Essay from ThePensters Writing Contest Medalist #1

Nobody liked Julia Simmons, and nobody knew why. As far as I knew, she had never done anything bad. Instead, I believe it was her presence that annoyed the students at Russell Secondary. Julia was like a small gnat; she never bit anyone, but constantly annoyed with her buzzing. At seventeen, she was a scrawny five foot one. Her wiry brown hair had a life of its own, and her second hand clothes left a trail of gossip. The most annoying thing, however, was Julia’s small black notebook. She carried it everywhere. And whenever Julia had a spare moment, she wrote inside it diligently. My friends and I always wondered what she put in there. One day, I tried to read it, just to satisfy my curiosity. At lunch, I sprinted past and snatched the book as she took a bit of her tuna sandwich. Unfortunately, the lunch monitor snatched it back before I could get a good look at the first page. All I can remember are the neat, white letters on the front: Julia Simmons Penster After lunch, my friends and I talked it over. None of us had the faintest idea of what a Penster was. In the end, we decided that ‘Penster’ was synonymous with ‘witch,’ and that Julia used the notebook to carry the recipes for potions. And all of a sudden, we had a reason to pick on Julia Simmons. She was casting spells behind our backs, so we had to defend ourselves. Whenever something went wrong, it was now always Julia’s fault. If Patrick MacDonnell contracted a hideous case of acne, it meant Julia had slipped potions into his coffee. If Lindsay Johnson broke her ankle, it meant Julia had sung to the moon the night before. The stories only got worse. Sadly, I was at fault for most of them, though I regret everything now. Eventually, the stories got so bad that Julia had to switch schools. None of us ever saw that black notebook again. It has been fifteen years since high school, and I currently work as a journalist for the New York Times. Though the job is amazing, it was the interview that impacted me the most. That day, I was understandably nervous, but it was completed without any major mishaps. After the interview, I was seated next to an attractive young lady. I am not sure whether it was post-interview adrenaline, or her wavy hair, but I decided to ask her out. â€Å"Man that was intense. You want to go grab a coffee and wind down? I’m Mark, by the way.† I extended my hand for her to shake, but she didn’t take it. â€Å"Aren’t you worried I’ll slip something toxic into your drink?† she replied sarcastically. â€Å"Julia?† â€Å"Uh-huh. Not so witch-like anymore, am I? For the record, the reason I switched schools was because I attempted suicide.† She laughed dryly, â€Å"I always wanted to tell you that.† â€Å"Julia, I am so sorry. I never realized – â€Å" â€Å"But that’s just it, isn’t it? You never realize until it’s too late!† She took a shaky breath, â€Å"Do you get it Mark? Words hurt.† â€Å"Julia, you might never forgive me, and I wouldn’t blame you. But before you leave, tell me what a Penster is, and set something right.† She sighed and looked up. â€Å"A Penster is a person who writes about the everyday. People only write about the big things, but the small things are just as important. It seems the background is often forgotten because everyone passes it by. But the ignored world is beautiful. I have always wanted to record it and help people realize the beauty, because sometimes, small things are all you have.† We both became silent after that. Then, I realized that the world desperately needs people like Julia. We need people to help us appreciate beauty, because only when we appreciate what we have can we be truly happy.

