Memories

When reading "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud", I could not help but to remember a few of my sweet memories in nature. The magic of Wordsworth's words in saying, "but little thought/ What wealth the show to me had brought" could not be more true. I too often do not value beauty in the simplest forms; however, when I do take the time to enjoy a sunset, or take a walk on the beach at night, I always remember how it made me feel. I could never remember every specific detail, but always how it made me feel in that moment. I adore this poem, and how he can capture the beauty in a memory of something so simple.

I commented on Brannen's post.

Bliss in Solitude

Poetry is supposed to make you feel something, right? The vivid description of nature in I wandered Lonely as a cloud along with Wordsworth's tone throughout makes this poem feel kind of light and fluffy. As I read it I felt relaxed, de-stressed, soothed; how one feels when you lay out on a sunny day and just watch the clouds. Although it's not extremely complex, it was thoroughly enjoyable to read. I really like the last stanza reflecting on the "bliss of solitude." I think too often people equate solitude with loneliness or depression but Wordsworth depicts in this poem the beauty and joy that can come from solitude.

Sierra

I suppose Wordsworth is kind of a respite from the deep existential wandering a we've previously traversed. I feel a little out of place reading poetry so shallow. But he he does showcase quite a bit of diversity, even in so little a sampling. The fact that he can spend one poem lushly decorating nature in praise and then the state of modern man in another shows his sobriety as a poet. He's able to mentally exist on multiple planes of thoughts. I appreciate that in him.

—Sammiera

"The Bliss of Solitude"

    Wordsworth's poem "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" makes me feel the nostalgia of the classic song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". It makes me feel like there's a better place out there that we can only dream about. This poem made me want to go watch a black and white movie, or sing in the rain (which was a very real option this weekend), or think about the 1940's and 1950's when times were simultaneously simpler and more challenging. Wordsworth was able to make me feel like I was in a secluded cabin in the woods, sipping coffee in a rocking chair on the shaded porch, under which the branches to a giant, beautiful, healthy, green tree hang. These poems were like stepping outside on a nice, cool, breezy morning and taking in one huge gulp of fresh air.

I commented on Brannen Uhlman's. 

Poetry

I typically have a love-hate relationship with poetry.  However, these were relatively enjoyable to the straightforwardness.  One thing I found confusing, however, was trying to determine the tone shift at line nine of each sonnet between the octave and the sestet.

~Commented on Daniel Stephens' post~

Wordsworth

I love the way Wordsworth words his poems. It is as if I can finally breathe again. Especially after everything we have been reading lately (Milton......), it is very refreshing. Wordsworth is very good with his words. My favorite poem was "I wandered Lonely as a Cloud". The imagery in this poem is excellent. It is so relaxing. "A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze". That is so calming, and I can picture it near perfectly in my head. I also enjoyed his other poems. They all have really good messages to them. I am definitely a fan of William Wordsworth.

The Beautiful Nature of Rest

Wordsworth has a common theme of nature scattered throughout all of these poems. He definitely admires nature's beauty. I have gathered a central lesson from Wordsworth that sometimes, you just need to stop running through life from one thing to another. You need a break. You need rest. In that time of rest, you can ponder or daydream as mentioned in "I Wandered as a Lonely Cloud." You may want to stop to appreciate a figure or seek counsel from leaders of the past like in "London: 1802." Maybe you should take the time to dismiss the bright, shiny things the world throws in your face and simply admire nature's beauty like in "The World is Too Much with Us." "The Tables Turned" may encourage you to look beyond every day routines and look at what the world and nature have to teach. Overall, Wordsworth's pensive poems have helped me to look beyond everything buzzing by so fast in life and rest for a moment to enjoy the beautiful simplicity of nature.

I commented on Delaney's post!

The World is Too Much with Us

The first octave of this poem is about humanity's place in the world. Wordsworth is saying that there is just too much beauty in the world us to fully appreciate. It is a sorrowful beauty really because on the one hand Earth is just so unbelievable. On the other hand, "we are out of tune" with the world. Wordsworth is disheartened by the idea that we are not moved by God's great creation. I like how he mentions a "sordid boon". Sordid suggests the evil in human nature and boon is supposed to be a blessing or a benefit, as nature is to us.

I commented on Justin Fobel's blog.

Refreshment

It was refreshing to read these poems after the many mind-boggling texts we have read in recent weeks. I love poetry and nature, so Wordsworth was like a dream come true. I especially love the poem “The World Is Too Much with Us.” In this poem, Wordsworth’s words make me want to reevaluate my life and change it, perhaps for the better. He reminds me to slow down and enjoy the beauty in the nature around me. Too often we get so caught up in the world of “getting and spending” and forget to simply appreciate and give thanks for the things we have in the moment.

I commented on Gaston Jones' post.

The World is Too Much With Us

"The World is Too Much With Us" definitely has to be my favorite poem. I completely agree with Wordsworth's message. We as humans tend to take the beauty of nature for granted as seen through his comparison of a storm to flowers being nonchalantly plucked. Another point Wordworth makes that I agree with is we use our power over all other life on earth negligently. Rather than preserve the home that has been given to us we decimate ecosystems to build cities and wipe out entire species in the process.

I commented on Daniel Stephens post.

