Friday, May 22, 2020

Call Of The Wild By Jack London - 1448 Words

Call of the Wild is a novella written by Jack London that is ironic about life and the way we look at it. We look at life as humans and other things are just living in our world, that nothing else has a say in the world because we do not speak the same languages. Example of this is how we â€Å"own† dogs, cats, horses, etc; we do not â€Å"own† them, they are their own being with goals of their own. We may not be able to understand what they are saying or what they are thinking, but as London explains throughout his novella, one dog in particular has such high aspirations for himself that he will not quit for anything and his name is Buck. Never giving up on what you want in your life is the real message in this story that is being portrayed through the life of Buck. Jack London’s attitude in the text made it very apparent how he felt about life. In retrospect, he said that you do what you have to do to survive. One of the very first examples of why he believed this is in the novella, when Buck was taken from his castle in the Santa Clara Valley. Buck had no idea where he was, where he was going to, or why. He soon found out that he was going to be a sled dog and was auctioned off; Buck did not like that. He fought with the man in the red sweater and he finally surrendered so that he did not get beaten to death. London expresses that Buck just did what he had to do by saying, â€Å"He was beaten (he knew that); but he was not broken† (Call of the Wild, London) Another example of when BuckShow MoreRelatedJack London: The Call Of The Wild550 Words   |  2 Pages Jack London: The Call Of The Wild Well the main character is buck. He was born on a judge’s ranch in Mexico. He was the king of the ranch, everyone loved him. Them one day a gardener took him for a walk, and he was sold. He fought the man that bought him; he was stuffed in a cage. Buck is a huge half breed saint Bernard, and Scottish shepherd. He Is sent to Alaska and sold for a sled dog. He goes through several different owners. The story takes place in the late 1800’s, during the gold rushRead MoreThe Call Of The Wild By Jack London802 Words   |  4 PagesThe novel The Call of the Wild is written by Jack London. The novel is known as an adventure fiction; it is known as an adventure fiction because it is based on an adventure by London, but is put into a fictional reading. This novel is told about a dog and his life struggles, but it is based on an adventure taken by London. This novel is important to us because it gives us an insight on how important it is to fight for what you want, and defend your place in life. The theme of this novel is to workRead MoreThe Call Of The Wild By Jack London1396 Words   |  6 PagesThe Call of the Wild is a novel by Jack London, and is a very interesting fiction novel that contains elements of happiness, sadness, failure, and triumph(with a hint of anger). This book shows the strong bond between man and beast, and helps the reader understand the strong loves s hared(and lost). This book can show how change affects someone, and how it can affect the people around them. This book has a lot of important morals, which can teach the reader patience, sorrow, and true compassion. TheRead MoreJack London and His Call of the Wild1150 Words   |  5 Pagesof the parts of his nature that were deeper than he, going back into the womb of Time. - Jack London, The Call of the Wild, Ch. 3 (Jack London Quotes). This quote summarizes the success of Jack London’s writing career in one simple sentence. London’s success and inspiration for his naturalist style can be accredited to the way in which he was raised, and his experiences during his lifetime. Jack London, was born John Griffith Chaney on January 12, 1876 near San Francisco, California. His motherRead MoreCall Of The Wild By Jack London1386 Words   |  6 Pages Two of Jack London’s most famous stories are Call of the Wild and To Build a Fire. Call of the Wild is a novel about a dog named Buck, who is stolen away from his home in California and sold in Canada to become a member in a dog sled team. Then Buck learns the law of club and fang, and he becomes the leader of his team and eventually breaks away from captivity to become a wild dog roaming forest. To Build a Fire, on the other hand, is a short story about a man who is traveling through Canada inRead MoreThe Call of the Wild, by Jack London985 Words   |  4 PagesLondon introduces the only other companion for the man on the trip, the dog—a native husky with a heavy coat of fur, which has adapted to survive the dangers of the cold wilderness. Unlike the man, the dog does not have a â€Å"sharp cons ciousness of a condition of very cold such as was in the man’s brain,† but instead the â€Å"brute had its instinct† (London 630). London contrasts the man’s intelligence with dog’s instinct, which doesn’t use human measurements to show temperature. The man pities the dogRead MoreThe Call of the Wild by Jack London Essay1143 Words   |  5 PagesThe Call of the Wild by Jack London The title of the book is The Call of the Wild and was written by Jack London in 1903. He was the son of an Irish-American astrologer and his mother was Flora Wellman, the odd one out of a well to do family. They lived a life of poverty in Pennsylvania. Jack read a lot and at the age of fifteen left home and travelled around North America as a tramp. On charges of vagrancy, he spent 30 days in prison. After educating himself he managedRead MoreSummary Of The Call Of The Wild By Jack London1908 Words   |  8 Pages Ms. Stone English 10 H 11 November 2016 Journal Entry #1: The Call Of The Wild, by Jack London 1. Section Summary A large dog, named Buck, lives on a big estate in the heart of Santa Clara Valley. While in the midst a famous gold rush in Klondike, Canada, many men need sled dogs to get around on the snow. Buck does not realize the great fear that he is in while living during this time. Manuel, a gardener on the estate that Buck lives on, gambles Buck to another man and loses. Buck beginsRead MoreAnalysis Of Jack London s The Call Of The Wild 1306 Words   |  6 Pagesdifferent literary movements. Authors choose the writing style they want, and whether or not to be in a movement. Jack London was one of these authors. He chose to be a part of the naturalism movement. Naturalism is a literary movement with the belief that humans and animals being shaped by their environment. He then chose to use indirect discourse in one of his most popular books The Call of the Wild. Free Indirect Discourse is when the reader knows the thoughts of the main character while having a thirdRead MoreWilderness in Ca ll of the Wild by Jack London Essay573 Words   |  3 PagesSymbolism Many of the characters in The Call of the Wild symbolize specific qualities. One example of this is Mercedes. She represents greed and being spoiled. Mercedes enters the wilderness clueless to what toll it will take on her. â€Å"†Undreamed of!† cried Mercedes, throwing up her hands in dainty dismay† (73). This quote shows that she was expecting (and hoping) for a more pampered way of life out in the Klondike. Mercedes could also represent the unpreparedness of most of the people going to

