The Change in Our Relationship with Nature over Time Essay Example for Free

The Change in Our Relationship with Nature over Time Essay The relationship between humans and nature has been interactive, chaotic, and complex. From a many human viewpoints, nature can be considered as both a source of everyday needs, and an adversary, a rather indefinite force which we interact with. Many people today consider themselves a separate entity, existing completely outside, if not above nature, especially in western cultures. Yet, nature was not always perceived as such. Over the centuries, people have thought of nature in a number of different ways, depending on their connection to nature at the time. To fully understand this relationship, one must first define what is meant by nature. Nature, put simply, is the complete physical world. One might also venture further to say nature is what also occurs beyond of any human feats, with a distinction between nature and the artificial. While this line between the natural and synthetic is not always so clear, one could say nature is the original arrangement and order of components of a substance, without mankind’s tampering and interference. Whereas all humans have an agenda of some sort, nature can be considered perhaps the clearest example of indifference. Beginning from humanity’s more primal state, nature was most often viewed as more of an omnipotent presence than anything else, where nature’s indifference bore down upon them the strongest. It brought hunger, disease, and disaster, wreaking havoc on all mankind. Of course there were different reactions to cope with nature’s torments, one being the creation of tools to help increase the chances of survival. However, more often a coping method would involve embodying these elemental powers as celestial forces by representing them with animals or through ritual objects. They could also be personified as gods who could direct these forces however they pleased. When disasters struck, it was due to the actions and offences of humans, so hence they let loose their unbridled anger upon the masses of terrified souls. One could say this is especially true for the Judeo-Christian traditions, where humans are thought to sit at the head of the table over all aspects of natur e, and to help deal with the intimidating character of nature, it is said humans are destined by God to dominate nature. While on the other hand,  many Eastern religions claim nearly the exact opposite: humans are an internal and basic part of nature. This Eastern way of thinking evolved over the years and became a basis for the Romantic/Transcendentalist movements. These two movements reflected people’s feeling of estrangement from nature as a dreadful loss, and they worked to recover what was seen as a broken concord between humans and nature. As a result, they favored the pastoral simplicity of the outdoors to the extensive commotion of the more modern cities. This opinion was expressed by Henry David Thoreau in his essay when he stated â€Å"Our life is frittered away by detail†¦ Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity!† With this statement he tells us that people are too caught up in their own petty, insignificant problems and a fast-paced lifestyle to see the beauty in nature and how communing with it can release men from â€Å"quiet lives of desperation,† enslaving them. Romanticism and Transcendentalism had much more of a sentimental viewpoint of life and unity with nature people, especially of Eastern philosophies, used to have. Eventually this world view dwindled and was overtaken by the manufacturer’s standpoint. Nature was simply a vast expanse of raw materials only waiting to be taken advantage of, according to the more modern businessman. With the usage of both human labor and a little human ingenuity these natural stores could be converted into products for society’s use, precious goods and services to be dispersed within communities everywhere, particularly for the company’s profit. This point of view is nearly the exact opposite of Romanticism and Transcendentalism. One could also say it seems to be a caricature of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s statement â€Å"To speak truly, few adult persons can see nature. Most persons do not see the sun. At least they have a very superficial seeing,† where the entrepreneur’s viewpoint is just that, only taken to a whole new level. Instead of simply being estranged from nature, caught up in their own little lives, they imply that nature is only a collection of decomposing matter and the physical forces controlling it, just waiting to be exploited by humans. This stance tapered away to be exchanged with its radical opposite: Environmentalism. Once people realized the rise in industry and the destruction triggered by it and the potential damage that could be done, they began to condemn what they saw as corporate greed running rampant. Environmentalists generally believed that nature was almost sacred in a sense, and inspiring reverence. Any mistreatment of nature by humans was considered invasive and an offense against its inborn inviolability. Should humans not see their mistakes and fix their lifestyles, humanity shall surely be lost. Finally, the relationship between humans and nature is much more complex and ambiguous than how most perceive it. The notion of nature has other conceptual connotations and meanings to be dealt with and understood. In different time periods this relationship is seen in many different lights, from fear, to mastery, to spiritual connectedness, to near worship. This demonstrates that the differing philosophies show one common theme-the idea that humans share an awkward, disconnected relationship with nature. The reason why is an enigma that with continue to mystify the human race.

