Important People of History Essay Example for Free

Important People of History Essay Ancient Greece was known for many things, including great thinkers and philosophers. Many names come to mind from this period, including that of Socrates. Certainly, none are so colorful. He wrote nothing, but his impact was unmatched by others. His ideas were revolutionary, and caused enough controversy that he was finally put on trial in Athens, guaranteeing that his mark on history would be indelible. Socrates was born in 469 B. C. E. to Sophroniscus and Phaenarete. Little is known about him beyond what others wrote, since he resisted any urges to put words on paper. What is known about him comes from Aristophanes, Xenophon, and Plato, all of whom wrote about him. However, their narratives differ in some crucial ways, and so there are some things that will never be known about the enigmatic philosopher. Socrates was a firm believer in the power of the intellect. He insisted that â€Å"a man must order his life by the guidance of his own intellect,† believing that it was this above all that must be cultivated. He never hesitated in saying what he believed, and this tendency made him unpopular in many circles. However, he did not allow this to deter him from expressing these beliefs. Knowledge and truth were paramount to him, and he would not sacrifice these virtues for anything. When he was eighteen, Socrates was required to do the duty of every citizen, and this included training in the Athenian militia. He served the years that were expected of him, engaging in battle in 432 as a foot soldier to help put down a revolt. On the way home from the siege that followed, Socrates saved the life of Alcibiades during a subsequent battle near Spartolus, losing the battle. They returned to Athens in 429, where he was accused of helping the playwright Euripides to write his tragedies. Important People of History Page 2 of 5 Socrates next saw battle at Delium in 424. The Athenians saw defeat yet again, although Socrates distinguished himself once more. In another year, he was yet again immersed in battle, this time at Amphipolis. This ended in another defeat, and was also the last battle that Socrates fought. Peace was made between Athens and Sparta, and this is when Socrates could begin to concentrate in earnest on debates and discussions to pass on his ideas and beliefs. Education, democracy, and Mystery religion were key themes in this. During this time, Socrates married Xanthippe, and they would have two sons. Socrates perhaps became best known for the Socratic Method. This method was meant to help intellectuals come to correct conclusions, and it made definition the most essential point of this. In a desire to find the truth, Socrates believed that one must â€Å"require a standard of truth and an explanation of the causes of error. † The comparison of two ideas is necessary in making a judgment, and those ideas must be clear and not vague. This method lasted throughout the centuries, and is still practiced today. Socrates is also known as the founder of utilitarianism. Ethics and the process of applying his methods to them was a key interest of his, and this study led to utilitarian ideas. With this, he came to the conclusion that good is useful and â€Å"virtue is happiness. † This formed the core of his paradox, which is that men do not willingly commit wrongs, and that this is done only through ignorance. While Socrates wrote nothing, he spent a great deal of his life conversing with others. This was a major part of his Socratic method. He never attempted to teach, for he believed that he had no knowledge. He professed that he was only exceptional in the fact Important People of History Page 3 of 5 that he knew that he knew nothing. It was a goal of his to prove that popular ideas were inconsistent, and he wished to convince all to whom he spoke that their convictions could not stand up under examination. Socrates was well known for frequenting places such as marketplaces, where he would engage people in conversation. He enjoyed doing this with people of all ranks and stations, often putting off important people and gaining their animosity. His manner and lack of deference gained him many enemies; many resenting what they felt were his ridicule. There was nothing that Socrates felt was too sacred to question and criticize, and this included both religion and government. He was perhaps more agnostic than anything, and he had no compunctions about questioning and criticizing the gods. This added to feelings of animosity against him, as did the fact that he was also quite vocal against the ruling powers. It was this that was to lead to his arrest and subsequent trial, which is perhaps the pinnacle of his career. Socrates was arrested when he was seventy on charges that â€Å"he does not believe in the gods recognized by the city, but introduces strange supernatural beings; he is also guilty, because he corrupts the youth. † The political reasons were kept quiet, instead focusing on impiety, and the sentence proposed was that of death, although those who accused him had no real desire to put him to death, only to force him to leave and no longer be a thorn in their sides. However, Socrates refused to leave, instead remaining behind to face the charges against him. A life away from his interactions with the Athenians would not have suited him, and so he remained. Important People of History Page 4 of 5 Socrates faced a jury of 501 men. This jury, as all Athenian juries, would vote twice. Their first vote was on guilt or innocence, and their second vote was for the sentence. While Socrates expected that he would be convicted, he expressed surprise at â€Å"how closely the jury was split on the first and basic question. † It was a difference of six percent that would have turned the tide, acquitting him. Socrates had the chance to avoid a sentence of death once the verdict came in. It was a practice of the Athenian law system to allow the defendant to put forth another punishment, and the jury would choose between the two. However, the punishment that Socrates suggested was merely a small fine, which was so minuscule a punishment that the jury had little choice but to condemn him to death. It was not for thirty days after his trial that Socrates would meet his end. During that time, his friend Crito appealed to him to escape, but Socrates believed that the harm that would come from that would be a greater harm to the city than to allow himself to follow through with the sentence, and that it would have â€Å"brought shame on his family and friends. † Socrates did not seem to fear his death. In fact, on the day upon which he was scheduled to die, he seemed quite happy and pleasant. Death was perhaps another opportunity for him to learn and experience. He was also not alone when the end came, as his wife and younger son, as well as friends, were present. He spent his last day doing what he loved best, discussing philosophy and once more passing on his wisdom. Xanthippe was taken home before his actual death took place, leaving him with his Important People of History Page 5 of 5 friends and advising them to agree if they believed what he said was truth, and to oppose it if they did not, refusing to restrain themselves. To the end, he was determined to hold onto his ideals and beliefs, and insisted on others doing so as well. After bathing and then meeting with his family once more, he met with his executioners. He was given a glass of hemlock after having its effects explained to him. After this formality, he â€Å"cheerfully took the cup and drank. † Thus ended the life of one of the most profound leaders of philosophy. Socrates, through all of his life, lived up to the ideals and beliefs that he taught. He never compromised these, even up to the day that he died. To him, the importance of remaining true to himself and his teachings was paramount, and to do otherwise would be an injustice. He did not simply talk and hope that others learned from him; he lived by example and died by the same. His legacy proved to be quite enduring, and is still a cornerstone of philosophy to this day. His students, such as Plato, helped to preserve this and pass it on. Without Plato and others, little would be known today of Socrates. The impression he made was a lasting one, and a good example even today, encouraging people not to be afraid to question and discuss, because without these things, learning cannot be successful. Works Cited Bury, J. B. and Russell Meiggs. A History of Greece. London: Macmillan Education LTD, 1975. Nails, Debra. â€Å"Socrates. † Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. 16 Sept. 2005. http://plato. stanford. edu/entries/socrates/. Stone, I. F. The Trial of Socrates. New York: Doubleday, 1989.

