Poor Guy

In the first chapter of Voltaire’s Candide, Candide is thrown out of his house for kissing the hand of his lover, Cunégonde. While today’s standards for PDA and such have lowered since this scene was written, this was still an extreme reaction. Candide did not deserve such a strict punishment for his crime. I think that Voltaire purposefully over exaggerated this event in order to further his satirical approach to Candide, this time poking fun at the story of Adam and Eve.

This scene resembles the old tale of Adam and Eve in many ways. Pangloss, a clear authoritative figure for both Candide and Cunégonde, is the God of the story. He teaches both of them about almost everything and they look to him as the ultimate source of knowledge. When Cunégonde sees Pangloss “experimenting” with a girl, she is much like Eve being tempted by the serpent. She goes to try what she has learned with Candide and their innocent action is taken as offensive. As a result, Candide is severely punished. This over reaction proves Voltaire’s satirical intentions.

To me, Voltaire is trying to criticize man’s idea of God. Adam and Eve were simple creatures. They only knew what God taught them, and one way or another they learned that he could create. Why was it so wrong of them to try to replicate this? They couldn’t have known any better. And either could Candide and Cunégonde. They learned everything from Pangloss, so naturally if they saw him doing a certain action, they would follow. It is unreasonable that God would kick Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden just because they imitated him. This story of God seems awfully hypocritical, and I think that’s what Voltaire is poking fun at. We see how ridiculous it is that Candide is literally kicked out because of an innocent kiss, so why can’t people see how the banishment of Adam and Eve is equally unbelievable?

My sister Rachel rocks and is my Socrates...She is Rock-rates.

My obvious choice for a modern day Socrates is Miss Tyra Banks. Her knowledge of human nature and educated questioning of sex tape celebrities is truly inspiring and sometimes even life changing. However, an essay about Miss Banks would be TOO easy for me to write. Instead, my chosen modern day Socrates is my older sister, Rachel.

Much like Socrates, my sister is very educated. She has always had a yearning for learning, which has paid off for her, as she is probably one of the most intelligent people I know. I’m not sure if this is exactly what causes her curiosity, but I do know this: she asks me more questions than anyone else. While at first her questions were annoying, and I would often dismiss them or yell at her (in the way that sisters do), I’ve grown to realize that there is a point behind her actions. My sister’s constant questioning really makes me think about what I say. I used to say a lot of things without thinking them through, but my sister has changed that. Whether we’re talking about my parents or a school assignment or what color I should dye my hair next, she always makes sure I can back up my opinions and really understand what I’m trying to say. This has also helped me verbalize exactly what I’m trying to say.

Again, like Socrates, my sister has a habit of catching me in my logic and making me look silly. I used to get frustrated by this but I’ve learned that she does this because she loves me. By questioning, she forces me to think about my opinions and why I feel that way. Sometimes I’m able to argue back with her, confident with my thoughts, and even question her back. And sometimes I end up proved ignorant, like one of Socrates’ pupils, and end up changing my opinion. While it’s not the easiest to have my sister question a lot of what I say, it is definitely beneficial. I feel much more confident after talking with her, almost enlightened. Thanks sis.

Think About It

Many young philosophers are familiar with the phrase “the unexamined life is not worth living”. Socrates, the man behind the quote, is considered a father of philosophy for a reason. Even if one does not agree with his view, it is certainly a complex thought and a great subject for debate. I do agree with this statement and think more people ought to practice what ol’ Socrates was preaching.

I have come to believe that the reflection of one’s self is a very important part of life. Many people act a certain way and say certain things without knowing the whole meaning behind them. Examining your life can help you understand who you are and why you do things in that certain way that you do. Thinking about yourself in this way can lead you to make major changes in your life. But even if this reflection doesn’t inspire a change in you, it will help you understand who you are. This understanding of who and why you are can lead to an enlightened and happy life, something I feel is an essential part of being.

And if you won’t examine your life for yourself, at least do it for those around you. I’d like to think that turning inward could cause people to not only understand why they are, but why others are. Hopefully this revelation in how they and others think would lead to more acceptance in the world. This could be just wishful thinking, but what else is a teenager to do?

Many young philosophers are also familiar with the phrase “ignorance is bliss”. While this is a complex statement just like Socrates’, I do not believe this one. Ignorance towards your life may be the easy route to take, but ultimately a fulfilling life is not an easy one. Examining your life is a difficult and intimidating task, but I think if we think ahead, it’s the best choice.

Eulogy of Hannah Bernard

Hannah Bernard, although young when she passed on, made an impact on the world around her. She not only affected her family and friends, but also peers at her school, and even the occasional stranger. Her optimism rubbed off on many and although it took a long time, she died a fulfilled person.

Hannah loved to help others. Whether she was sending a surprise pizza to a
loved one or filling out a survey for a friend in need, she did what was in her power to make those around her happy. She believed that a healthy, successful community was very important for her and others sanity and she tried to show this by acting for others every day. She was human, but no one would accuse her of having anything but good intentions for everyone she knew. She thought that humans were overwhelmingly good and tried not to focus on the bad in people.

Hannah was most well known for her positive attitude. Many people close to her agreed that hardly a day passed when she didn’t try to find the good in a situation, in both her life and others. She did not always have a beautiful life, but none the less she tried to find the beauty in everything. She was always looking for the bright light at the end of the tunnel, a clear example of her optimistic outlook on life. It came as no shock when someone once told her she was too happy, which ironically, she didn’t think was possible.

Hannah loved to see new things. She loved to experiment artistically, whether it was with pen or colored pencil, and was happy when she was creating. However, she was happiest with people. Her confidence in humanity led her to get great satisfaction from others, whether they were her closest friends or strangers on a stage. Her excitement for life will be missed.