Thursday, May 7, 2020

Lions Roar Mandala Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Dharma...

Lion’s Roar Mandala Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Dharma Center meets at the Do Nga Dhargey Temple, meaning â€Å"Sutra and Tantra Flourishing† (Location). Sutra means â€Å"a collection of aphorisms relating to some aspect of the conduct of life† (Sutra). In other words, they are sayings that are meant to help you to reflect on life and how we should all act. Tantra is when you try to make a connection with the Buddha(s) through yoga and meditations. Upon approaching the temple, one cannot help, but to notice how clean their temple is from outside; the lawn is mowed, the path is swept, the building is without stains or damages, the bushes and trees are pruned, even the gate looks nice! Arriving a few minutes early to the â€Å"Mindful Meditation for Everybody† 9AM session on October 24th, taking my Jordan’s – sneakers – off and one of the members giving me a prayer book, there is a box for donation. This is important because churches, temples and mosques need to have a way for sustaining their location. I respect that they do not force payment. I was quickly and vaguely given the run down by others participating. Most everyone was sitting in the seats, few on cushions, when the gong rang. As the teacher walked in, everyone stood and bowed as a sign of respect and did not sit until he did. The altar was covered in fabric and pictures of Buddha in yoga position (Buddha almost seemed as a deity). Prayer was done in English from a prayer book. It was a little baffling as to why Buddhists

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Mongol Criticisms Free Essays

