Understanding Religion Through Kurt Vonneguts Cats...

Understanding Religion Through Kurt Vonneguts Cats Cradle The following is issued as a warning from the author Kurt Vonnegut to the reader: Any one unable to understand how a useful religion can be founded on lies will not understand this book either(14). The latter quote is typical of Vonnegut in his usage of creating a personal narrative. Kurt Vonnegut Jr. was born in Indianapolis, like many of his characters, in 1922. His life from that point on closely resembles the lives of the people in his satirical novel Cats Cradle. Vonneguts mother committed suicide when he was twenty two years old and in many of his novels the character of the mother is dead.†¦show more content†¦There are actually three different writers at work in the story. First and foremost is the author Kurt Vonnegut. The narrator he creates in his novel is called John, or Jonah as he tells the reader to refer to him (Vonnegut 1), and he frequently recites passages from The Books of Bokonon written by a fictional religious guru Bokonon (Reed 125). All three hold true to a passage from another of Vonneguts books lies told for the sake of artistic effect...can be.. the most beguiling forms of truth(Vonnegut Editors Note) Though Jonah is most closely linked to representing Vonnegut, Bokonon is the most interesting character created on the Island of San Lorenzo where most of the book takes place. By having this central yet elusive character invent a religion openly based on lies, Vonnegut demonstrates societys blind dependency on religion: I wanted all things To seem to make some sense, So we all could be happy, yes, Instead of tense. And I made up lies So that they all fit nice, And I made this sad world A par-a-dise (Vonnegut 90) The latter quote describing why Bokonon, christened Lionel Boyd Johnson on the Island of Tobago in 1891 (Vonnegut 74), invented Bokononism is said to be found in Bokonons Calypsos, or short poems/songs. When Bokonon wasShow MoreRelatedThe Role of Religion and Morality in Cats Cradle Essay959 Words   |  4 PagesThe Role of Religion and Morality in Cats Cradle As an author, Kurt Vonnegut has received just about every kind of praise an author can receive: his works held the same sway over American philosophy as did those of Jack Kerouac or J.R.R. Tolkein; his writing has received acclaim from academics and the masses alike; and three of his books have been made into feature films. Society has permanently and noticeably been altered by his writing. Through accessible language and easily-understoodRead More Kurt Vonnegut Essay2033 Words   |  9 PagesKurt Vonnegut Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. is a contemporary American author whose works have been described by Richard Giannone as comic masks covering the tragic farce that is our contemporary life (Draper, 3784). Vonneguts life has had a number of significant influences on his works. Influences from his personal philosophy, his life and experiences, and his family are evident elements in his works. Among his comic masks are three novels: Cats Cradle, The Sirens of Titan, and God Bless You, MrRead More Postmodernist Features in Vonneguts Cats Cradle2907 Words   |  12 PagesPostmodernist Features in Vonneguts Cats Cradle Cats Cradle is a book, which enables many points for literary discussions. One possible topic of them could be the postmodernist features in this book. In this examination Ihab Hassans essay Toward a Concept of Postmodernism was used as a source of secondary literature for defining of postmodernist features. The most visible and prevalent features are postmodernist metonymy, treatment of the character, dynamicRead More Vonneguts Nihilistic Views Exposed in Cats Cradle Essay1178 Words   |  5 PagesVonneguts Nihilistic Views Exposed in Cats Cradle If humans strive to fulfill their void, of a lack of meaning in their lives, their folly will blind them from the truth. Kurt Vonnegut portrays his inner emotions and feelings of the insignificance of religion through the characters of his novel, Cats Cradle. His satiric approach to a subject that many people base their daily existence upon, challenges the readers faith. As people search for a deeperRead More Crusaders of Truth in Cats Cradle and Pi Essay1012 Words   |  5 PagesCrusaders of Truth in Cats Cradle and Pi      Ã‚  Ã‚   In our world, people are constantly searching for the truth, or answers for things that seem unexplainable. On a quest to make the uncertainties of life easier, or more reasonable, some people have invented tools such as religion, and deemed them truthful. People such as Felix Hoenikker from Kurt Vonneguts Cats Cradle, and Max Cohen from Darren Aronofskys film Pi, resist such inventions and see a different definition of truth, which is scienceRead More Comparing Themes in Cat’s Cradle and Slaughterhouse Five1905 Words   |  8 PagesThemes in Cat’s Cradle and Slaughterhouse Five  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Throughout his career, Kurt Vonnegut has used writing as a tool to convey penetrating messages and ominous warnings about our society. He skillfully combines vivid imagery with a distinctly satirical and anecdotal style to explore complex issues such as religion and war. Two of his most well known, and most gripping, novels that embody this subtle talent are Cats Cradle and Slaughterhouse-Five. Both books represent Vonnegut’s genius forRead MoreThe Life and Writings of Kurt Vonnegut Essay2248 Words   |  9 PagesKurt Vonnegut is celebrated as one of the most successful novelist in the Post-Second World War period in the America. His literary works have had varied impacts on American culture, including the use of the word â€Å"karass† amongst college students, the naming of the pop groups â€Å"Ice Nine Kills† and â€Å"The Billy Pilgrims†, and the frequent use of the term â€Å"So it goes† as written in Vonnegut’s obituary on the New York Times (Farrell, p.ix). This article examines the impacts of Vonnegut’s on his literaryRead MoreCat s Cradle By Kurt Vonnegut1859 Words   |  8 Pages Cat’s Cradle is a children’s game in which a string, tied at both ends to make a loop, is used to make different shapes. Coincidentally, this is the game from where Kurt Vonnegut’s novel Cat’s Cradle gets its name. The story follows John, a journalist who is researching to write a book about the day the atomic bombs were dropped in Japan. Following through his journey, John finds himself meeting the Hoenikker household; family to Felix Hoenikker, who is frequently called â€Å"the father of the atomicRead More Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five Essays3848 Words   |  16 PagesKurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five Great artists have the ability to step back from society and see the absurd circus that their world has become. Such satirists use their creative work to reveal the comic elements of an absurd world and incite a change in society; examples include Stanley Kubrick’s film, Dr. Strangelove, and Joseph Heller’s novel, Catch-22. Both works rose above their more serious counterparts to capture the critical voice of a generation dissatisfied with a nation of

