OK so I know there is nothing in the world more emo than this, but I really love this song, so I'm posting the lyrics.
The Middle -- Jimmy Eat World
Hey,
Don't write yourself off yet.
It's only in your head you feel left out,
Or looked down on.
Just try your best,
Try everything you can.
And don't you worry what they tell themselves
When you're away.
[Chorus]
It just takes some time,
Little girl, you're in the middle of the ride.
Everything, everything will be just fine,
Everything, everything will be alright. (alright)
Hey,
You know they're all the same.
You know you're doing better on your own, (on your own)
So don't buy in.
Live right now.
Yeah, just be yourself.
It doesn't matter if it's good enough (good enough)
For someone else.
[Chorus x2]
Hey, don't write yourself off yet.
It's only in your head you feel left out, (feel left out)
Or looked down on.
Just do your best, (just do your best)
Do everything you can. (do everything you can)
And don't you worry what their bitter hearts (bitter hearts)
Are gonna say.
Quote of the Day:
"WHOOOOOOO RRRRR UUU??!"
-Caterpillar, Disney's Alice in Wonderland
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees.
I got an A+ on the following essay in Humanities II. It was such a fierce paper, I decided to share it. The best part is, I didn't even start writing it until 1:30 am the night [well..morning] before it was due. I hope it is thought-provoking.
A brief examination of the Christian Worldview vs. a Mechanistic
Worldview and the Ethical Responsibilities of Man’s Role in Nature
In his autobiographical Discourse on Method, Descartes clearly exhibits a mechanistic worldview, in which nature operates as a machine and exists as a resource for mankind (1637). To support this claim, Descartes and other 17th century thinkers delineate a biblical passage where God assigns men to manage the Earth. Genesis 1: 26 says, “Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over all the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground”” (1984). Due to the phrase “rule over,” in this selection, Descartes and other scientists and philosophical thinkers of his time believed and acted on the belief that men could do whatever they pleased with the world (Merchant: 1992, 40). The earth was created by God and given for man to reign over supremely. Thus, a man can employ this earth to accomplish whatever means he deems fit, no matter how unwise the implications. However, this was not God’s original intent when commanding the man to “rule;” this call indicates direction and leadership manifested through man’s demonstration of good stewardship toward the world.
Paul authors a letter to the Romans in which he implies that nature, as the creation of God, proves the very existence of its Maker. Romans 1:20 states, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse” (1984). This scripture indicates that everything in creation, including the aforementioned “fish of the sea,” “birds of the air,” and “livestock,” in addition to forests, oceans, mountains, and all the rest of the earthly landscape, points people back to God (1984, Genesis 1: 26). It is therefore logical to conclude that this natural landscaping and its ecosystems are inherently worth maintaining, to keep the presence and influence of God among humankind.
Unfortunately, as a result of the Scientific Revolution, Descartes and his philosophical, mathematical, and scientific colleagues, including Copernicus, Galileo, Bacon, and Newton, impacted Western thinkers, encouraging men to exercise free dominion over the natural world (Seeds: 2009, 1). This free reign has led to an ever-increasing shirking of man’s ethical responsibilities toward anything in the universe that is not human.
An example of present-day abuses of man’s “rule” over non-human nature include genetically modified organisms, or GMOs. The genetic modification of various organisms, namely plants, is accomplished through introducing a gene into a system that would not naturally produce it, such as placing a wheat plant gene into a corn plant’s genetic makeup, although this process generally includes breeding bacterial DNA into plants. Plant technologists have learned to cross breed crops in order to enhance their growth, nutritional value, or increase their resistance to insects and other pests. While putting pesticides in the plants themselves does decrease the use of chemical pesticides on crops, it still has negative effects on the plants and the ecological systems in which they live (Phillips: 2009).
One effectual problem of this genetic modification is the decrease of natural biodiversity in the environment. According to studies compiled by Tilman, “greater diversity leads to greater productivity in plant communities, greater nutrient retention in ecosystems and greater ecosystem stability” (2000, 208). Studies indicate that halving the amount of a species in an area causes a ten to twenty percent loss of productivity of those species (Tilman: 2000, 208). If men continue to alter the genetic makeup of plants for farming and agricultural purposes, they will, over time, harm themselves. As more and more of these plant species are created and fewer and fewer natural species are allowed the freedom to regenerate, the plants will become less and less productive and less nutritious. A decrease in productivity leads to a decrease in profit, along with a decrease in food resources for the world. It is therefore in man’s best interests to leave these natural environments alone to thrive naturally, not be manipulated mechanistically.