Day Dreams

Wordsworth speaks to my soul in his poem "I wandered Lonely as a Cloud." When I first started reading it I thought this is beautiful but the last stanza made it hit home for me. This whole poem is about daydreaming. Daydreaming is life for me, and like Wordsworth describes a specific scene in nature, I too have a happy place. It consists of a magnificent oak tree or weeping willow in the middle of a field. I'm on a blanket surrounded by notebooks and books. I can read and write in my Father's creation for as long as I wish, or I can just admire His work. This daydream "my heart with pleasure feels." There is a "bliss of solitude." Now I'm a HUGE extrovert, but it's those quiet still moments that I long for, and that's one reason this poem is so beautiful to me. There is something peaceful about dreaming about nature.

On a side note I really enjoyed "The Tables Turned." Now I love to read, and I am a biology major so books and studying are essential for my everyday life, but there are parts of life that cannot come from books. You have to experience them and live in the moment. I know I'm doing a horrible job of explaining this, but think about it this way. One can read about anatomy for as long as they wish, but the student who dissects will have such a boarder knowledge. Wordsworth is also challenging us to just enjoy life by going into nature which I think is beautiful.
P.S. I commented on Abbey Griffins!!

Serenity

I felt, while reading, that the poems all had an underlying tone of tranquility. I felt like even though I was having a bad day, Wordsworth put things in perspective a little, especially with his last poem where he references the splendor of nature through out the piece, even though he also says that it reminds him of running in fear. It made me think that the first poem, however seemingly innocent and beautiful, could've been written by a man trying to escape his life through art. The heart is going to yearn for rest; poets, dreamers, and artists have a certain immaturity that allows them to dream of the rest and picture it in their mind. As an artist, I can lay claim to the immaturity as well. I have many times dreamed of flying through clouds instead of being in my life. I think Wordsworth really has a grasp on the idea of a poet.

I commented on Daniel Stephen's post.

Painting a Picture

I enjoyed reading these poems somewhat. I will not deny that I am not a fan of poetry, but I enjoyed the images these paint in their verse. I was able to picture the places they described quite well, with new details added in every line. My personal favorite imagery was that of the first poem "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud." This one gave me a serene image and created a place that I would very much like to visit, maybe even spend the day at. It was a beautiful sight within my mind. Poetry, while I may not enjoy it to the degree of some people, can be beautiful and can give someone a wonderful painting in their mind, one that they can hang in the gallery that is the memory.



I commented on Sierra Dillenschneider's post.

Humbled

I love the emphasis that Wordsworth puts on the importance of nature. For me, nature is a major way I connect with God, so I am able to relate to these poems well. I agree with Wordsworth when he says "we lay waste our powers" and "have given our hearts away" when we become passive of the nature and other beauties of the world. We must not become passive in how we live our lives. I love how he ends "The Tables Turned" by suggesting we "bring with [us] a heart that watches and receives." That way, we are humbled to nature and can fully embrace and take in everything.


I commented on Francesca's post!!

The world is too much with us..

As God’s children we have been created in His image and have bestowed powers to be higher than all other living things in the earth. Wordsworth tackles the everlasting problem of man’s lacking connection to nature. “We lay waste our powers” over nature as we are too worried about material things that aren't as beautiful and majestic as the mother nature herself.He even speaks of the beautiful power of the Sea and characterizes it as a woman , delicate and bare. Then he cries over how we don't even fully acknowledge and give credit to Nature.   

In a technology based society we are far off from experiencing nature and fully acknowledging its raw beauty. We now only use it for likes on Instagram or Facebook, or backgrounds on our devices. Now there are some who do embrace this beauty and stand in awe but for the most part heads are down as soon as the picture is snapped. I for one believe that pictures do not do justice to experiencing nature. My personal challenge is to leave the technology at home and to take the picture and make it a memory . 

peace luv and wordsworth

Observation falls short.  It cannot lead one much further than a basic knowledge of God.  Watch and receive, he says.  One can receive beauty, and knowledge yes, but not a full knowledge.  What you learn from staring at the sun is that it causes blindness (an extreme reading I suppose).  Aye, many of Wordsworth's words are worth a lot.  He needs books, which can take him to deeper conclusions about nature; Nature.

On the Invocation of Milton
"Stagnant waters: altars, sword and pen;" There must have been dead religion, dead imperial exploitation, dead literature.  Hey, remove St. George and replace him with JM!  He'd inspire.

Wordsworth Poems

Though I enjoyed reading all of the poems, I couldn't just choose just one to discuss. So I decided on my two favorites, which are "The Tables Turned" and "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud."

"The Tables Turned" reminded me of my life when I was younger. I spent a lot of time outdoors in the woods up the street and the creek behind my house. I learned many things just from nature itself. It also provided a sense of peace, comfort, and relaxation. I don't think Wordsworth meant to completely discourage studying books, but to instead go outside and learn from nature as well. "Let Nature be your teacher." I think he intended to tell the reader that they needed both book sense and common sense. The second section of this poem painted an image very similar to "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud."

"I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" paints such a beautiful image. It causes the reader to feel relaxed and at peace. After reading something as crazy as Candide, it was nice to come to such a wonderful poem as this. I feel at peace now and I want a nap. :)

This is what I saw when I read these poems. I took these pictures on a choir tour to Denver, Colorado. Enjoy!

