Ignorance Or Wisdom?

In chapters 13-28, the Tao Te Ching produces some very interesting argument that could be pointless but if interpreted as intended, may also be very simple solutions to reality. The first of these ideas is one that goes against our society’s logic, which states: “give up learning, and put an end to your troubles (chapter20).” When I read this I remembered another quote that I had read some time ago in one of my middle school classes that stated: “Ignorance is a bliss.” I related these two because both share the same message which, in my interpretation, is something like not knowing the degree of your troubles might as well get you through them unaware of your position. If you are ignorant about something you don’t understand or even care to understand, you are removing a burden from your mind. This is completely illogical in my mind, for I believe that education and knowledge are the key to success and the only real tools for fighting any troublesome situation. Some optimistic and simplistic people may agree with the previous statements, and that is what makes interpretation so subjective to the position.

As any other text, the Tao Te Ching includes very direct arguments as well, for sometimes interpretation may oppose the intention of the author. “He who does not trust enough will not be trusted (chapter 23).” It is simply stating that if you don’t trust someone, why might he trust you? Others will always see you as what you show them you see on them. Someone that is very mysterious and trusts none his secrets irradiates suspicion because people may wonder what on earth is it that he hides, making him very unlikely to be trusted.

Interesting interpretations come when the text reads “Know the white, but keep the black! (chapter 28).” This idea is one that may be very difficult to apply. As I see it, it is telling us to know what is good and accept everything we see, but to draw a limit between good and evil, accepting but never agreeing with the black. IT is something that every person shall learn in the course of his life. For me, this is something like the instinct of survival in a zebra that allows her to walk around predators, but gives her the wisdom to tell between a hungry lion and a wondering prairie dog. Life is all about drawing limits and stating priorities based upon those limits. The secret to a life of accomplishments is to be able to set high priorities and goals which you can achieve by respecting those limits you establish previously.

Evil As The Absence Of Good

Our new scholar text, the Tao Te Ching, is one that requires more in depth analysis than the ones we have read previously. It is very concise, for in its short arguments it is able to suggest a wide variety of interpretations and views. Much like the bible, the Tao Te Ching is a text of interpretation in which the reader may interpret many different messages from the same text according to the way in which he reads the arguments. This is a very interesting transition from The Analects which we were previously reading and left very little room for interpretations. The text previously mentioned had very straight forward messages in which not only the interpretations where given to us, but where it involved moral rather than religion, which further reduces the subjectivity of the reader.

One of the ideas that aroused my curiosity is the one mentioned at the very beginning. “All can know good as good only because there is evil. Therefore having and not having arise together (chapter 2).” This made me recall an email I had received a couple of months ago, which suggests that the evil is simply the absence of good, much like darkness being simply the absence of light. According to these ideas, as long as something exists, its absence will be present in some way. This lead me to the thought that evil will be present as long as good exists, which may be a little contradictory but applies because it leaves room for a second option that seems impossible: to avoid evil there must be no absence of good, therefore good must be present in every single thing, which would eventually abolish a meaning for good.

Much like The Analects talk about a gentleman, Tao Te Ching talks about a sage. “The sage is guided by what he feels not by what he sees (chapter 12)”. This idea leads to a connection in our lives. We constantly let our minds be guided by what we see and hear rather than what we feel. When we see and hear things we may misinterpret the true intentions of the characters, while our feeling need no prove or interpretations. This is also a way to avoid gossip, which is harmful and backstabbing. It is the way to keep a peaceful conscience and to be sure about our decisions, because our feelings are not influenced by those of others who conceal them in untrue displays.

Keep In Mind

The Analects strive to change the way we perceive our life and our priorities. After reading this text I changed my way of organizing priorities and my interpretation of events. A text that tells you that one should always seek the benefit of the group even if it’s not convenient for the individual is trying to get across a very interesting idea. These ideal may be what the current world community need to achieve social progress, for everyone disregards its importance. We all try to be individually successful and we are concerned more about our public image rather than the effects our lives have on the world. Do not be concerned that no one has heard of you, but rather strive to become a person worthy of being known (Analects, 4.14).” As in this idea which suggests that we quit being so concerned about what other might think of us, many others try to make in us a completely new social revolution completely opposite of the situation in the world.

Sometimes we are forced to break rules in order to maintain the group benefit. This suggests that we are occasionally allowed to “play God” when it is the only resource we have left to obtain the best result. We all have the decision-taking skills to analyze consequences of our act and to carry on a further comparison of consequences to come up with the best action. “The gentleman wishes to be slow to speak, but quick to act (Analects, 4.24).” In this quote the role of gentleman is what we all should be, we should all think a lot about things we say, but when we are required to act and support what we say, we are not to hesitate.

The Analects have left behind many important ideas which I don’t have to agree upon but which I will continue to consider as a further way to view the world. In my opinion you should never disregard a way of thinking. Even if you don’t agree with it you should think about it objectively to derive fragments which might complement your current understanding of a subject. This is what I have done with the Analects, and that is what they have done for me.