Sugar Substitutes and Blood Glucose Level Assignment

Essays on Sugar Substitutes and Blood Glucose Level Assignment The paper "Sugar Substitutes and Blood Glucose Level" is a worthy example of an assignment on medical science. Sugar belongs to the carbohydrates category of biopolymers that interfere in the biological processes in the living bodies (Stick Williams, 2009). Carbohydrates play a fundamental role in human development as modifications at particular sites in the glycan chain may modulate a carbohydrate’s overall biological role (Muthana, Campbell, Gildersleeve, 2012). However, the consumption of sugar is usually associated with heightened noncommunicable diseases. A developing body of scientific data is demonstrating that fructose can activate processes that extend to liver toxicity and multitude to other chronic sicknesses. However, consumption in a small amount is not referred to as a problem but increased consumption kills slowly. In ancient times, our ancestors could consume sugar which was available as fruit restricted to the harvesting time or as honey which was protected by bees. But with the evolving modern technologies, it has been added to almost all forms of processed foods and therefore the consumer has limited options to decline the sugar consumption. Nature made it hard to access but the man scientific evolution eased its access. People on average, all over the globe, are consuming more than 500 calories/ day on average. The many diseases that are considered to be associated with the increased consumption of sugar include hypertension (the quantity of uric acid is increased by fructose which in turn enhances blood pressure); elevated triglycerides and insulin immunity through production of fat within the liver; diabetes from augmented liver glucose production mixed with insulin immunity; and the phenomenon of ageing, induced by damaged DNA, proteins and lipids by nonenzymatic adhering of fructose to them (Lustig, 2010). Thus it can be said that sugar poses similar toxic effects similar to alcohol on the liver. As alcohol is obtained by the fermentation of sugar and is said to have similar properties of inducing pleasure although being a natural nutrient (Lustig, Schmidt, and Brindis, 2012).The government should regulate sugar supply but a ban like that imposed on alcohol and cigarettes. However the increased in-take can be limited by imposing taxes and removing subsidies on the over usage of fructose in the processed food items; limiting the availability of fast food to younger people by imposing a complete ban on the sale of such products during school hours and by removing fructose form Generally Regarded As Safe list (Tappy et al, 2010). Yes, sugar substitutes like artificial sweeteners are better for consumption as they do not disturb the blood glucose level.