P. S. I commented on Hannah Senteney's post!

Nature and Kant

I love poetry. And I suppose I forgot how much I loved it because it's been so long since I've read such beautiful writing. Nature is such a big deal to Wordsworth. It really makes all the difference to him. So much so that it is nature that "turns the tables" as it causes him to find purpose. He makes it out to be almost an intelligible force that comes upon us and changes us, more so than our own intellects.

When reading "The Tables Turned" I couldn't help but think of our Kant discussion day. We discussed the Copernican Revolution and how it shifted our understanding of the subject-object dynamic. Here in this poem in the last stanza Wordsworth says...

"Enough of Science and of Art;
Close up those barren leaves;
Come forth, and bring with you a heart
That watches and receives."

So now the subject is passive again. Not active in searching out nature and analyzing it, with "our meddling intellect." Now we are simply spectators of this Nature that changes us.

Just trying to connect the dots.

P.S. I commented on Hannah's post.

Nature soothes the soul

I really enjoyed Wordsworth's poems. I especially enjoyed "I wondered lonely as a cloud". In this poem Wordsworth explains how lonely he was and how he spots a crowd of daffodils. He didn't just see a patch but tens of thousands. There was a bay beside the daffodils and the waves of the bay danced, but not nearly as well as the daffodils that danced and fluttered beside it. These daffodils alone made the speaker feel happy and cheery. I really like this because in my opinion nature soothes the soul and I really like how Wordsworth emphasizes that.

P.S. I commented on Abbey Griffin's post.

Refreshed

Just as I found the simplicity of the end of Candide refreshing, so do I feel rejuvenated by Wordsworth. The way he writes really refreshes my soul, and feels like a cool breeze after being stuffed into a dark, warm room for too long.

My favorite of his works was definitely "The Tables Turned", although it caused me to question my life choices whenever I would crack a textbook for a few days after. The way that he describes nature and his place within it in "Lines Composed..." also stood out to me. The way he describes the air and the bank and river as a dear friends wakens in my heart the little part of me that goes out looking for dryads on cooler autumn afternoons. Wordsworth lives very richly, and seems to not only stop to smell the roses, but to stop to have a little chat with them as well. How much more can we glory in our Creator when we take the time to revel in the little marvels that are His creation?

On Abbie^2 :)

Candide

Candide has been much easier to read and grasp out of all the readings thus far. Pangloss has a very optimistic philosophy on everything basically, which is a big thing that Voltaire pokes at throughout the novel as well as others. It is sarcastic, which I love, but it makes some really good points. "Since the world was created by God, and since the mind of God is the most benevolent and capable mind imaginable, the world must be the best world imaginable" That should be very true. God is perfect He created the world. Shouldn't it be perfect too? Humans perceive evil only because they do not understand the force governing the world. If all humans fully understood God, and that he is the creator, there would be no evil. The world He created would indeed be perfect. 


I commented on Caleb's. 

Our Worst Instincts

"A hundred times I have wanted to kill myself, but always I loved life more. This ridiculous weakness is perhaps one of our worst instincts; is anything more stupid than choosing to carry a burden that really one wants to cast on the ground? to hold existence in horror, and yet to cling to it?"

The old woman says this after telling about her experiences. She suggests that one of man's greatest weaknesses was that he not kill himself when life gets hard. It may seem at times that life is ridiculously hard, and it just doesn't seem worth all the struggle (that is, if you're not a believer in Christ). And yet, the old woman says she "Loved life more." So maybe it's not even her really choosing to continue carrying the burden, but instead, loving life too much. In which case, as long as the love of life outweighs life's burdens, it is simply logical that life continue.
Another point I'd like to make is from the last sentence, "To hold existence in horror, and yet to cling to it?" This suggests the idea that for humans, to exist in horror is better than to not exist at all. I think this idea is interesting and I think that I agree with it.

Good Grief

out of everything we've read so far, Candide has the most accessible storyline. As a fictional novella, it is easily read and easily understood. Yet, I find myself floundering about trying to get a hold on the underlying satire and allegory.

Regardless, I have gleaned quite a bit. I see Voltaire making many comments against blind philosophical faith. We cannot follow that which someone says simply because they said it. Pangloss' teachings get Candide into so much trouble, yet the poor fool continues to follow as would an ill-visioned puppy. It's ridiculous. And it's probably a large part of why man cannot turn philosophy into a science of metaphysics. We cannot have any true progression because we cannot think for ourselves, or we totally disregard really truth in favor of tradition.

My comment will be found on the blog of McDade.

Its Not All Alright.

Through these first few chapters Candide and Pangloss are seen as complete fools for believing in everything to be optimistic and perfect. Even through the trials and pain they went through, they stuck with the philosophy Pangloss preached until his death. It is when this teaching is proven false that things start looking up for Candide as he is reunited with his love.
I relate to Candide in this sense that with my faith. I sometimes try to make everything seem like its happy and all smiles on the outside when all things are mass chaos. It is in that time that I need to cry out like Candide to God and ask for help because I don't know what I am doing. Just like the old women gave refuge so will my God to me. God will always show us a way out of the darkness.


Commented on Sierra Dillenschneider

Trials and Tribulations

To Candide, Pangloss is his role model, his go-to whenever questions or problems arise. Candide always went back to the philosophy of Pangloss that good can be found amidst trials and tribulations, and those hard times serve a purpose. Candide has been through so much in these past sixteen chapters, that I would find it almost impossible for me to remain true to the philosophy of Pangloss. Candide endured being separated from his love, suffering through war, enduring torture, seeing horrendous images, his two friends dying, and that is just to name a few. I think Voltaire may be using this story to challenge the philosophers of his day that held this view, or he may be, in fact, helping prove their views by finding the good in the bad.

