Hamlet the Passive Intellect

The actions and events in Shakespeare’s Hamlet revolve around Hamlet’s inactivity. Without Hamlet's hesitation, constant thought, and internal deliberation, the plot would proceed directly from Hamlet’s meeting with the Ghost to his murder of Claudius. Hamlet’s philosophical strifeheightens the complexity of his life issues and intensifies the depth of his dilemma. Hamlet’s over-intellectualization coupled with his passive tendencies paralyzes his ability to act, locking him in an inescapable prison of his own inner consciousness. Hamlet's over-intellectualization begins with his questioning of the ghost's identity. When first told by Horatio that the ghost of his father haunts the battlements, Hamlet interrogates him obsessively to obtain every relevant detail to satisfy his intellectual curiosity. He  fires  a volley of questions at Horatio, ranging from whether his countenance is â€Å"pale or red† to how long it â€Å"fixed eyes upon [Horatio]† (1. 2. 250). His desire to dispel uncertainty and further his knowledge escalates in the physical encounter with the ghost. Rather than accepting his vision for granted, Hamlet examines the validity of his perceptions by debating whether the ghost of â€Å"a questionable shape† is â€Å"wicked or charitable† (1. . 45-46). Hamlet initially pronounces to the ghost that he will â€Å"wipe away all trivial, fond records, all saw of books, all forms, all pressures past, that youth and observation copied there,† declaring his resolution to act (1. 4. 108). However, when he reconvenes with his friends, he entreats them â€Å"never make known what you have seen tonight† (1. 5. 160). Instead of seeking for an immediate collective action to avenge his father’s â€Å"unnatural murder,† he chooses to prolong the process to devise an elaborate scheme within his own mind. He forestalls action—be it his friends’ or his own—to contemplate the implications of his experience. He concludes by cursing the fact that he â€Å"was born to set it right†Ã‚  Ã‚  (1. 5. 211). The ghost’s revelation places him in a position where he must be the agent of action, whose filial responsibility is to affect justice and kill Claudius. Hamlet’s dilemma, then, stems from the need to become an avenging son while being a naturally passive intellectual. Hamlet addresses his dilemma in greater depth by engaging in a rigorous, intellectual process, which ironically perpetuates the vicious cycle of inactivity. In his conversation with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, he confesses, â€Å"thinking makes it so. To me it is a prison† (2. 2. 270). Hamlet finds himself imprisoned by his intellect, as he â€Å"must like a whore unpack [his] heart with words† (2. 2. 614). He cannot act by heart because he is bound to â€Å"unpack† his actions with reason first. He berates himself as â€Å"a rogue and peasant slave† and â€Å"John-a-dream, unpregnant of my cause, and can say nothing† (2. 2. 576-595). Hamlet recognizes that he is not taking any decisive action to dutifully avenge his father’s death in staying within his comfort zone of intellectualism. As he articulates and explores his conflict of conscience, he concludes, â€Å"Thus conscience does make cowards of us all and thus the native hue of resolution is sicklied o’er with the pale cast of thought, and enterprises of great pitch and moment†¦lose the name of action (3. 1. 91-96). Hamlet reaffirms that his constant moralizing and philosophizing stymie the very action he strives for. The inexorable clash between his predisposition for sedentary contemplations and the filial imperative to actively seek revenge results in such strong feelings of self-loathing that he considers â€Å"shuffl[ing] off the mortal coil† (3. . 75). Committing suicide would proactively end his suffering, but he problematizes even that possibility as an unacceptable transgression against â€Å"[God’s]  canon ‘gainst self-slaughter! † (1. 2. 136). Ironically, this very soliloquy devoted to meditating on his passivity epitomizes his inaction; rather than coming u p with pragmatic solutions to end his dilemma, he explores and wallows in self-pity, which in turn exacerbates the intensity of his conundrum. Hamlet is so preoccupied with the enormous intellectual activity in his head that he closes himself off from all action in the external world.