Causes of Conflict in Nigeria and Ways of Resolving Them free essay sample

Given the repertoire of cleavages abounding in a heterogeneous and pluralistic society as Nigeria, divisions among the ethnic groups, regions and sections of the country is bound to exist. In pre-colonial times, interethnic relations were often mistrustful, or discriminatory, and sometimes violent. At the same time, there were relationships, such as trade, that required peaceful communications. The most widespread communication was in the north between pastoral and agricultural peoples who traded cattle for farm products, and pasturage rights for manuring. Compounding the problem of underdevelopment in Nigeria is micro nationalism, ethnic, religious and communal conflicts which pose great threat to peace, security and progress. Conflicts refer to disputes, disagreements, quarrels, struggles, fights and wars between individuals, groups and countries. In every nation there is no complete agreement on how to share wealth, power and status among individuals and groups, and how to effect necessary changes and reforms. Since different groups and individuals have diverse interests, the aims of some groups will conflict with those of others. Conflicts occur when deprived groups and individuals attempt to increase their share of power and wealth or to modify the dominant values, norms, beliefs or ideology. May it be noted that there are functional and dysfunctional conflicts. Dysfunctional conflicts are destructive and cause loss of lives, property, man-hours, investment opportunities, hunger and starvation when open violence, wars, mass strikes, and other forms of disruption occur. On the other hand, functional or creative conflicts are constructive and reflect the differences and variety of human opinions and activity which exists in any free society. If creative conflicts between groups which are major sources of innovation, new ideas, institutions and social change are suppressed altogether, a nation becomes stagnant and static. It could be seen as of today that what we have in Nigeria, then, is that ethnicity is not simply the quest for commonality, but is also based on the wider functions of the state, and thus the greater impetus to organise in order to get what the state is distributing – and to prevent others from getting it. Because ethnicity taps cultural and symbolic issues – basic notions of identity and the self, of individual and group worth and entitlement – the conflicts it generates are intrinsically less amenable to compromise than those revolving around material issues. When the struggle is over money, taxes, wage levels, business regulations, social welfare, infrastructural investments, or similar issues, the gains and losses are divisible in a variety of ways. The point is thus being made that, although ethnic conflicts often involve material issues which can sometimes easily be resolved through conventional bargaining, they revolve around underlying exclusive symbols and conceptions of legitimacy and become characterised by competing demands that cannot easily be broken into bargainable increments. Accusations and allegations of neglect, oppression, domination, exploitation, victimization, discrimination, marginalisation, nepotism and bigotry are common. It is difficult to know who is marginalising who in Nigeria because all ethnic groups, from the big Hausa, Yoruba and Igbos to the small Ogonis, lkwerres, Igalas, etc. are complaining of marginalisation. However, most of the communal conflicts in the minority areas in the South and Middle Belt are caused partly by land, boundary, and chieftaincy disputes but mainly by domination and oppression; frustration-aggression-displacement; divide-and rule policies and diversionary scapegoat techniques. The inequalities in the distribution of power, wealth and status, and domination and oppression by bigger groups and their collaborators within the smaller groups have frustrated the minority Ogonis, lbibios, Tivs, Igalas, Itsekiris, etc. who seem to reduce their built-up tensions by fighting among themselves rather than unite and face the real oppressors. Conflict resolution in Nigeria requires honest and capable leadership and good governance to reduce the level of unemployment, poverty, oppression, domination and marginalisation, and raise the standards of living of all the Nigerians. A true federalism with drastically reduced federal powers, responsibilities and resources, and greater local autonomy and self-determination for the federating units or states will reduce inter-ethnic tensions. With the reduction in the attraction of the centre, the do or die presidential elections will be minimized. There should be equitable distribution of power, wealth and status as well as responsibilities, duties and contributions to the centre. There will be no development and progress without peace, and no peace without equal rights and justice. Therefore equity, fair play and justice should be emphasized to enhance peace and progress. For equity and justice, and to give all sections of Nigeria a sense of belonging, all political parties should choose their presidential candidates from the South-South which had never produced a Head of State/Government or from the South-East because since 1960 the three geopolitical zones in the North have headed the Federal Government for about 34 years and the South West for eight years by 2003. With respect to mineral or oil-rich land disputes, the oil oozing from a particular production well may be flowing in from distant lands. Besides, oil pipelines, men and materials pass through divide lands, waterways, creeks, etc. during oil exploration, production and distribution. Therefore, a broader definition of oil-bearing areas to cover all communities likely to be adversely affected and polluted by oil production and distribution, and the equitable distribution of oil benefits, social amenities, scholarships, etc. will minimize such clashes and conflicts.