I commented on Sierra's post.

Oh Voltaire....

I have enjoyed how much easier it is for me to read and understand this than some of the other works we have read so far. I love the mix between satirical comments and philosophical points he brings up. I did not know this was a musical, but I would love to watch it! This story definitely has me wondering what will happen with Candide. One of my favorite quotes by him was this, "I too have known this thing called love, this ruler of hearts, the soul of our soul; it has never been earned me more than one kiss and twenty kicks on the arse."

The irony

A general comment regarding the book thus far: It is saturated in satire. Each character seems to represent all things Voltaire seems to disagree with in an exaggerated format. I believe Voltaire has many things to comment on regarding life and politics, and his response simply involves making the opposing view seem ridiculous (ex. Pangloss' cliches and the fact the he studies "metaphysico-theologo-cosmolo-nigologyph" hah!) 

I commented on Justin Fobel's blog.

Three Things

Reading through this, all I could think of was three things…

1)     Is Voltaire making fun of all philosophy and philosophers or just opposing the current view of his time?

2)    This book progresses terribly fast and is full of several unimaginable events for a 21^st century reader. It is definitely unlike anything else I’ve read. I had a hard time finding something I liked from the text. One of the only things I’ve found intriguing in the book was what the old woman said after she told her story. She says, “I have wanted to kill myself a hundred times, but somehow I am still in love with life,” and, later, “Just to amuse yourself, persuade each passenger to tell you his story, and if you find even one who has not often cursed his life and told himself that he is the most miserable man alive, you can throw me into the sea head first.”

3)     Is it wrong to think that this story could be a great movie, especially if they were to cast Adam Sandler as Candide?

 

I commented on Eva Lockhart's post.

For the best

The idea that "everything is made to serve an end, everything is necessarily for the best ends" is consistent through the chapters. I can't tell if Voltaire is mocking the ideal that "everything happens for a reason, so move on with your life," or if he seriously believes it to be true. Candide struggles with believing that the world he lives in is really the best world when he gets into hard/painful situations, such as being flogged and watching Pangloss be hanged in chapter 6.
I agree with the idea above and believe that things do happen for reasons that we might not be able to explain just yet. We can't always control situations/ circumstances, but we can control how we react to them. In the end, things do happen whether we like it or not, and we have to be able to trust that it is for a bigger picture.

I commented on Wendy's post!!

Candide

Pangloss might be my favorite literary character of all time. War, earthquakes, and even being hanged cannot change his positive disposition. At times it is ridiculous, however, in this particular story I think his attitude is quite necessary. Candide on the other hand is irritating. He is the exact opposite of enlightened. If he brings up what he thinks Pangloss would say in a given situation one more time I might just go crazy.

I commented on Henry Torbert's post

Corrupted

I found Jacques' view interesting. 'For men are not born wolves, yet they have become wolves.' The bad things that happen to us, aren't arranged for the best he believes. Men create the bad things. God never gave men guns and weapons, they created them. They created these weapons in order to destroy themselves. Jacques is realistic about humans and their faults. Even though he has different views, he is a rationalist when it comes to the way he thinks. Going back to the wolves, men form their own corruption is what I think he is basically saying.

Ps. I commented on Brannen's post.

A Wild Ride from Start to Finish

Goodness gracious I have never read a story quite like this one! We've already travelled across the world in only sixteen short chapters. One thing that annoys me is Candide's constant reference to Pangloss and his philosophies. It's almost like his version of What Would Jesus Do. Also, when someone dies, they never really are dead. Cunegond is alive, her brother is alive, and I'm sure Pangloss will somehow make a reappearance soon. I'm excited to see what happens in the next set of chapters that we read!

I commented on Hannah Senteney's post.

Two murders and 1 buttock

So let me get this straight. Candide and Cunégonde just met up after being apart for a long time and are telling each other what has been going on and Bam! Issacar comes in and is questioning Cunégonde about him and the Inquisitor not being enough for her and pulls out a dagger to go after Candide. Candide draws out a sword and next thing you know Issacar is dead on the ground. Then Cunégonde starts freaking out about what's going to happen to them and Candide suggests asking the old woman what they should do when what do you know the Inquisitor comes in and before he even has time to react Candide kills him. Now Cunégonde is really freaking out when the old woman suggests taking the horses out back and fleeing. But little did you know the old woman had only one buttock for a seat, but she ended up making it 30 miles where they stopped at a little town of Avacena. This is crazy, Voltaire has an insane imagination and is very creative especially with names.

P.S I commented on Brannen Ullman's post.

THE ANABAPTIST

I personally found the Anabaptist's counter philosophy to Pangloss rather intriguing. I really like his statement, "Mankind must have corrupted nature just a little, for men are not born wolves, yet they have become wolves."

I really feel as though this is an accurate assumption for mankind considering all the evil that we are capable of doing to one another but especially to weaker beings simply because we can. Rape is used as a weapon of war and "inferior" races are sold into slavery all because we feel entitled to wield our power over weaker or otherwise helpless beings.