In his Discourse on Method, Descartes explains that he left the world of academic studies to travel the world and experience different countries, cultures, and environments. As a result, he writes that he “learned not to believe anything too firmly of which [he] had been persuaded only by example and custom” (1637, 6). By witnessing others’ cultures and traditions, he learned to appreciate them for their diverse nature and encourages readers to similarly avoid ethnocentrism. I propose that men living in this present age not only embrace the diversity of other men’s cultures, but also the diversity of other species on our planet. Variety creates more possibility for increased growth, and the genetic alteration of plants for marketing purposes inhibits nature’s creativity. Because men are in fact a part of the natural world, they should invest in their surroundings by preserving those characteristics that will allow organisms to exist for the longest possible period of time and therefore offer the most benefit to all other organisms by performing their intended function on earth.
Returning to Paul, he warns in his letter to the Romans that “the wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness” (1984, Romans 1:18). If men continue to ignore the truth of their responsibility for nature, which has been assigned them by God, the world will continue to degenerate and they will cause their own demise and undoing. The right to rule nature does in fact place men over all other species and organisms, but it does not give indefinite freedom to abuse these other living things. God has placed man on Earth to work for it and maintain the environment He has created. Tampering with the genetic makeup of vegetation created specifically by God is a wicked attempt at undermining His authority, communicating that while He may have had a certain design in mind, man’s modifications will enhance the world and make these plants even better than God intended.
Paul also writes to the Colossians, “whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (1984: Colossians 3:23). Thus, men should not look to other men to determine the validity of their work, but judge themselves by the Lord’s standards. While men are in charge of this world, God created it and is above the entire universe. It is therefore imperative that men be cautious of how they choose to view and utilize the earth’s resources. These resources are a gift from God that should be dedicated back to Him as men strive to please God, not other men, through their work.
Quote of the Day:
"I'm just doing my part to save the rain forest."
-Mary Catherine Gallagher, Superstar
Works Cited
Descartes, Rene. Discourse on Method. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company, 1637.
“Dominion over Nature.” Worldviews, Religion, and the Environment. Richard Foltz, ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth / Thomson Learning, 2003.
Phillips, Theresa. “What are GMOs?” About.com. 2009.
Seeds, Cybele. “Implications of the Mechanistic Worldview.” Spring 2009: 1-4.
The Holy Bible: New International Version. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1984.
Tilman, David. “Causes, consequences and ethics of biodiversity.” Nature. Vol. 405. (2000) : 208-211.
A brief examination of the Christian Worldview vs. a Mechanistic
Worldview and the Ethical Responsibilities of Man’s Role in Nature
In his autobiographical Discourse on Method, Descartes clearly exhibits a mechanistic worldview, in which nature operates as a machine and exists as a resource for mankind (1637). To support this claim, Descartes and other 17th century thinkers delineate a biblical passage where God assigns men to manage the Earth. Genesis 1: 26 says, “Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over all the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground”” (1984). Due to the phrase “rule over,” in this selection, Descartes and other scientists and philosophical thinkers of his time believed and acted on the belief that men could do whatever they pleased with the world (Merchant: 1992, 40). The earth was created by God and given for man to reign over supremely. Thus, a man can employ this earth to accomplish whatever means he deems fit, no matter how unwise the implications. However, this was not God’s original intent when commanding the man to “rule;” this call indicates direction and leadership manifested through man’s demonstration of good stewardship toward the world.
Paul authors a letter to the Romans in which he implies that nature, as the creation of God, proves the very existence of its Maker. Romans 1:20 states, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse” (1984). This scripture indicates that everything in creation, including the aforementioned “fish of the sea,” “birds of the air,” and “livestock,” in addition to forests, oceans, mountains, and all the rest of the earthly landscape, points people back to God (1984, Genesis 1: 26). It is therefore logical to conclude that this natural landscaping and its ecosystems are inherently worth maintaining, to keep the presence and influence of God among humankind.