Essay on The Golden Rule in Kant and Mills Ethical Theories

Ethics refers to what people consider good or bad and right or wrong. It is a theory dealing with values that relate to human behaviour; with respect to their actions and purpose. The two most important philosophers that deal with ethics are Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill. Kant’s ethical theory is Kantianism or deontological ethics. Mill’s ethical theory is utilitarianism. Both philosophers’ theories have many differences; Kant’s theory deals with conduct, seeking reason for good action in duty. Mill’s theory deals with consequences and maximizing human happiness. However both Kant and Mill’s ethics relate to the important biblical principal of the Golden Rule. What makes actions right? For some philosophers it is their†¦show more content†¦Kant’s first formula: â€Å"The Formula of Universal Law: ‘Act only in accordance with that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal lawâ€⠄¢ [Groundworks 4:421; cf. 4:402].† (Wood, A.W. 2005, p.135) This formula states that one should act in such a way that other people will learn from this action. That one is not to act in a way in which one would not be willing to allow others to act, for example expecting others not to lie, then one is required to do the same. Kant’s second formula: â€Å"The Formula of Humanity as End in Itself: â€Å"So act that you use humanity, whether in your own person or that of another, always at the same time as an end, never as a means’ [Groundworks 4:429; cf. 4:436].† (Wood, A.W. 2005, p.135) In other words this formula means that â€Å"Human beings have absolute worth, and every maxim we adopt should lead only to actions that always treat humanity, whether ourselves or others, as ends in themselves, and never simply as means to achieving our own ends.† (Mills Daniel, D., Mills Daniel. D.E. Daniel, M. 2011, p.161) This categorical imperative simply sta tes that people should always treat others with dignity, as an end and never use them as simple instruments. Kant believes that the consequences of an action are not what make it right or wrong, but that when doingShow MoreRelatedThe Legality of Marijuana1415 Words   |  6 Pagesfollow the natural laws that the societies have placed in order, and must establish guidelines by understanding their moral and ethical obligations. They are the foundations of our day to day life. Whether we choose to obey or disobey the norms and regulations of our social environment is determined by the way we appeal to their distinct morals and ethics. There are many â€Å"ethical situations† in our society on which various people have various different opinions. The legality of marijuana is one such situationRead MoreThe Ethical Theories Of Aristotle And Immanuel Kant1910 Words   |  8 Pagesmeant to compare and contrast the ethical theories of Aristotle and Immanuel Kant. The moral philosophies of Kant and Aristotle are dissimilar in the rationale they suggest for moral conduct. 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Classical Adlerian Quotes Striving for Significance

Questions: What is meant by a limb of uncertainty and chaos? What do we mean when we say a client has a low bottom? Give an example of how subtle changes in words or tone can profoundly alter what the client hears? What do recent psychological theories of emotion assume? Define the term friend confident What did Alfred Adler say about the human relationships? Describe the relationship between clients speech and his reaction to a situation Describe the relationship between clients speech and his reaction to a situation Why should you barrage your client with feedback? How can you encourage your client to make changes using the mantra The fastest way to change how you feel is to change the way you act? Answers: What is meant by a limb of uncertainty and chaos? The term a limb of uncertainty and chaos is referred to the initial problem faced by the therapist in helping an individual or a family who is in a verge of mental collapse, to cross the bridge form the old to the new in the period of disorientation and disintegration (Adlerian.us, 2015). However families who have already reached the lowest level of anxiety, depression, struggle and pressures of dysfunctional behavior should be ready to get back as their pain have reached the uppermost level that they have nowhere to go. What do we mean when we say a client has a low bottom? A low bottom refers o individuals who are devastatingly addicts and those who have lost all their things including home, family, cars, jobs, relationships. The High Bottom individuals are on the other hand is addicts who have not lost their things yet but they have met with some incidents in their lives which have served as a warning that they might lose everything if they continue having alcohol or drugs. In other words some serious consequences would not let them neglect the fact that they are in some serious conditions and have to change their way of life. If the therapist talks to the recovering addicts they would find an interesting mix of low bottoms and high bottoms. The low bottoms have to severely fall apart before they finally decide to get back on the right track. Many such people become demoralized and they sense that they have nowhere to go and they eventually become sick and depressed and finally they try to re think about their life. they just need a little