Jacques, in my opinion, was the only character with a functioning brain in his skull other than the old lady. Then he became fish food. . . . .

I commented on Kristina Brooke's

Simple But Misguided

Master Pangloss is an... interesting character. His philosophy on life seems to exclude anything but fate being to blame for anything that happens in the story. Not only that, but he also believes everything always takes place ultimately for the best, even to the point of telling Cundegonde that her rape and stabbing is for the best. In short, his philosophy is at best misguided, and at worst a straight up lie.

I commented on Jeremy's.

Candide the Simple

In the beginning I felt bad for Candide. He followed his heart, got kicked out of his first class life, and then kidnapped. Candide has some of the worst luck immaginable. Even when things look like they're going to be fine, it all falls apart again. At first I blamed luck, but as I kept reading Candide is an idiot.  In the beginning he was extremely niave. I mean, he agreed to dine with two strangers who were paying for his food. This can be expected due to his raising. However, he hasn't truly grown as a character. He keeps killing people (one of them was his dear friend) without thinking of the consequences, and he is surprised when cultures vary from his own. I know this is a satire, but it would be great is Candide just developed a little more.

Also I'm sad about how Holland is described as a Christian country, and then Candide is treated the way he is. It reminds me of the Good Samaritan as well which I really like that Voltaire threw that in here.

P.S. I commented on Kristina Brook's!

Philosophical Whiplash

While Candide is giving me emotional and philosophical whiplash, I still am loving it.

There are many brilliant points made amid the satire and strangeness. The constant battle cry of Pangloss and his follower Candide, "all things are for the best" Is countered almost immediately after it is said each time by various disasters of the physical and natural kind. Yet somehow this philosophy has kept our main character alive thus far.

The rate at which the story is going was originally frustrating and dizzying, but now I like it. In a sense it conveys the rate at which life happens. The rate at which nonsensical suffering happens.

I'm not sure what to make of the work as a whole just yet, however I'm liking it thus far.

P.S. I commented on Abbey's.

Lol

Such a funny piece.  Pangloss does not deserve to called the Great Philosopher.  "Pangloss deceived me cruelly, after all, when he told me that all is for the best in this world," says Cundegonde.  Pangloss tells her this as a response to her being raped and stabbed.  What kind of great thinker offers that advice to a suffering woman?  "This is all for the best.  For if there is a volcano beneath Lisbon, then it cannot be anywhere else; for it is impossible for things to be elsewhere than where they are.  "   ..........................................................................................  Obviously.

Daniel

So many thoughts...

This was so refreshing to read after Kant. Quite frankly, I have really enjoyed reading this book. My favorite part was in chapter 12, when the old woman tells the story of her life. Towards the end she says "A hundred times I have wanted to kill myself, but I was still in love with life." To which she continues by quoting one of Hamlet's speeches from Shakespeare's Hamlet! 

I do wish Candide wasn't so "in love" with Cunégonde. It seems stupid, yet kind of romantic, that he would go through so much trouble because of his love for her. 

I would suggest to make a show out of this, because the plot is so crazy, but it already is a Musical! :) 

I commented on Daniel Stephens post. 

Not sure what to make of this

I am bewildered, and drawn into this novel. This young man has gone through horrors and poverty and such terrible tortures simply because he liked a girl. Yet now he is older, with a position and things looked well for him, yet he once again got into trouble over the same young woman, now older and just as tortured as Candide. And then there is an old woman, whom suffered similar turmoil as they. I know this is supposed to be satire, but honestly, I cannot for the life of me figure out what it is a satire of. This is certainly keeping me interested and there is enough philosophical thinking within this work to keep me thinking, but as of now, I am not sure what to make of this story.


I commented on Abbey Griffin's post.

That's funny...

Voltaire is slightly confusing me. A lot of what he is writing is humorous in its own odd way, but I'm not really sure where he is aiming yet. I can't tell if he is scorning philosophy (such as with Pangloss), or if he is exalting it. Perhaps he is saying that yes, philosophy has some worth, but ultimately life is going to throw things at us, and we should LIVE it, rather than just philosophize about it. Poor Candide constantly strives to live by his philosophy, but ultimately it seems to do nothing but hurt him. 

Then again, it is the philosophers that end up surviving against ALL odds. But usually their survival is do to a physical solution rather than a philosophical one. Physical means seem to always rescue them from the problems their philosophies seem to always cause. We shall see...

Comments on Abbie George :)

Free Thought

I found it very interesting that throughout the essay on enlightenment, Kant makes it clear that it requires mental labor in order to become enlightened. Our generation puts so little emphasis on thought, let alone the work involved. Too often, the situation that we find ourselves in is watching Netflix for three hours, yelling at somebody when they anger us, and living in a state of almost pure instinct with very little rational thought involved. Even when we do pause to think, it is only very briefly because we choose to take an easier path and redact our conscience from every day life. Kant points out (to subjectively paraphrase), that even if we are to just live our lives obeying every rule and falling all of the guidelines, it is better to mentally work it out and understand why, how, and what we are doing.

What I found most interesting about Kant was the opening statement.  "Enlightenment is man's emergence from his self-imposed nonage".  The statement completely answers his question regarding enlightenment.  Kant thinks enlightenment is literally when someone breaks completely free from their mind, and faces maturation.  Someone starts to think freely when they become enlightened.