Junk food Essay

Creating a healthier living environment may be able reduce obesity and other things that may occur from drinking sugary drinks. Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg of New York City decided in 2012 that he wanted to restrict the amount of purchases on sugary drinks. His idea was to limit the product to being no more than 16 ounces sold at places other than grocery or convenient stores. This ban was scheduled to go in effect in 2013. Could it really make a difference? Many people feel the government should not be allowed take away the people’s freewill to choose how much sugar drinks one should drink, but rather people should have the right to choose, because sugar drinks many not be the cause of obesity. Many people are in debate about this ban to stop the purchase in restaurants and little quick stands of selling nothing over 16 ounces. In the article, â€Å"Junk Food: should the government regulate our intake, it was stated, â€Å"Michael Bloomberg, however, is overreaching with his new plan to ban the sale of sugary drinks larger than sixteen ounces, He argues that prohibiting big drinks at restaurants, movie theaters, stadiums, and other food sellers can help combat obesity. But as he admits, customers can get around the ban by purchasing two drinks (page 582). Meaning if one decides he or she wants more of a sugary drink, a person can always purchase another cup or bottle of 16 ounces at any given time to get around the ban. With ways to get around this ban the control of sugary drinks is not helpful and will not stop obesity. Another author (Mr. Gary Taustine) states, â€Å"Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s effort to promote healthier life-styles is commendable, but the government has no right whatsoever to go beyond promotion to enforcement. You can’t reduce obesity with smaller cups any more than you can reduce gun violence with smaller bullets†. (Page 582) Next, by trying to ban the sale of 16 ounce sugar drinks in places other than stores takes away from the choice of free will. Mr. Daniel Lieberman states, â€Å"People have certain rights, this argument goes, including the rights to drinks lots of soda, to eat junk food, to gain weight, and to avoid exercise†(page585). People should have the right to freewill. Freewill is the ability or discretion to choose; free choice. As human society a person should be allowed to choose how much he or she wants  to drink without any lim its. This is because it is going his or her body not the government’s. Another factor that people need to look into is genetics. According to the www.cdc.gov/features/obesity/, some obesity comes from the people’s genetic makeup. The doctors like to call this the family history. Families with a history of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and etc, are proven to have more obesity in their family. Therefore, the cause is genetic. Some start the trend by the rich calorie intake they consume. Some people may do everything to try to cut back on obesity. Some are successful and others follow their genetic makeup. However, the fact that limiting the sale of 16 ounce sugar drinks will not cut down on obesity. It is proven that some people just have obesity in their genes. It is understood why the government would like to cut back on obesity. Mark Bittman feels the government needs to educate the people. He feels if people cut the cost on healthy foods and raise prices on junk foods or sugary drinks, that this will save money in the long run. By cutting cost on healthier foods and making them more economic, people will buy more and less of junk foods and sugary drinks. He argues that if the cost is better for foods that are healthy it will cut back on obesity and save in health care cost in the long run. Right now, it appears that the unhealthy foods are more economic and easier to choose. This is why so many people are obese. He feels that people will be able to make better c hoices if the prices were lowered. Finally, he feels that it is the government responsibility for public health. By cutting back on sugary drinks being sold in restaurants and other places, such as movies and concession stands, it will not stop obesity or cut down on the risk. Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg is all for a healthier living life style. The people of New York is note not doubting this at all, but to think that he can cut down on obesity by limiting the amount of ounces sold is not the way to go. As there are many ways to get around this ban. Especially, if the restaurants has free refills, this may be difficult to monitor. It may also be a bit of an inconvenience as well to the people. This is because they will have to spend more for a product that they are custom to by having to buy more amounts of the product, instead of one bigger cup or bottle. People have the right to choose how much they want to intake. The government should not be allowed to limit the consumption of sugary drinks, because it is the  people’s right to freewill. Serving smaller cups does not cut down on obesity because sometimes obesity is genetic. Therefore, having a healthier lifestyle may help with obesity, but enforcing a drink ban on sixteen ounce sugary drinks will not be effective. Work Cited Sylvan, Barnet & Bedau, Hugo editor Adam Whitehurts, Harold Chester and Karen S. Henry Current Issues and Enduring Questions 10 edition Bedford/St. Martin’s , 2014, 2011, 2008, 2005 Chapter 22 Junk Food: Should the Government Regulate our Intake? Anonymous Editorial, New York Times June 1, 2012 (page 582) Mark Bitterman, New York Times Essay reprint form July 24, 2011 (page 587) Daniel Liberman, New York Times June 6, 2012 (page 585) Gary Taustine, New York Times, June 1, 2012 (page 583) http://www.cdc.gov/features/obesity/, Article written January 19, 2010 , March 22, 2014

Business-Level and Corporate-Level Strategies Essay - 9

Business-Level and Corporate-Level Strategies - Essay Example ith products such as beverages and food and later the company diversified into various sector of electronics, clothing, financial services, retailing, etc. The company performs all its operations on the basis of one specific value that is to deliver its customers with good, better and best products. The success of the company is only because of its business and corporate level strategies. Tesco’s main business comes from its retailing segment that accounts for approximately 60% of the total profit that is generated by the business. The business level strategy is a plan that is adopted by a company so as to utilize its resources in order to achieve its business goals. The company has even invested  £1 billion so that it could provide a very pleasant shopping experience to all its customers who visit Tesco stores. The company has even subdivided its business level strategy into seven parts so that it can achieve its business goals and even provide their customers with high valued service. This business level strategy that was formulated was mainly to ensure that the company sets plans for its long term growth and profitability. The first part of the strategy is to grow in the UK market (Desjardins, 2005). The company wants to grow the core market of UK. The business tactics that were designed to support this strategy was to expand the staff base by 20,000 in t he next two years, implement new promotions for its products and services, and even to restructure all its store designs. This strategy was mainly adopted to give customers more importance and wanted. The second part of the strategy to be the creator of all famous and high value brands in the market. This strategy involved creation of its own label such as Tesco Finest and F&F clothing. This indicated delivery products that were of high quality and that also at the most reasonable price. The third part of the strategy is to develop itself as an outstanding retailer both in stores as well as in online. The