push toward finding themselves again(https://www.apa.org, 2015) . Give an example of how subtle changes in words or tone can profoundly alter what the client hears? This has been proved in therapy that subtle changes in words or tones can alter the way client hears what is said. Like for example if a therapist ask a question such as the clients voice sounds very sad when he talks about his wife rather than I feel that your wife does not love you then it would allow the client to wonder about what the therapist really mean by the statement (Ijh.cgpublisher.com, 2015). Thus using empathy in your tone works wonder for the clients and t can change his entire thinking process and intuition. What do recent psychological theories of emotion assume? Ans. The new and recent psychological theories of emotion assume that the way a person shall interpret and assume an emotional situation would shape his emotional reactions. Because a persons emotions are physical and mental realities, the way they judge a situation is actually an intrinsic part of the emotion itself. As emotions are perceptual in nature, a person is actually exploring their deepest thoughts and convictions when they are goin through their deepest feelings(Marc and Angel Hack Life, 2015). Define the term friend confident The term friend-confidant is a term which is used to describe the therapist within the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client where the individual suffering from depression or anxiety can open up or expose his feelings, his thoughts, his fears to the therapist without bothering whether he will also become emotionally weak after hearing his story and would cry or become excited (Myers, 2004). The relation that is shared by the client and the therapist is that which is based on mutual trust and belief which once the family recovers in transferred to one of the family members or a trusted close friend who becomes the friend-confidant after the therapist. What did Alfred Adler say about the human relationships? Ans. According to Alfred Adler a warm human relationship can give people the courage to face and understand their mistakes .Alfred Adlers approach is called individual psychology as he takes a holistic view of individuals. It insisted that a whole person have lots of problems like family, social, biological issues, psychological attitudes and community ties. In his 1931 book he wrote that the cause of success or failure cannot be any particular experience in human lives (Psych Central.com, 2015). He said that a person understands himself in respect to the situations that he has faced in his lifetime. Experiences alone do not shape their destiny but people become self determined by the meaning that they give to those experiences. He also deeply appreciate the role played by religion in giving hope to his depressed patients .he once wrote that the idea of God has elevated the concept of humanity. Describe the relationship between clients speech and his reaction to a situation Ans. A client may express his feelings to the therapist but not acknowledge the fact that he is sad or depressed..In such a situation, the therapist should not care about his action and should show explicit empathy to the client. The therapist should cater to the inner beauty and positiveness of the client rather than his fears and anxiety. The client has to believe first that he is well in order to act well. Acting well leads to feeling well (Dbsalliance.org, 2015). Describe what happens during the process of verbalization. Ans. The process of verbalization includes helping the challenged readers develop the sensory cognitive function of an imagery concept. Unlike both comprehension and reading program concept imagery applies to the development of difficult thinking skills, comprehension and expression of both written and oral language. Verbalization applies to the students of v/v who goes through a series of steps and finally integrates imagery with their comprehension learning skills and critical thinking ('The healing process', 2014). It is possible under intense instruction for students and adults t make comprehension in just few weeks after giving years to reading. Verbalization is usually learnt by children through the process of verbal talking by their parents. Verbalization of a therapist has immense impact on the mindset of their patients who learn to read and talk efficiently after the sessions with their therapist. They learn to say it out loud and communicate all their problems to their love d and close ones when they once go through the process of verbalization by their therapist. Why should you barrage your client with feedback? Ans. It is overtly important for a therapist to barrage his clients because through that process of criticism he can really make him understand where he is going wrong. It is very important for a person who is in the verge of an emotional turmoil to find the right counselor for help. After that if a client keeps reiterating his problems except of everything that his therapist has done for him to reduce his agony, the therapist has to recognize that all his helps have become in vain for his client. The client can say that in spite of everything the therapist has done he has not being able to grasp the knowledge what he has been trying to tell him , so, in that case the therapist before providing feed back to him should make sure he has portrayed the view as