'Religious' Enlightment

When Kant says, “But to agree to a perpetual religious constitution which is not publicly questioned by anyone would be, as it were, to annihilate a period of time in the progress of man's improvement. This must be absolutely forbidden,” he reminds me of something St. Augustine said about the interpretation of Scripture. Augustine says, "In matters that are so obscure and far beyond our vision, we find in Holy Scripture passages which can be interpreted in very different ways without prejudice to the faith we have received. In such cases, we should not rush in headlong and so firmly take our stand on one side that, if further progress in the search of truth justly undermines this position, we too fall with it.” These statements remind me how much the Christian faith has evolved over the years and how my personal faith should evolve. I should not always push the questions away, but perhaps embrace them and learn from them. I should not always accept what others say or believe as the correct way, but study and test those things for myself.

I commented on Wendy Bagwell's post.

What is Enlightenment?

Much like mostly every blog post that I read this week, I also enjoyed and felt encouraged by Kant. I want to be someone who thinks through everything for myself, not just accept things as fact because some "guardian" told me so. I want to obey. I want to encourage my peers, especially in this stage of our life when we are learning so much about ourselves and away from our parents, at an amazing Christian University, to push past what we have been told all our life and make our knowledge real to us. I love when my classes overlap and I think this week honors and my Christian Worldview class overlap to an extent. In the way that we must use our own understanding without another's guidance to learn more about our God and have a relationship with Him.

What is enlightenment

"Laziness and cowardice are the reasons why such a large part of mankind gladly remain minors all their lives, long after nature has freed them from external guidance." This stood out to me, because it is still true today. This was written a long time ago, but still today as I am reading it, it is still true. Sometimes people really never mature, and "remain minors all their lives". Laziness is the main reason, I think. America, in general, is a lazy country. Basically, a large part of mankind is too lazy and scared to grow up. 

I commented on Abbie George

Knowledge of a Nonage

Kant provides an adequate depiction of the views of much of society. I think people develop opinions based around their culture, family, geography, religion, and other influential people. As children mature, it is inevitable for them to make opinions and have biases based on their parent or influential figures. Often times as children grow into adults, they naturally cling to those opinions they have known most of their lives. I think college is a time that many young adults begin to branch out and think for themselves without as many outside influences, while others choose to remain in an ignorant state of mind. I think there are many people who have the experience, as Kant explains, yet still choose to remain ignorant. Those people, I believe, are aware that they could think further into subject matters, but they just do not care enough. I personally know people who think like this, whose parents think like this, and it seems to me like the cycle will just continue. I feel like these people have blinders on each side of their faces that they are free to pull off at any point, yet they are too engrained in tradition to think anything other than what they are taught.  

I commented on Abbie George’s post.

Comfortable

"It is so comfortable to be a minor." Agreed. I think we can all get caught up in living passively about things - not speaking up to voice an opinion or take action on a matter. It's foolish of us to do this, because then we aren't living up to our full potential in making effective use of our talents and thoughts. Letting other people speak for us or instruct us on how to lead our own lives is silly and pointless - what are we living for if we do this!? If we let others make opinions and do everything for us then "[we] have no need to think." Why would we be here if there were no need to think or do anything? We aren't robots!
I also agree with Kant's statement that "it is very difficult for the individual to work himself out of the nonage which has become almost second nature to him," because it highlights how easy it is to fall into habits and to be trapped in the habit of comfortableness. When we begin to grow comfortable with being passive thinkers and doers, then it becomes dangerous.

I commented on Jessica Weeks' post!

Challenged

I love Kante. He starts off so strong and passionate when he says, "Dare to know!" As I kept reading, I felt challenged. I mean when he talked about the cattle stupidly walking along I decided I do not want to be one of the cattle. He has challenged me to cultivate my mind. It is so easy to fall for the trap to mindlessly read and do assignments then wait for the teacher to spoon feed you. This is one thing I love about Honors. I am encouraged and pushed to cultivate my mind, and we are encouraged to discuss and bounce around ideas which Kante mentions arguing helps cultivate minds (bone of contention). However, Kante has made me want to push even harder not only with schoolwork but Scripture as well! One of Satan's traps is for Christians to get the mindset to just get fed by God's Word on Sunday. Now I believe Kante is talking about a different time where the people relied only on pastors (PLEASE CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG!), so he was addressing pastors when he said, "That the spiritual guardians of the people should themselves be treated as minors is an absurdity..." He's saying the pastors should preach what the church believes, but as a citizen write what he finds in Scripture. Well today we have the Bible available at our fingertips, so why do we have to wait until Sunday or mindlessly read through Scripture? I felt challenged to dig deeper into God's Word and see what He shows me while keeping all my findings theologically sound. We do not want any heresy.

P.S. I commented on Eva's.

Will The Madness Never End?

I appreciate Kant much more than our last reading. The discussion of a priori vs a posteriori gave me quite a bit of contentment with myself and the world philosophically. He leaves plenty of breathing room for both reasoning and inspiration. This was something I have found lacking so far.

Yet, I have issues with his comment that even still all knowledge comes from some sort of experience. If all of our knowledge is sparked by something we've experienced, that is something outside of ourselves, can there then be anything in existence that is truly original? He carries on about us blazing our own trail, but if we have to experience exterior sources for this to happen, can we really attain that which he prescribes? Even then we'd be following his idea and not our own. At its core our intent would not be original because he gave us the idea to do so.

