementation of the community oriented policing is the major prerequisite. This part of the paper will mainly focus on the framework of the community policing. The frame work of the community policing is mainly based on two major entities which include the community encompassing the people and the police departmen

Internet Banking at Citibank UK Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Internet Banking at Citibank UK - Essay Example Marketers are now focusing on existing customer development rather than just new customer acquisition. Major changes have occurred in the traditional view of customer defection rates, most noticeably in the banking industry where churn has increased from -10 percent in 2003 to almost +20 percent by 2005. These studies showed that the supposedly massive rates of customer inertia in banking is no longer a given. Banks need to fight for every customer, not only to capture each one but, more importantly, to retain them. One economic justification for this mindset change was the research finding that â€Å"it can cost five times more to obtain a new customer than to keep an existing one†. What started the trend towards customer loyalty was Reichheld who found that a 5 percent increase in loyalty can lead to a 25 to 85 percent increase in profitability.On the contrary, Reinartz and Kumar argued that whilst serving customers over a long period may be beneficial, long-term customers m ay not necessarily be profitable, and that managers should not equate customer retention with increased lifetime spending, decreased cost of service, and lower price sensitivity. They concluded that companies should study if long-term customers stay profitable, implying that if they are not, the business must jettison those customers who eat into profits.These were the concepts in our mind when we decided, exploring its look and feel and the products offered, and evaluating the over-all Internet-based customer experience.