November 28, 2010 Mongol Invasions The Mongol Invasions of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries have long been a point of contention amongst historians and scholars. The series of assaults launched on behalf of the Mongols ultimately amounted to a holocaust in which few were spared. Though the immediate impacts of the conquests were undeniably horrific, some historians have commended later Mongol regimes for the institutional reforms they introduced. We will write a custom essay sample on Mongol Criticisms or any similar topic only for you Order Now However, even with these post invasion innovations in mind, a legitimate rationale behind the excessive destruction and violence is still a question for debate. When examining the ideological motives of the Mongols, it is clear that they were radically impassioned by their beliefs. Unfortunately, the logic behind these beliefs is less clear. Taking into consideration the relevant religious debate during the time period as exemplified in â€Å"William of Rubric’s Account of the Mongol Invasions† as well as the pertinent humanitarian concerns best illustrated by renowned historian Ibn al-Athir, criticisms regarding the religious legitimacy and negative humanitarian impacts of the Mongol Invasions are valid assessments. The first controversy surrounding the impact of the Mongol invasions is whether or not their motives were legitimate. Much of historian criticism suggests that the religious and ideological beliefs of the Mongols that compelled them to action were both extremist and illogical. The second topic of debate is whether, with those motives in mind, the extermination of such an enormous group of people, could possibly be justified. In contrast with these historians’ criticisms, some historians commend the institutional reforms and cultural changes initiated by the Mongols. However, considering the inhumanity of systematically exterminating entire civilizations based on religious and ideological beliefs that are in many ways flawed, historian criticisms are both appropriate and compelling. The religious foundations of the Mongol invasions have been subject to criticisms from historians who raise interesting ideological concerns. Some historians argue that no event so catastrophic could possibly hold any justification in religion nor could it be condoned for whatever long-term beneficial effects[1]. According to Ibn al-athir, â€Å"there is no strength and no power save in God, the High, the Almighty, in face of this catastrophe, whereof sparks flew far and wide, and the hurt was universal†. It has also been suggested that Mongol religion did not take into account morality nor incorporate any codes for governing human behavior. The tribe’s original religious identity was based in Tengriism, or the worship of an Eternal Blue Sky god. In practice, Tengriism was notably primitive. Ibn al-Athir confirms this observation in saying, â€Å"As for their religion, they worship the sun when it rises, and regard nothing as unlawful†. A religion that takes no particular stance on fundamental moral issues and provides no feasible code of living for it’s followers is a religion that encourages chaos. But an even more obtrusive Mongol belief was in their God given destiny to conquer the entirety of the known world. They defined this destiny as an attempt to â€Å"purify the earth of the disorders that taint[ed] it† (96). Or in other words, to destroy any civilization whose beliefs did not coincide with theirs. By modern standards, the Mongol invasions could be classified as genocide. The arrogance of the Mongols also ensured the continuity of the movement. In William Rubruck’s account of the Mongols, it is evident that the perspectives of other religious, social, or political parties were largely suppressed. Tolerance for opinions that conflicted with Mongol regimes was minimal, and their violent history instilled a level of fear in people that kept them quiet. Combined with their passionate objective to carry out God’s will, Mongol arrogance and intolerance gave the movement frightening momentum. Being violently impassioned by these questionable beliefs, it is not surprising that the actions of the Mongols were also very controversial. The systematic extermination of hundreds of thousands of people, involving cases of torture and public killings, undoubtedly constitutes a humanitarian catastrophe. For Ibn al- Athir, the Mongol invasions represented â€Å"the greatest catastrophe and the most dire calamity (of the like of which and days and nights are innocent) which befell all men generally†. He comes to this conclusion in part by considering the most tragic event preceding the invasions. This event was Nebuchadnezzar’s destruction of Jerusalem and the slaughtering of the children of Israel. In his comparison he notes that the Mongols killed more people in a single city then all of the children that were massacred in Israel, thus deeming the invasions the single most catastrophic event in history at that time. During the Mongol’s invasions they destroyed villages, and desecrated countless schools, libraries, mosques, and palaces. Many historians perceive