Price sensitivity Essay Example

Price sensitivity Essay The Web defines price sensitivity â€Å"as the extent to which price is an important criterion in the customers decision- making process; thus a price sensitive customer is likely to notice a price rise and switch to a cheaper brand or supplier† (Information retrieved on May 8, 2006 from wps.pearsoned.co.uk/wps/media/objects/1452/1487687/glossary/glossary.html)   Miller (2006) defines sensitivity as â€Å"the awareness of the consumer to what they perceive to be the window of cost within which they will buy a particular product or service.†Price sensitivity then is the customers’ awareness of the prices of the products or services they are buying. For a price sensitive customer, the price of a certain product or service is a great factor in his or her decision to purchase the product. â€Å"Price sensitivity however is not just about charging high prices to maximize revenue. It might also make sense to cut prices sometimes dramatically to encourage people wh o may otherwise not be part of the market to use the services or goods being provided†Ã‚   (Information retrieved on May 8, 2006 from http://www.bized.ac.uk/current/mind/2005_6/141105.htm). Example of price sensitivity is the strategy used by Priceline.Priceline’s customers are very price sensitive. Priceline provides its customers a variety of offers and deals they can choose from. This is a marketing strategy that Priceline uses to encourage price sensitive customers to patronize their products. Priceline capitalizes on the price sensitive customers who expect better deals for their money. Priceline makes use of the name-your-price or reverse-action model (Varian, 2000). This strategy is actually like other marketing strategies wherein customers are given the choice to be more flexible with their time and brand in exchange for a lower cost.The effect of this of course is for customers to always look for a better bargain using the Priceline’s prices as the refer ence prices or basis in their decision making. Price sensitive customer tries to find other good deals from other airlines just to compare the apparent savings they will be making if they choose Priceline. According to Kottler (2003), customers are more price sensitive to products and services that are considered to be more expensive and frequently used by the customers. Travel is considered to be an expensive activity so customers are very price sensitive and tries to get the best deal taking into consideration price and quality.Customers are very sensitive to interest rates. The home loan products offered by Priceline actually produce a positive effect. The lowest loan guarantee encourages more customers considering the big savings they will be getting from it. But some customers are skeptical especially those who have negative experiences when it comes to hidden charges.PART II – Is the right price a fair price?There are two sides to this coin – one is for prices to reflect the value that customers are willing to pay and the other is to reflect the cost involved in making a product or service.High value item usually implies high quality. If prices are set high, customers have high expectations on the product or service. If this expectation is met by the manufacturer or the company offering the service, then high prices can still be considered a fair price.On the other hand, with the current economy of the country today and the decreasing purchasing power of many people, fair prices are prices that reflect the cost involved in making the product or service. Fair price in this case is when the customers purchase a product or service and walk away happy with the quality and the cost.Economists define fair market value as â€Å"the price that an interested but not desperate buyer would be willing to pay and an interested but not desperate seller would be willing to accept on the open market assuming a reasonable period of time for an agreement to arise† (information viewed on May 8, 2006 from http://www.investorwords.com/1878/fair_market_value.html).The concept of transparency and public accountability play important roles in setting the right price. According to Baggini (2006), a fair price in a free market is simply what the people are prepared to pay. It is considered unfair to customers if they pay inflated rates for products and services that they ended up worse off than they should have been.Products or services should be priced just enough to cover all costs incurred in its production and enough profit to sustain the producer and return on his or her investment. The interest on fluctuation and the risk of investment should also be considered in setting the right or fair price. This way, both the consumer and producer walk away happy.BIBLIOGRAPHYPART IKotler,P (2003)   Marketing Management, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, New JerseyMiller, L (2006). Understanding Price Sensitivity in Marketing: One of the F our Keys in the Marketing Mix. Retrieved May 8, 2006 from http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/17430/understanding_price_sensitivity_in.htmlMind your Business Price Sensitivity Retrieved May 8, 2006 from http://www.bized.ac.uk/current/mind/2005_6/141105.htmVarian, H (2000) Priceline’s Magic Show Retrieved May 8, 2006 from http://www.sims.berkeley.edu/~hal/Articles/TheStandard/priceline.htmlPART IIBaggini, J (2006). Can you cheat someone to wealth? Retrieved May 8, 2006 from http://www.guardian.co.uk/ideas/story/0,,1746335,00.htmlFair Market Value Retrieved May 8, 2006 fromhttp://www.investorwords.com/1878/fair_market_value.html;