vividly as possible. Good therapy is all about helping the client to feel good about himself. it is important for a therapist to give feed back to the clients so that the client can make healthy decisions about his life so that he can move from a poor weak emotional state of mind to a healthy state of mind and also to remove sadness, anxiety frustration, anger and cover them up with peace and tranquility. The client should also provide feedback to his therapist by saying what had worked for him so far and which are the aspects which have been helpful for him. A good therapist will always be eager to welcome such feedbacks from the clients end and it will help to deal with further issues that might crop up in the process(Vision.org, 2015). How can you encourage your client to make changes using the mantra The fastest way to change how you feel is to change the way you act? Ans. If the client has been going through weird feelings or maybe he is going through a phase of disbelief that maybe he wont ever get out of this mess, the therapist can encourage him with the mantra. The way to feel better is to try hard and harder the way you act. The first thing that I have to make my client understand is that there is nothing impossible in this world and if he tries real hard then he will be able to change the way he thinks by the way he acts. The mantra is positive frame of mind, and medicines should also help in healing but medicines alone cannot make a client feel better as he have to keep on trying to think positively and also be happy on every possible way. He should go out with friends and confide everything to his therapist to make things easier for himself. In this way I can encourage my client to make changes by using this very simple but very powerful mantra. References: Adlerian.us,. (2015). Classical Adlerian Quotes: Striving for Significance - Alfred Adler. Retrieved 13 February 2015, from https://www.adlerian.us/qu-sign.htm Dbsalliance.org,. (2015). Psychotherapy: How it Works and How it Can Help - Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. Retrieved 13 February 2015, from https://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=wellness_brochures_psychotherapy https://www.apa.org,. (2015). What do practicing psychologists do?. Retrieved 13 February 2015, from https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/about-psychologists.aspx Ijh.cgpublisher.com,. (2015). The Humanities Collection Verbalization and Visualization Process: Its Applicability in EFL. Retrieved 13 February 2015, from https://ijh.cgpublisher.com/product/pub.26/prod.1658 Marc and Angel Hack Life,. (2015). 9 Good Reminders that Will Change the Way You Think. Retrieved 13 February 2015, from https://www.marcandangel.com/2014/11/16/9-good-reminders-that-will-change-the-way-you-think/ Myers, D. (2004). Psychology. New York: Worth Publishers. Psych Central.com,. (2015). Therapists Spill: Delivering Difficult Feedback to Clients. Retrieved 13 February 2015, from https://psychcentral.com/lib/therapists-spill-delivering-difficult-feedback-to-clients/00016606 The healing process. (2014). Chemistry Industry, 78(3), 32-35. doi:10.1002/cind.783_10.x Vision.org,. (2015). Alfred Adler - A Psychology of Change. Retrieved 13 February 2015, from https://www.vision.org/visionmedia/alfred-adler-adlerian-psychology/41045.aspx

Thales free essay sample

Thales In Brian Magees Story of Philosophy he composed that Thales,the pre Socratic Greek philospher of Miletus and founder of Milesian school,taught that everything in nature is composed of one basic matter. Thales presumed that water the was the fundamental building block of all things and the Earth floated on water. In Joseph Carters lecture he states that Thales concluded that everything seem to need water,if not directly then indirectly,so water was the source of all things(Phil 101-501 Delgado Community College Fall 2011). It was thought by Thales that the Earth must be supported by water,since all lands are surrounded by water. He figured that all living things need a huge and constant intake of water to go on living. There are numerous facts that seem to back up Thales theories. The human body is made up of 60 percent water( Story of Philosphy pg 13). We will write a custom essay sample on Thales or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The Earth is also made up of 71 percent water to surface area. Water at very high temperatures become air and at very low temperatures become rock( Story of Philosophy pg 13). Magee explained that Thales also observed and studied the world ,using direct obversation and reason to guide him on his quest for knowledge. He charted the stars,moon,and planets as well as using geometry and logical sequences to measure shadow lengths as a ratio of distances. In conclussion, Thales theory that all things being water, comes from water, and will return to water,in that time frame seemed believable. These thougths were logical only because it couldnt be proven otherwise in that time frame. We now know that all material objects are reducible to energy and completely disproves Thales theory. Thales was one of the first philosphers and his therioes opened the doorway for other great thinkers to concede his thoughts and go further with their pursuit of wisdom. Brian Magee,The Story of Philosophy,New York, DK Publishing,1998 Joseph Carter,Lectures, Phil 101-501 Delgado Community College, Fall 2011