their militant tactics as being ruthless and barbaric. Examples of such acts are: The flooding or burning of entire villages, pouring molten gold down the throat of a Muslim governor, creating public pyramids from victims severed heads, and even slaughtering dogs and cats on the street. Ibn al- Athir comments on the merciless approach of the Mongols by asserting that â€Å"Even Antichrist would spare such that follow him, though he destroy those who oppose him, but these Tartar’s spared none, slaying women and men and children, ripping open pregnant women and killing unborn babies†. This reiterates the dilemma of how any event so atrocious in it’s impact could have any legitimate rationale behind it. Accredited arguments in support of the Mongol Invasions commend the long-term effects of Mongol rule. The two most prevalent to the debate are: First, that a post invasion shift toward government centralization occurred and ultimately benefited Middle Eastern infrastructures. Second, that the Mongols introduced a new phase of creativity to the Middle East. Some historians have labeled the shift back toward government centralization as the rebirth of the Iranian Monarchial System and commend it for having â€Å"recreated the brilliance of Saljuq-Period Turkic-Iranian monarchical culture†. They argue that this change enabled innovative developments and constructions such as building cities, developing irrigation works, and trade expansion. Furthermore, some argue that the synthesis of Mongol, Turkic, Seljuq, and Iranian concepts gave birth to a uniquely innovative and artistic culture. Evidence supporting this conception includes the flourishing of historical writings, the revival of painting and illustration, and architectural advancements. It is true that Mongol rule saw a complete cultural transformation that may have in some ways benefited Middle Eastern society, but at what cost? The value of any newly established state must be weighed with the value of the one it replaced, not excluding the question of why it was replaced in the first place. By modern standards, the justifications behind the actions of the Mongols are backwards and nonsensical. Consistent with historian criticisms, Mongol religion fails to incorporate any ideals of morality or legality or to provide any sort of framework for its followers. Furthermore, though they claimed to be endowed with a God given destiny, they were never able or willing to back this claim up with any sort of proof. This leads one to wonder why no one contested the actions of the Mongols during that period. The answer to that question is best illustrated in the religious debate recounted in â€Å"William Rubricks account of the Mongols† in which the exclusiveness of Mongol influence is illuminated. The Mongols sought to institute a level of fear in it’s people that would keep them quiet and prevent them from fighting back. Sadly, even those who didn’t fight back were not necessarily spared. The nonsensical violent and inhumane acts committed by the Mongols were inexcusable. The invasions ultimately led to the obliteration not only of entire Middle Eastern populations but also to that of their cultural identities. Whether what replaced those cultures was prosperous or not, there is no justification for the diabolical actions of the Mongols. humanity o Their claimed religious incentives and fatalistic belief in their destiny This brings me to the inquiry of what logical motive led the Mongols to perpetrate their invasions. During their invasions the Mongols destroyed villages, and desecrated countless schools, libraries, mosques, and palaces. In fact there have been cases in which they even destroyed damns and flooded entire villages. Another argument in favor of the Mongol’s is that the synthesis of Mongol, Turkic, Seljuq, and Iranian concepts gave birth to a new level of creativity in the Middle East. Ibn al- athir is recognizing the impossibility that any religion could provide justification for the atrocious actions of the Mongols. The powerful impact of Mongol religion and ideology on their militant actions qualifies them as extremists. In Hulegu Khans warning to the inhabitants of Baghdad he asserts his belief that he is doing his part in carrying out God’s given destiny: â€Å"I will burn your city, your land and yourself. If you wish to spare yourself and your venerable family, give heed to my advice†¦ If you do not, you will see what God has willed† (97). When a movement as enormous in scope and strength as the Mongol’s claim to have a purpose that is endowed to them by God, their influence is automatically multiplied. William of Rubruck’s Account of the Mongols† provides a detailed Western Account of the Mongol invasions. The religious debate included in his account, addresses the areas in which Christian ideology conflicts with institutionalized Mongol religion of the time. One significant principle that incited conflict among the religious parties present was the omnipotence of God. Arthur Goldschmidt Jr. and Lawrence Davidson, A Concise History of the Middle East Ninth Edition, Boulder, CO, Westview Press, 2010, 95-98 How to cite Mongol Criticisms, Papers