Old Testament and New Testament Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Old Testament and New Testament - Assignment Example Throughout the next few chapters, there were many stories of Jesus healing those who were sick and even dead in some cases. Before Jesus was crucified, He predicted that those who hated Him would want to kill Him. In the final chapter after Jesus rose from the dead, Jesus commanded his followers to go out into the world and preach the Gospel. Then Jesus ascended up to heaven. John The book of John was unlike the first three gospels; it was not a synoptic gospel. The difference was that Matthew, Mark, and Luke told the story of Jesus chronologically. On the other hand, the book of John was more about preaching what Jesus taught. This book was the last of the Gospels to be written. John wrote this book at the end of his life in approxiamately 90 A.D. This would have allowed John enough time to process what he had seen and heard and then gave him a great opportunity to dictate the story properly. Just as in the book of the previous Gospels, John described some of the signs and wonders t hat Jesus performed. In addition to this, the book of John used many direct quotes from Jesus himself, thus proclaiming why Jesus did the things He did. There are a number of lessons that a reader can get from becoming familier with the Gospel of John. Jesus often answered questions that were posed by different people. He always had a parable to relate a teaching principle to. Acts The book of Acts was a narrative story because it detailed the happenings of the early church. This book was written by the Apostle Luke, who was also the author of the book of Luke. The key character of this book was Paul, or Saul as he was previously known as. At the beginning of the book of Acts, the revival at Pentecost is described. This was where Jesus sent the Holy Spirit down to be available to anyone who would trust in God. Throughout the next few chapters, many of the early Christians performed miracles to those who needed it the most. However, the rulers at the time, the Romans, persecuted many Christians and even killed people such as Stephen by stoning him to death. In spite of this, the numbers of Christians increased rapidly. In the key event of the book, Saul was on his way to Damascus to persecute some new believers. But, before he was able to reach his destination, Saul was met by the spirit of the Lord and had a conversion experience. After this, Saul changed his name to Paul and became the first well-known missionary to go out into the world. Hebrews The book of Hebrews was written by an anonymous author. Many historians think that Paul may have been the author, but this cannot be proven beyond doubt. This book is known as one of the epistles because it was written as a letter to the Hebrews. The main theme of Hebrews is a continuation of the teachings of Jesus that were previously found in preceding books of the New Testament. In the first chapter of the book, it was taught that Jesus was not an angel, but a servant from God. Throughout the middle chapters, a le sson was shown. Jesus is God, but became a man and is now our priest. In the Old Testament, priests killed animals so the people could be forgiven. Yet, Jesus chose to die Himself so God would accept His sacrifice and thus forgive us of our sins. In the penultimate chapter, the heroes of the faith are described along with the deeds that they did. Revelation The final book of the New Testam

Analyze the statements of each speaker. What does each statement imply Essay

Analyze the statements of each speaker. What does each statement imply regarding their views on the following legal philosophica - Essay Example George Wallace was the 45th Governor of Alabama and he was strongly in favor of segregation laws. He held opposite opinions from Luther King Jr. on human rights and believed that it was right for white and colored men to be treated differently. His opinion on civil movements was also not pleasing for civil rights activist. He called for an end to these movements. King’s views on Legal Philosophical Issues Natural law is the law that is based on human inclination or nature (Rothbard, M. 2011). Positive laws are manmade laws that are based on the fact that human beings are not inherently moral or rational so laws are required to govern them. Martin Luther King considered natural law to be more legitimate than positive laws. King considered the positive laws of segregation to be incoherent with natural law of freedom and justice. He said â€Å"We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their self-hood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating: ‘Fo r Whites Only.’† (Luther King Jr.). Segregation was supported by law and King argued against it because he thought it was against the natural laws of freedom. Luther King Jr. was of the opinion of St. Augustine that ‘unjust law is no law’ (MacDonald Jr. 2010). ... Law should be used to promote the common good as argued by King. He believed that it was our duty to follow the just laws. Just laws promote the common good among people by listening to the all groups of the society. He says in his speech â€Å"Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice† (Luther King Jr.). So he argues that laws should be changed. When he argues that laws should be changed he must believe that laws can be used to promote common good of the people. Martin Luther King Jr. believed in the non violent ways of protest. He was inspired by Gandhi and his philosophy of non violence. He believed that violence is not justified even if it is done to achieve a just claim. He said specifically â€Å"In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds† (Luther King Jr.). This clearly explains his non violent ideas. He strongly believed that harm done to people even in the course of protest for a just cause is not justified. The legal philosophy of King was to achieve the aims through peaceful protests and not physical violence. King viewed the role of autonomy to be great in determining aims of law. Autonomy was promised by the ancestors of America but this was not given to the black Americans. In his opinion aims of law were to promote autonomy but later on the society developed its own biases and prejudices. State intervention is argued by Stuart Mill but only in cases where a person inflicts harm or danger to the society (Dogan, A. 2006). King sees paternalism as undesirable as it hinders in achieving the aim of law and that is to promote freedom. Morality plays a role in determining aims of law according to Luther King Jr. The aims