I commented on the blog of Eva. ✌🏾️

Dare to Know

When reading this, my eyes were opened to how influential other's ideas are to me. "Its cause lies not in lack of understanding but in indecision and lack of courage to use one's own mind without another's guidance." In stating this, it made me evaluate my own ways of understanding; I realized that I lean on the influences of others to form my thoughts. I have always grown up believing what I do simply because I was told to. It was not forced on me, but we tend to base our views in relation to the views of those closest to us. It was most interesting when I read that we are not living in an enlightened age, but we live in an age of enlightenment. I think that we are all working towards forming our own understandings, but it is extremely difficult to go without any guidance.

I commented on Francesca's post.

Will We Always be a Minor?

Kant states that a large part of mankind remains minors all their lives. He says that minors rely on information from others because they are lazy and cowardice. Is it possible for us to live, breathe, function, or communicate without us relying on information from others? Does that make us all minors? Will we ever truly reach enlightenment? Even if I did think for myself, act as my conscience, prescribe my own diet, and so on--how would I form my basic knowledge for that without getting the facts and opinions from a book or a pastor or a physician?

I commented on Francesca M. Garcia

What is Enlightenment"

I think this passage is entirely relevant to our generation. In this age of technology it is easier than ever to simply follow trends and not think freely. I also thought it was interesting that Kant acknowledged that under certain circumstances free thought isn't an option. I went to school on a military base for ten years so I know very what would have to a lower ranking military member if they ignored or openly criticized a person of higher rank.

Commented on Jeremy Beaman's post

Questioning the World Around Us

Kant is very inspiring in his call for our "emergence from [our] self-imposed nonage." He believes that those who stay stagnant and never create their own ideas or opinions are lazy and cowardly. This makes me think of my high school, where everyone accepted what their parents told them about political beliefs or religious beliefs were automatically true just because their parents told them that it was so. They never questioned anything around them or formed their own opinions because they chose to remain stagnant and take what information their parents had given them. I, however, have always been the person to make my own mind up about things and form my own thoughts and beliefs after hearing as many sides of a topic as I possibly can. I agree with Kant when he says that we should all question our governments and share our opinions on what we think is wrong with our leaders or what we think of religion. Enlightenment is becoming knowledgeable on our own terms, and without the influence of people who would rather we sit back and accept the information they give us.

I commented on Francesca's post.

Stumbling

It's quite interesting to me how Kant compares the search for "enlightenment" to logistical science. He talks a lot about how important it is to have a train of ideas or hypothesis, as one does not merely stumble upon scientific or logical laws.

While I suppose I agree that it is not possible for one to make a scientific law unless one has a distinct idea of what they are searching for, I slightly disagree with him on his scorn of the act of stumbling itself. (Now I must add the disclaimer that I haven't quite finished the reading, so it will be interesting to see where he takes all this. Naturally with this scientific progression of logic he must be headed somewhere to explain something.) 

It's just that recently in chemistry, Dr. Shelly mentioned that many of the world's greatest discoveries didn't happen because someone said "eureka!", but because someone saw something abnormal and said, "well that's funny..."

I mean, I don't really see why Kant himself would be questioning the things he does unless he had a natural curiosity. This natural curiosity wouldn't be systematically produced, but naturally experiences, or "stumbled upon". Ah well. We'll see where this goes!

Oh, and chats up on Hannah's :)

One small step for men ...

" The man who casts them off would make an uncertain leap over the narrowest ditch, because he is not used to such free movement."

This illustration of one leaping over a small ditch reminds me of maturing. As we grow up we make small leaps in life that gradually become giant leaps. A example is the first Christmas we find out as a child that Santa Claus is isn't real, it is a step into growing up. Whether or not we know it we are always pressing forward to our enlightenment. Now granted there may be some days where we feel like we are going backwards yet we do learn from our mistakes. Puberty, high school, first relationships, gaining knowledge, college are all leaps over ditches. We feel a new sense of freedom when we enter a realm we have never explored before.
In these small steps we must become firm in who are  and not become lazy. For some they steer away from experiencing these leaps by themselves and have help. Kant strongly presses on this subject as he says " enlightenment is inevitable" to the masses and only a few emerge. Why so few? We all have our own capabilities to think for ourselves, to take initiative in our lives, and to be fully independent. Our culture and society says we are independent when we really are chained to many different things. Our cellphones, and social media are two of the main things. I for one am addicted to my phone somedays and can't help put unlock and lock my screen hoping for a notification. Technology is useful but to a certain extent.
I have made many leaps and yet I am not close to enlightenment but I am slowly figuring out more and more.
 
I commented on Abbie George's blog post

What is enlightenment?

 

Enlightenment is when you impart knowledge to something. Everyone has the right to impart knowledge as well as they are expected too. Those who don’t are either lazy or cowardly. It is so easy to let other people do all the work and to just go along with everything.  We are gifted with free thought to come up with our own ideas to contribute our own knowledge. We are allowed to have our own opinions and to share them with others to compare and learn from each other.

P.S I have commented on Abbie George's post

Man in Accord With His Dignity

"At last free thought acts even on the fundamentals of government and the state finds it agreeable to treat man, who is now more than a machine, in accord with his dignity."