A Look at Bipolar Disorder Essay -- Diseases/Disorders

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is more than just ordinary mood swings. People suffer from periods of mania to periods of depression. Bipolar disorder is a significant medical condition that is a great health interest in America (Hopkins Medicine). The number of people being diagnosed with bipolar disorder increases every year; therefore, the importance of education and understanding of this disorder also increases because it can affect so many people’s lives. According to Johns Hopkins medicine, manic depression affects more than 5.7 million American adults--or about 2.6 percent of Americans age 18 and older in a given year. Both sexes are affected equally. Bipolar disorder does not discriminate against race, ethnicity, or social class. Adolescence or early adulthood is when bipolar disorder normally begins, with 25 being the average age. Although researchers have not yet identified the gene, it is believed to be hereditary and likely runs in the family (Hopkins Medicine). The precise cause of bipolar disorder is not known, but there are a few components that to may lead to bipolar episodes. Experts believe bipolar people have biological changes in their brain and an imbalance in brain chemicals (neurotransmitters). Hormone imbalance is also believed to be a cause of episodes. People that have a blood relative with bipolar disorder have a greater chance of also being bipolar. When someone has a stressful, abusive event, or has suffered a great loss may also trigger bipolar (WebMD). Symptoms of bipolar disorder can vary from mild to severe. The symptoms of mania consist of mood changes such as periods of feeling â€Å"high† or exceedingly happy and outgoing while also being agitated. People suffering from mania ... ...y/conditions/adult/mental_health_disorders/manic_depressionbipolar_disorder_85,P00743/>. Johnston, Janice. ABC 20/20. 21 April 2011. 1 April 2012 . Mayo Clinic Staff. Mayo Clinic. 18 January 2012. 31 March 2012 . National Institute of Mental Health. NIMH. n.d. 24 March 2012 . Russell, Peter. WebMD Health News. 14 April 2011. 1 April 2012 . Torrey, E. Fuller and Michael B. Knable. Surviving Manic Depression. New York: Basic Books, 2002. WebMD. WebMD. n.d. 24 March 2012 .