Islam Today Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Islam Today - Essay Example With the destruction and chaos that came with the end of the colonial rule after World War 2, much of the Islamic world became the victim of corrupt regimes, religious extremism, and foreign intervention. As Edward Said put it: â€Å"In part, of course, that is because the Middle East, the Arabs, and Islam have continued to fuel enormous change, struggle, controversy, and, as I write these lines, war†. The political instability so much a part of much of the Islamic world stems from the instable atmosphere of many of these countries (especially the Arab ones) and the fact that they are home to most of the world’s oil supply. The oil brings the interest of many Western governments to do things that, if the oil was not there, they would probably not do. To that of course must be added that most people have the negative image of Muslims as terrorists and extremists largely due to their negative depiction in the media. There is â€Å"a striking lack of clarity and an atmosphere of incomprehension that can only generate suspicion and fear† (Ramadan 2007, p. 23). This situation is not helped by the fact that so many scholars in the West believe that Muslims are by nature â€Å"radical† and that Islam in general is incompatible with the West and/or globalization. In order combat these images and the potential conflict there is a lot people in Muslim countries could do. First and foremost Muslim governments should attempt to have their voice heard more clearly and more often in Western media. It is clear that Muslims have an image problem in the world’s media. There should be an organized effort to reach out to people to show them that Islam has much more to it than radicals and terrorists.

International trade, economic integration and international marketing Essay

International trade, economic integration and international marketing - Essay Example Today a large number of organizations carry out international marketing campaigns. This saves considerable costs as well as drives a global message. This has been supported by the use of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter for marketing which absolutely remove the international communication barriers. However, there are also several cultural impacts of international marketing. Either a firm has to adapt itself to the culture of the various international markets or it has to make sure that the consumers worldwide are able to connect to its marketing tools. When Chevrolet launched Chevy Nova in Mexico, it was rejected because of a negative meaning in the Spanish language. The same was the case with American Motors’ Matador. Therefore, it is important to respect the culture and language of the target countries in order to make a cultural impact on them. 3. Political and Financial risks in international marketing There are considerable risks in international marke ting especially in emerging economies. The economic scenario and performance in such countries is highly unpredictable. Therefore, a company may actually spend millions of dollars in its marketing efforts but its products may simply fail because of external economic factors not under its control. Thus, market research becomes extremely important for marketing in international markets. The financial risks in international marketing & operations are also dependent upon the level of control of a firm. Therefore, a firm involved only in exporting goods or services has the minimum risk from that point of view. The barriers would be less and so will be the sunk costs. However, the low degree of control may impact effectiveness of marketing. If a firm is in joint venture with... This essay stresses that market research becomes extremely important for marketing in international markets. The financial risks in international marketing and operations are also dependent upon the level of control of a firm. A firm involved only in exporting goods or services has the minimum risk from that point of view. The barriers would be less and so will be the sunk costs. The low degree of control may impact the effectiveness of marketing. If a firm is a joint venture with a local firm, the risk increases. The risk is maximum in case of direct investment by a firm in the international markets.Strategic marketing planning deals with the overall direction of the business in line with marketing. It is the role of marketing to establish links between the business and the customers. Firms use various strategies to enter international markets. One of them is the technical innovation strategy where they exhibit technically superior products as compared to competitors in internationa l markets. Other firms may prefer a product adaptation strategy where only modifications and upgrades are made to existing products and services.This paper makes a conclusion that some firms follow availability and security strategy for entry into international markets. They do this by designing an efficient supply chain and transportation network. Many firms also follow a low pricing strategy where the aim is to penetrate the market as early as possible. Lastly, a firm may completely copy an existing product for conformity to acceptable standards.