Universal Communtity

The Analects talk about not only the good of the group, but the ways through which this ultimate goal is to be achieved. There are certain ways which are to be considered moral and correct, but some other ways could be totally incorrect even if their end product is good. When you take the wrong path, you end up in a mistake, for the wrong path won’t take you to accomplish your objectives. “To make a mistake and yet not to change your ways- that is what is called truly making a mistake (book 15.30).” Therefore, what the text suggests is probably that the difficult part of life is not the actions and your objectives, but the means by which you obtain that which you want. The ways could lead you to very different futures even if your intentions are equal. There are ways to obtain both group and personal benefit that are acceptable, as there are ways to obtain this which are regarded as immoral and unacceptable.

In relation to our last text, King James’ Bible, we can start to notice some generic similarities in the text. The Bible was a very harsh text towards woman, who were regarded as less through the events. In Analects we start to encounter a similar idea about how women are more trouble than men and how they are inferior. “Woman and servants are particularly hard to manage: if you are too familiar with them, they grow insolent, but if you are too distant, they grow resentful (book 17.25).” To compare woman and servants is already a lack of respect towards the females, suggesting they are present to”serve” us rather than to help us. In this we also encounter a generalization, as if all woman where the same and as if the relationship between men and woman had to be strictly that described. In my opinion this may be a mistake, although it could also be argued that my interpretation of it is not what is meant and therefore it is not offensive or mistaken. That’s one of the reasons why analyzing this text can be so interesting and difficult at the same time, for a mistaken interpretation can change are point of view towards the message, affecting future interpretations.

Recalling the “good of the group” rather than individual benefit, book eighteen talks about public service. It suggests that public service is mandatory and that it’s a characteristic of a good man who strives to achieve his goals through correct ways. As the Master said it: “To avoid public service is to be without a sense of what is right… The gentleman takes office in order to do what is right even though he already knows that the way will not be realized (book 18.7).” This leaves little room for interpretations, for it is directly relating public service with a sense of what is right, which can mean no more than what it states literally. One who avoids public service is selfish and lacks that wisdom that allows for us to follow the right way to obtain meaningful objectives.

The Analects have many ideals that agree with those which we may have currently, but it should also propose new ideas. It invites us to reflect on our priorities. Are we more concerned about the common benefit, or do we only strive to obtain benefit, without minding if the means help or hurt others. I’ve always lived according to personal benefit over the benefit of those which make the group, those which I may not know but that exist there with me. Now that I come to reflect about it, it seems logical that the group should be a priority for it’s the only way to obtain development, and through the good of the group the worlds would probably be a better place. We should leave aside our arrogance and concern about others, for if we do this, others will be concerned about us, and the net result will be a concern for the well being of everyone that will take us to develop into a better universal community.

Death Beyond Our Understanding

Book eight starts off with a very interesting quote said by the master, which shows how true knowledge must be sought for. “I will not open the door for a mind that is not already striving to understand, nor will I provide words to a tongue that is not already struggling to speak (book eight).” One can never try to give knowledge to another who isn’t asking for it. If the student is not interested in learning, what good are the mentor’s teachings if they are not to be remembered? You should always seek for wisdom in the most unimaginable places, because as said by the mentor, wisdom won’t come and knock on your front door. The same happens when you seek help in times of trouble. Help will never come for granted, and any help you get is help you deserve because in some way you sought for. If you are in trouble and keep the problem to yourself, then only you can solve it for no one will come begging you to let yourself get helped. Communication is the key to the success in any human relations, and through good communication and confrontations of ideal you will get knowledge.

Book nine comes in talking about death, a theme which is subject to interpretation and which humans have never fully understood. People try to interpret death and to be prepared for it when it comes, but if “You don’t understand life-how could you possibly understand death (book 11.12)?” If mortality is out of our hands to control it, maybe it is because we are not supposed to understand the wonders of death, else it should ruin the beauties of life. Humanity has always been very curious about strange themes that have no scientific explanation, but not many people succeed in finding convincible explanation. We should never go ahead into investigating future elements until we understand the presence to its ultimate degree.

The Wisdom Behind Goodness

The Analects propose a very interesting change in the way they expose the ideas tan that of the bible, which we were previously Reading. In the new text the reader encounters a different way of extracting the messages, for the text is very direct and the teachings it intends are shown clearly, many times through the voice of the “master”. The text explains much through examples and analogies, which is similar to the strategy the bible uses, but much more direct and shorter. In Analects one must not read extensive writings to derive meanings, for the message is given to us in context so that are task isn’t to find them, but to analyze them.

These chapters talk about what the characteristics of a “good” person should be, and how wisdom is reflected in the actions. One example I found very true was: “Do not be concerned that no one has heard of you, but rather strive to become a person worthy of being known (Analects, 4.14).” This is the essence of a humble human being, who won’t strive to get attention or personal benefit, but strives to be at peace with him. After this, whatever people think about you should not care because what you think about yourself will always be stronger. If you leave to be at peace with yourself, you will be good, because being evil would contradict your intentions and therefore it would produce a negative public image.