The Rejection of Svidrigailov in Crime and Punishment :: Dostoevsky Crime and Punishment

The Rejection of Svidrigailov in Crime and Punishment  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚      Crime and Punishment  Ã‚     Raskolnikov would reject Svidrigailov because he knows that this man has designs against his sister. Dounia has been his main concern for the past couple chapters-he hounds Svidrigailov not because he enjoys his company, but he worries endlessly about his intentions. Svidrigailov and Raskolnikov at the bar engage in a conversation about Dounia and the interactions of her and he at the house of Marfa Petrovna. Raskolnikov is eventually duped by the base Svid., and he lets him be after he has jumped on a carriage and is speeding down the road-he is not going to the Islands though, he is coming back and has a meeting scheduled with Dounia. Svidrigailov, like Porfiry, employs tacit and devious tactics. Raskolnikov realizes this, and he resents Svidrigailov for this. There is another very important reason why Raskolnikov hates Svid. As Hobbes pointed out, if a person knows that another man knows the truth about a lie he is telling, or is in the position to find out such information, he will subsequently hate that person no matter what previous relation they were in. This hate and dislike can be repressed, but even then it still has the ability to come out in a deluge of rejection. Raskolnikov, so far, has been able to repress his anger towards Svidrigailov and also Porfiry. He does scream at Porfiry to either arrest him or let him be, but he is much less outwardly forceful with his anger. Does Svidrigailov represent Raskolnikov's evil side? Does he embody the ideas and philosophies of Raskolnikov? Perhaps it is easy to say yes-to simplify this great work of a philosophy and psychological writing. It is much better to steer away from the trap though of simply saying that he is the representation of R.'s evil side. The story is much deeper than that. Svidrigailov molests, irks, and bothers young women who do not wish to be associated with him. He panders to their weakness and self-admittedly uses deception to win them for his own. This is not Raskolnikov. Raskolnikov is the man who conceives a theory-a theory that actually had the better of society as its aim-Svid. simply exists in a nihilistic atmosphere of vice and wanton behavior.