Although this whole text opened my view of what makes a minor, as well as how it is we think and understand, the last sentence put it in an applicable scenario for the individual as well as all of society. It brings me to wonder if this is the key to "government for the people and by the people." If we decide to take everything we're told and just go with it, we give government power to do whatever they please. However, if we question and consider things, we are no longer acting as minors; and the way Kant says it, basically, it's only then that we deserve to be treated with the respect and dignity of people who want a say in what's happening in their country. 
In some lights, this can make the government seem like the bad guy. Almost like they hope we won't think for ourselves so they can do whatever they want. But if you look at it from the other side, why should we get a say in the happenings of the nation if we don't care enough or are too lazy to use our own understanding in even our own lives?  

I think

Don't be afraid of the shadows!  And don't be lazy!  Societies are filled with these "minors."  Our generation more so, I think, than ever before.  Kant encourages us to dispose of this nonage.  Yes, of course we should!  Almost all agree with this, but I think many take it too far.  Thinking autonomously should not necessarily force us to revolt against all formerly accepted dogma (though in extreme cases, it may cause a revolution against some).  Rather, it should cause us to consider all things, to weigh them, to examine whether or not they are reasonable.  One must come to truly understand a thing, to experience it, to be thoroughly convinced one way or another, in order to be enlightened in this way.  I think..............................................

A. George   

College and Nonage

"Enlightenment is man's emergence from his self-imposed nonage. Nonage is the inability to use one's own understanding without another's guidance."

As I read this passage written by Kant I could not help but be reminded of my own experience in shaking off this "nonage." College for me has been just that, slowly drifting away from depending on another's guidance, opinion, philosophy, theology, understanding, and beginning to rely on my own mind.

This is a scary business. Especially in the area of religion or theology. In the past I had often shied away from the difficult questions of the faith. Too afraid to think on my own. Yet reading this passage Kant makes it very clear that true enlightenment is "man's emergence from his self-imposed nonage--primarily in religious matters..." This is true- yet why then does it seem that religion is (to me) the most common area in which people depend upon pastors, priests, and parents? So many simply accept what has been passed down to them without truly believing and thinking through these things themselves. (It is because religion ultimately leads to eternity, so the most is at stake, so the safest option is to accept what has been given to you...but that's another blog.)

So here are my thoughts prompted by the reading. So thanks, Kant, for reminding me to think through things myself!

P.S. I commented on Jeremy's blog.

Pascal's Thoughts

"The greatness of man is great in that he knows himself to be miserable."
This brings me back to Descarte's "I think; therefore I am."
Throughout the passage, Pascal continues to confuse me on what exactly his point is here... While he is saying that we are just small pieces of an infinite universe, he also states that we are a big piece of a smaller picture. Almost like we are a happy medium between Angels and "brutes." Pascal believes that we must not equate ourselves with Angels, but we shouldn't lower ourselves to the nature of uncivilized people. He states that we as humans are curious as to our nature and where we come from, but we can never truly know that answer because we don't even understand ourselves yet or even other people around us. We must have faith in God, who knows all and be content with not knowing.

I commented on Caleb Zessin's post.

Acid Trip

Reading Pascal was essentially that which I've stated in my title. It was, however, enjoyable. Though I think "enjoyable" may be too delicate a term for such an experience. This may be one of my favourite philosophical readings yet. My worldview has been opened on so many levels, mainly because he finally helps me deal with many of the inconsistencies of every day life with which I struggle. Placing us somewhere in this cosmic map where we are minuscule giants is rather sobering. And the depth it adds to the understanding of truth and justice really caught me off guard. I'm not sure where to take it though. Pascal really gives us no true answers. And this is partly because in his opinion the only "truth" is that taken by faith. Which to most minds becomes subjective. But being able to say that in terms of justice or truth we can only know them partly, I find therein a weird peace. I am merely a gargantuan speck in the order of things. I would love to have answers. But they are not mine to have.

Blog Grading Rubric

Y'all are doing wonderfully with your blog posts! Keep up the good work!

To help you out while writing, here is the rubric by which we grade the blog posts:

A.

- Complete, well-developed paragraph that demonstrates an understanding of the reading,

- Contains clear illustrations from the text, and contributes personal insight or questions that demonstrate the student engaging with the text.

- Student has commented on another blog post.

B.

            - Complete paragraph.

            - Lacks illustrations from the text. Vague.

            - OR student didn’t comment on another blog.

C.

            - Incomplete paragraph.

            - Lack of illustrations from the text. Vague.

            - Student did not comment on another blog

D.

            - Basically one sentence J

0%

            -No blog turned in.

 

Note: Students may get partial credit for late blogs, with a 10% penalty for every day late, with a cut off at 50% in penalty.

 

Thanks so much, and see y'all in class!

"Spiritual Warfare"

When I think of spiritual warfare I think of Satan tempting us, here on Earth, or demons possessing people. However in book six Milton takes a more literal view of the phrase when angels, spiritual beings, are actually in battle. What really stuck out to me about this book though was the idea that Raphael was telling Adam the story of this battle in hopes that Adam would learn from it. Although, angels cannot die and that takes away a little bit of the dramatic effect it is still a war. It makes me wonder if God uses things like war here on Earth to teach us lessons. If everything God does is intentional, then the answer is yes. In that case, it makes me ask the question, why are we so hard headed that it takes extreme things such as war for us to learn?

I commented on Sierra Dillenschneider's.