Unfortunately, as a result of the Scientific Revolution, Descartes and his philosophical, mathematical, and scientific colleagues, including Copernicus, Galileo, Bacon, and Newton, impacted Western thinkers, encouraging men to exercise free dominion over the natural world (Seeds: 2009, 1). This free reign has led to an ever-increasing shirking of man’s ethical responsibilities toward anything in the universe that is not human.
An example of present-day abuses of man’s “rule” over non-human nature include genetically modified organisms, or GMOs. The genetic modification of various organisms, namely plants, is accomplished through introducing a gene into a system that would not naturally produce it, such as placing a wheat plant gene into a corn plant’s genetic makeup, although this process generally includes breeding bacterial DNA into plants. Plant technologists have learned to cross breed crops in order to enhance their growth, nutritional value, or increase their resistance to insects and other pests. While putting pesticides in the plants themselves does decrease the use of chemical pesticides on crops, it still has negative effects on the plants and the ecological systems in which they live (Phillips: 2009).
One effectual problem of this genetic modification is the decrease of natural biodiversity in the environment. According to studies compiled by Tilman, “greater diversity leads to greater productivity in plant communities, greater nutrient retention in ecosystems and greater ecosystem stability” (2000, 208). Studies indicate that halving the amount of a species in an area causes a ten to twenty percent loss of productivity of those species (Tilman: 2000, 208). If men continue to alter the genetic makeup of plants for farming and agricultural purposes, they will, over time, harm themselves. As more and more of these plant species are created and fewer and fewer natural species are allowed the freedom to regenerate, the plants will become less and less productive and less nutritious. A decrease in productivity leads to a decrease in profit, along with a decrease in food resources for the world. It is therefore in man’s best interests to leave these natural environments alone to thrive naturally, not be manipulated mechanistically.
In his Discourse on Method, Descartes explains that he left the world of academic studies to travel the world and experience different countries, cultures, and environments. As a result, he writes that he “learned not to believe anything too firmly of which [he] had been persuaded only by example and custom” (1637, 6). By witnessing others’ cultures and traditions, he learned to appreciate them for their diverse nature and encourages readers to similarly avoid ethnocentrism. I propose that men living in this present age not only embrace the diversity of other men’s cultures, but also the diversity of other species on our planet. Variety creates more possibility for increased growth, and the genetic alteration of plants for marketing purposes inhibits nature’s creativity. Because men are in fact a part of the natural world, they should invest in their surroundings by preserving those characteristics that will allow organisms to exist for the longest possible period of time and therefore offer the most benefit to all other organisms by performing their intended function on earth.
Returning to Paul, he warns in his letter to the Romans that “the wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness” (1984, Romans 1:18). If men continue to ignore the truth of their responsibility for nature, which has been assigned them by God, the world will continue to degenerate and they will cause their own demise and undoing. The right to rule nature does in fact place men over all other species and organisms, but it does not give indefinite freedom to abuse these other living things. God has placed man on Earth to work for it and maintain the environment He has created. Tampering with the genetic makeup of vegetation created specifically by God is a wicked attempt at undermining His authority, communicating that while He may have had a certain design in mind, man’s modifications will enhance the world and make these plants even better than God intended.
Paul also writes to the Colossians, “whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (1984: Colossians 3:23). Thus, men should not look to other men to determine the validity of their work, but judge themselves by the Lord’s standards. While men are in charge of this world, God created it and is above the entire universe. It is therefore imperative that men be cautious of how they choose to view and utilize the earth’s resources. These resources are a gift from God that should be dedicated back to Him as men strive to please God, not other men, through their work.
Quote of the Day:
"I'm just doing my part to save the rain forest."
-Mary Catherine Gallagher, Superstar
Works Cited
Descartes, Rene. Discourse on Method. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company, 1637.
“Dominion over Nature.” Worldviews, Religion, and the Environment. Richard Foltz, ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth / Thomson Learning, 2003.
Phillips, Theresa. “What are GMOs?” About.com. 2009.
Seeds, Cybele. “Implications of the Mechanistic Worldview.” Spring 2009: 1-4.
The Holy Bible: New International Version. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1984.
Tilman, David. “Causes, consequences and ethics of biodiversity.” Nature. Vol. 405. (2000) : 208-211.
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