When One Parent Loses a Job

Melissa McAfee Mrs. Bastian Dev022 April 11, 2013 First draft The Impact when one parent loses a Job When one parent loses a job it impacts the whole family. My household went from two incomes to one, in a matter of months. There was no time to prepare. My husband Bucky works for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad; therefore his pay was never the same. So, my income was very important. I got paid the same amount every two weeks. We could budget our expenses off that amount. We always had extra money, a savings account and a Christmas fund in place.We had the luxuries of two incomes. Lucky for us we didn’t live outside our budget. I was employed with US Cable for eight years. I succeed well in my job making a good income. I took several related courses to achieve the most in my pay. Taking every cable, internet, and telephone course offered. For very passing test we got a raise, this was something we were offered to do in our own time. We could even work Saturdays for overti me, and there was always someone who would give up there day to work.Julie would always give up her Saturday. Mcafee-2 My husband Bucky doesn’t worry about me working. It will work out, it always does he would say. Easy for him to say I liked having my own money! I didn’t really worry much until the day after Jan. 23, 2013. Then it hit me I will no longer have a paycheck, or a job to go too. I have worked at the same place just shy over eight years. What would I do when all I am use to is being extremely busy all day: between work and family. Well you see that didn’t change.I gained more family time. My two oldest daughters didn’t live at home anymore. So, we got too hang out more together. I got to spend more time with my new grandson Lane. My daughter Donna had just started college. My title became grandma-sitter. My daughter Deana liked to come over and spoil her nephew, when she wasn’t working. My youngest daughter Shelby also enjoyed me being home. I picked her up from school and most days she would get a sweet tea from McDonalds. That was a treat.My husband Bucky also enjoyed me home during the day. You see there were many days we would go without seeing each other; because of our schedules. In the conclusion we gained more family time and more family meals. We would actually dine out two to three times a week: before my job ended. Now it’s maybe that a month. The effect of losing my job became a blessing really. As of today I am a full time student at college and have made more memories with my family. The effect was well worth the impact.

The Current State of the United States Economy Essay

The news mediums, television, radio, print, or social media give information 24-hours a day regarding the economy. Individuals are not so sure about the reports issued on almost an hourly basis that are stating the economy of United States is improving. Many Americans are still without jobs, and do not believe their income can continue to support their families. The cost of purchasing a home is going up in many areas across the country, which is good for the market, but can be bad for the first time homebuyer. Unemployment, expectations, consumer income, interest rates are economic factors that influence individuals behavior and the United States fiscal policy. The following gives examples of the aforementioned factors current†¦show more content†¦While nonfarm and farm investments, final sales of domestic product, real domestic income, and corporation show an increase people are suspicious if the United States is coming out of the recession. Economists predict individuals will continue to increase spending on nondurable and durable goods, but when it comes to services the population is hesitant from the result of the downturn in the housing. In 2014, economist, predict the housing market will recover, and the interest rates will gradually go up increasing the money in the pockets of the consumers. There are many predictions to what approach the government should take to recover the housing market, but ultimately it will be important for the government leaders to prove they can react quickly if any plan backfires. In 2014, many are predicting the housing market to recover and interest rates gradually go up, putting more money in the pockets of the consumers, but this act can also halt any growth in the housing market. There are many predictions to what approach the government should take, but if the economy starts declining, will the government be resilient and adaptable to change course and continue to grow the economy. Consumer income Consumer income can be defined as the income that is left over after taxes, and living expenses are met. This money can also be classified as disposable income, and companies areShow MoreRelatedCurrent Economic Conditions Of The United States Economy1963 Words   |  8 PagesCurrent Economic Conditions †¢ As previously stated in the executive summary, the United States’ economy is currently stagnating. From week to week we may see a rise in one indicator while there is a fall in another indicator, but none of the rises or falls are drastic enough to have an overwhelming impact on the economy as a whole. Although the economy is not near as strong as it was before the 2008-2009 recession, arguably one of the biggest economic crises of the past decade, there has beenRead MoreUnited States Trade Policy: Current and Future Role in a Global Economy2523 Words   |  11 PagesThe United States has for over two centuries been involved in the growing world economy. 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