Knowing Your Audience Paper Essay

Most people would never want to imagine themselves or a family member being trapped under ground for even one day but the victims of those who were trapped under the Chilean copper mine had to consider not one day but even two months. According to The New York Times Company(2014), â€Å"On Aug. 5, 2010, a gold and copper mine near the northern city of Copiapà ³, Chile caved in, trapping 33 miners in a chamber about 2,300 feet below the surface†. At this time no one knew the well being or the nature of the situation that happened at the copper mine. During this time communication between employers, families’ members’ involved, trapped miners and those set in place to find a solution to this problem was very vital. Some things to keep in mind when considering roles and audiences is to determine what information to give and how it should be expressed or conveyed to the audience. For example, if you’re giving direct and urgent information, you wouldn’t send this type of information over an email, it would be more appropriate to say it face to face. It is important to consider how much does the audience know about the topic or subject you are sharing at that time. In the situation with the trapped miners the potential needs that should be considered and expressed to the families of the trapped miners would be first addressing what happened. This information should be given directly, face to face, to all family members involved. It is important to give the family as much detail about the incident as possible but not so much that it makes them alarmed and upset. Also another thing to add is the condition or well being of the trapped miners. If the information isn’t available its best to let them know although there isn’t much information at this time, but as soon as the information is available, they will be first to know. Also the last need that the family members affected by this incident would need is to understand and know what the employers and team of experts are doing to find a solution to the problem and how often can they know the extent and whereabouts of the situation. At this point after meeting the potential needs of the families involved, it’s also important to understand and know the potential needs of the company’s employees. Although they may not be the family members or those who are actually trapped at that moment, they also play a vital role. Some potential needs for the company’s employees would be to communicate effectively. Although the situation itself must have been very tragic if there was effective communication, there would be no way for  the employees at that time to help save those trapped. Also another need that needs to be met would be extra training and understanding of what took place, where it went wrong, and how to fix the problem. Without the employees having a plan or strategy of how they could effectively resolve or help the situation it could cause retaliation or resentment. After the message about the incident, and the actions or plan that is put in place has been verified and delivered to all important parties and involved it’s important that all those involved are able to convey what they heard and understood before and after the message is given. To make sure the message was received as properly and effectively you have to consider each audience which would be the trapped miners, employees and families. The message given to each party cannot be given the same. Also the channel has to be considered, again in this situation you wouldn’t send this information through an email or memo, this information that has to be conveyed face to face. It is also good to give information based on the listener’s level of understanding and to talk with the parties that involve a way opening up the way for cooperation and in this situation it would be much needed. An effective communication as the mining company to the family members of the trapped miners would be face to face. During this time the mining company would say with sincerity and clarity that â€Å" At this time we are deeply sorry to announce that we have understood and learned that on Aug. 5, 2010, a gold and copper mine near the northern city of Copiapà ³, caved in, trapping 33 miners in a chamber about 2,300 feet below the ground. At this time we aren’t certain what exactly caused the cave in and we aren’t certain the condition of the miners at this time. We will be working around the clock to get more information about the well being of the trapped miners. Also at this moment there will be specialist and experts going to the scene to analyze and inspect the situation at hand. After further observation of the experts then will we know what plan will be put in place to rescue our fellow employees. As soon as we are made aware of the plan we will let you know. We hope that we can all work together effectively which much understanding and cooperation from us and you so that we can bring your family members back to you.† Also an effective communication between the mining company and the employees would be a face to face channel. At that time the company would express, â€Å"I’m sad to announce to you that our fellow  employees have been caved in a chamber about 2,300 feet below the ground in the northern city of Copiapà ³. There are 33 at this time trapped and waiting to be rescued. We aren’t sure of the condition of the each employee but we all hope that we can all come together to help the best way we can to make sure that those who are trapped are in good condition. Although we never plan for anything like this to take place but unfortunately we have to use the way we were trained to assess the situation. At this time along with yourself the family members of the trapped miners are already being informed. Please let’s not alarm the families with information that has not been given or confirmed. Our main mission is to stay calm, offer up many prayers and work together in unity. During this time we will be working around the clock to help as much as we can and the company will provide meals, clean working clothes and a place to sleep. However you think you can help or what will better the situation please send your requests or opinions to us directly. Thank you so much for your cooperati on in help.†

Stethacanthus - Facts and Figures

Name: Stethacanthus (Greek for chest spike); pronounced STEH-thah-CAN-thuss Habitat: Oceans worldwide Historical Period: Late Devonian-Early Carboniferous (390-320 million years ago) Size and Weight: Two to three feet long and 10-20 pounds Diet: Marine animals Distinguishing Characteristics: Small size; strange, ironing-board shaped back structure on males    About Stethacanthus In most ways, Stethacanthus was an unremarkable prehistoric shark of the late Devonian and early Carboniferous periods--relatively small (a maximum of three feet long and 20 or so pounds) but a dangerous, hydrodynamic predator that posed a constant menace to small fish as well as other, smaller sharks. What really set Stethacanthus apart was the strange protrusion--often described as an ironing board--that jutted out from the backs of the males. Because the top of this structure was rough, rather than smooth, experts have speculated that it may have served as a docking mechanism that attached males securely to females during the act of mating. It took a long time, and a lot of fieldwork, to determine the exact appearance and function of this spine-brush complex (as the ironing board is called by paleontologists). When the first Stethacanthus specimens were discovered, in Europe and North America in the late 19th century, these structures were interpreted as a new type of fin; the clasper theory was accepted only in the 1970s, after it was discovered that only males possessed ironing boards. (Some paleontologists have suggested a second use for these structures; from a distance, they look like giant mouths, which might have scared away larger, near-sighted predators). Given the large, flat ironing boards protruding from their backs, Stethacanthus adults (or at least the males) couldnt have been particularly fast swimmers. That fact, combined with the unique arrangement of this prehistoric sharks teeth, point to Stethacanthus having been primarily a bottom-feeder, though it might not have been adverse to actively chasing down slower fish and cephalopods when the opportunity presented itself.