The Analects not only talk about goodness but also about wisdom and how “sage” people apply theirs. People should live according to what they promise. For this reason you should be cautious about what you say, just in case you aren’t able to match it with your actions in the future. “The gentleman wishes to be slow to speak, but quick to act (Analects, 4.24).” This quote reflects what has been previously mentioned. You should strive to act in the best way possible to be the best you can, but when speaking about yourself, you must be careful about your limitations, because you won’t want to promise impossible actions or create false illusions.

Obama´s Acceptance Speech

Obama´s acceptance speech on Tuesday, November 4 caused great emotion on the United States, but also in the world. Once again, Obama proves his excellent speaking skills and his great use of rhetoric, which were vital factors in his campaign. He is able to captivate his public, no matter their number or intentions; he is able to convince them that what he said is how things are. I consider it a great speech with an effective use of ethos, pathos, and logos.

President Obama and his followers are full of joy for their victory, but he wouldn’t allow this to distract his attention, maintaining a serious and formal tone. He addresses McCain with great respect and prudence, which shows his use of diplomacy. He is also able to mix the feeling of the people to make them feel as if the change has finally come, as if he was what the country really needed. Obama refers personally to his family who helped him in his toil, once again highlighting his character and humble family. Through his tone and voice he is able to produce suspense and emotion in the public, changing tone and speeding up when needed, and going back to his initial tone without difficulties.

Barrack is a master of the use of motion in public speaking because he has the greatest confidence I have seen in a person. He walks and moves with such confidence in stage that his public view him not as a speaker but as a source of wisdom, who is accurate and decisive. His gestures reflect experience, changing them and adapting them to the message he is trying to get across, and to the reaction of the public. It is very interesting how he is able to produce such happiness in his followers when he is serious and direct thought the entire speech, never showing a weak point or a flaw in his reasoning. Even if you where completely certain that he had lied, it would be very hard to contradict it, because his confidence creates an illusion that tells us that we are wrong, that he is completely right.

The new elected president of the United States of America is a change, a completely new face of leadership. Through his acceptance speech he ignites hope in the heart of the Americans, who look forward to his government. This is a great example of the characteristics that make up a good speaker, and a great use of rhetoric. I definitely look forward to your government Obama, because America’s expectations are very high.

The Last "Night"

Elie Wiesel´s price winning “Night” is a story full of Contradictions and moral conflicts, where one must choose between personal benefit and survival or unity and comradeship. It was a time of war when human rights had no relevance and where God seemed to be absent. Jews had always had much faith in their God, to whom they would attribute anything that happened in their lives. But on the concentration camps the concept changed, and the main character wondered where God was on that moment of suffering. “How i sympathised with job! I could not deny gods existance, but I doubted his absolute justice (P.42)” Even his followers where doubtful about their God who seemed to be on vacation. “where is god? Where is he? Someone behind me asked (p.61).” IT was a confusing situation where many lost faith in God, but where many others, in spite of the difficulties, found this as an opportunity to grow their faith in God, to show him that they where loyal followers in all circumstances.

It was a world without mercy, where any SS officer would definitely please on shooting a Jew without hesitation.” If one of us stopped for a second, a sharp shot finished off another filthy son of a bitch (p.81)” The way in which the author uses the language to transmit emotions is very powerful, because with it he is able to transmit hope, resentment, or hate. We are able to get in the shoes of the characters, and I personally felt hate and disgust towards the Germans through the book, where Elie describes the inhuman treatment Jews received. Even war should have a minimum set of rules to follow, and everyone with a sane conscience should take that into account. From this I came to the conclusion that Hitler and his followers are crazy, simply following an idealist dream without reason or consequences.

Through the novel one of the themes that interested me the most is the relationship between a father and a son. Through the whole war the protagonist and his father rely on each other to survive. They look out for each other and struggle to stay together, to have themselves even when no one else in the world is their friend. They are able to go through most of the concentration camps together, but eventually they grow weak, and the conditions make them weak. Right before the war was to come to an end, the father becomes ill and has no strength to continue, but the son won’t let him fall behind, and sacrifices all he can afford to help his father. And when the old man wants to rest, his son won’t allow him, because he fears that his father will rest forever. “Don’t shout son…Take pity of your father… Leave me here to rest… just for a bit, I’m so tired…. at the end of my strength (p.100).” Here the roles change, and he who had been the strong and optimist character all the way is not at the end of his strength, and he who was just a kid, is now a man who must pick up his father from the floor and push him to continue.
The doctors couldn’t help him, and the kid did all he could to save his father, all in vain. The war was close to an end but his father was very ill, and all his hope and will to survive was extinguishing with time. The protagonist did all he could, for his father was all he had left in the entire world. But his father was not able to make it, the war had been too much for him to resist. “I awoke on January 29 at dawn. In my father’s place lay another invalid. They must have taken him away before dawn and carried him to the crematory. He may still have been breathing (p.106).” His father had been taken away from him while he slept; they hadn’t given him a chance to say good-bye before his father left him for good.