crusade essays

crusade essays The causes of the Crusades were many and complex, but prevailing religious beliefs were clearly of major importance. The Crusaders continued an older tradition of the pilgrimage to the Holy Land, which was often imposed as a penance; now, however, they assumed a dual role as pilgrims and warriors. Motives for crusading in addition to regaining the holy land was: to unite the catholic church, increase papal authority, reunite the western and eastern churches and put surplus knights to work. It is arguable that crusading diminished, rather than increased, the economic and cultural exchange between Western Europe and the Islamic world that might otherwise have taken place. For Byzantium, the impact of the crusading movement was disastrous. The crusades coincided with, and to some extent caused a decisive shift in the balance of economic and military power between western Europe and the Faltering Bzantine empire. Trade between Islam and the West continued despite periodic interruptions caused by crusader attacks on Syria, Eqypt and North Africa. Even though countless numbers of people died during the Christian Crusades, there were many positive effects for both the East and the West. After the Crusades halted, various trade routes opened up between Eastern and Western cities. Also, the Muslims developed new military strategies and techniques during the fights with the Europeans, and they united themselves against one cause, producing a stronger religious nation. These trade routes generated a beneficial contact between the cultures of East and West. From the Muslims these merchants bought spices, sugar, cloth and cotton. Other merchants from Sicily and Aragorn traded for Tunisian gold, and Algerian wool and animal skins. Popular goods traded from the Middle East were sugar, melons, cotton, ultramarine dye and damask cloth. Though most of the traded goods came from the Middle East, the combined efforts from both East and West brought ...

Costs associated with occupational and corporate crime Essay

Costs associated with occupational and corporate crime - Essay Example Income tax violation is a popular white-collar crime. According to an article in New York Times, tax evasion costs governments around the globe more than $3.1 trillion annually. Such a whopping loss of more than $3.1 trillion in annual revenue is a very big issue, yet it is exceedingly hard to catch white-collar criminals. According to a report published by the World Bank in 2011, more than 5.1% of global GDP never reaches the government offices in the form of taxes. Europe is currently facing a crisis because of this rampant tax evasion. The highest amount of tax revenue is lost by the US, about $337 billion. The US is followed by South America and Italy (Werdigier). Embezzlement is a kind of occupational crime and research claims that â€Å"the annual cost of embezzlement is 12.42 billion dollars† (Zarka). Yet, research suggests that the highest costs are associated with white-collar crimes. For example, it is claimed that â€Å"the American business community lost $50 bill ion in 1980 to white-collar crime† (Eitzen cited in Long), which is more than 10 times the costs associated with all street crimes. These are just cost estimates because truth is that occupational and corporate crimes cannot be accurately measured. White-collar criminals are hard to catch because of their high position which is why jails are crowded with socially and economically disadvantaged offenders who have committed some kind of low-class street crime. Many problems are encountered by researchers who try to uncover costs associated with occupational and corporate crimes. It is always easier to estimate costs associated with street crimes because people behind these crimes have no occupational or corporate background. These are jobless people typically belonging to poor class. But, the problem with occupational and corporate criminals is that the higher professions and

Integrating Faith and Learning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Integrating Faith and Learning - Essay Example Faith in God automatically gives faith in the self and only then, one learns the right things at the right time in the right way. Hence, learning and faith have to be integrated to reduce the gap between faith and learning. We can pour into a vessel only when it is empty. When the mind and soul are focused on God, it is free from negative thoughts and distractions. It is then easy to conceive what one learns; fear and anxiety do not haunt the mind. The mind becomes strong and a strong mind can concentrate and learn anything with ease. Therefore, I would start my day with intense prayers to the lord in the first place. We have or make a life-long commitment to Jesus; a lifetime commitment keeps the mind focused. Statistics too would require a life long commitment. This has to be borne in the mind. As during prayers, we open the heart to the lord, while learning statistics we should open our heart so that research is perfect and learning is intense. Relational Evangelism teaches us to share knowledge. When we share knowledge, when we teach others what we have learned the knowledge becomes firm. Statistics is a subject where the foundation has to be firm and the application of theory has to be done at the right place. If I share, if I teach others what I have understood, I would never forget what I have learnt. Statistics requires a lot of research and planning. A constant reflection on and search on God’s ideas leads us closer to God; a constant search, an in-depth research to get to the truth, will help me to integrate statistics in my life. To understand the taste and feel of water we have to take a dip in the water. Standing on the banks we can only talk theory. Similarly, to understand God we have to become one with him; to understand statistics we have to get to the roots, do intense research and learning; become one with it. Christianity is not a viewpoint imposed on world knowledge; it provides a clarifying platform for engaging all