Tell me what you think of my philosophy paper:
Reviewed by Austin B. Conway
Kierkegaard, Purity of heart is to will one thing.
Purity of heart is to will one thing is, at its core a sermon and a very flushed one at that. While I wouldn't’t go as far as to refer to it as “life changing”, it defiantly strikes me as thought provoking. Kierkegaard takes the focus out of the “here” and “now” and sets it towards the conclusion of most things or the outcome if you will. Another theme constantly repeated throughout is that of repentance, but repentance before it seems too late.
I found that a very thought provoking image is perhaps one of the first that is painted. Overlooked by many, the preface concerning the woman doing the needle work is a relevant image portrayed through the rest of Kierkegaard’s Purity of heart is to will one thing simply because it deals with looking past or beyond what is just visible. It’s a powerful image because it is found to be so true; we do too often look at the basis of most things, just the outside. While in truth what we should really be doing is not only appreciate the time and effort that went into creating everything we view, but the items purpose as well. To take things at their base, and base only is not only an insulting outlook towards the maker of such item, but a hollow one as well. Kierkegaard made a wise decision by implementing this image due to the fact that it is a reoccurring theme throughout the entire reading that can be easily seen while reviewing/ taking a deeper look into the “Greater Good.” It can be simply seen that in Purity of heart is to will on thing that Kierkegaard wishes for his reader to strive for the ultimate goal, that being the ultimate good. It almost seems that everything that is done must feature that underlying “good” quality; that an act can’t simply be seen as simply an act, it most be seen more than what is visually apparent; it must have “good” at the core. This is relevant to the preface because, as the preface shows with the story of the woman with needle thread, nothing should be taken at face value, it should all have a purpose, and that purpose should be apparent even when it’s often overlooked.
Repentance and Remorse are, without a doubt two very prominent themes that Kierkegaard enjoys to play on as well as repeat countless times throughout the text. In Kierkegaard’s world it seems that there are no time periods where one can be freewill and crazy, and the next looking for repentance as well as forgiveness. Kierkegaard views remorse as a “wonderful power, so sincere is its friendship that to escape it entirely is the most terrible thing of all.” A “wonderful power” remorse is indeed, simply because a man without remorse is nothing much of a man at all. It is within the same chapter that Kierkegaard presents the idea of “Double Mindedness” to the reader. The “Double Mindedness” is seen as two guides who “beckon the man forward to the Good, while the other calls the man from evil.”(Kierkegaard) While to some this image may be seen as a “tug of war” between two forces I assure you it is not. The “two guides” represent the constant desire to do Good in almost every aspect of ones life; as well as to repent for past mistakes made along the way. While confusing, both “Guides” are essential to an achieving of Purity of heart, simply because “good” intentions never produce good results and if started down the wrong path it is very difficult to correct yourself if it seems you have nothing to correct yourself for. Kierkegaard regards the path of remorse to be the more important of the two because, as it can be interpreted through his readings that man can only find the wrong from the good through trial and error, and with every error of forgiveness from a certain party, whether that be man or eternal, is required. It is noted however that man to often seek forgiveness at the “eleventh hour”, the last possible chance for forgiveness so, it seems the most crucial time for remorse. This however, is not what Kierkegaard encourages; nothing should ever be put off this late, especially the path which is viewed to be the most important to Kierkegaard himself. This leads to the question, does man want true forgiveness, to truly repent for past mistakes or sins, or does he wish it selfishly for himself; knowing that it would be empty if he truly finds himself not sorry?
Kierkegaard focuses on an aspect that I simply and utterly disagree with; that being that all actions and decisions should be targeted towards one goal. Kierkegaard even seems to regard things that are not targeted towards this “one goal” as a waste of time. Having thought this over many times, I must simply disagree with this philosophy to reach Purity of heart. I find this philosophy towards life to be hollow, and simply unsupported. A life where everything is directed towards the “Good” I can live with, but when life is directed towards one single goal and ambition it strikes me as a waste. Here is where I find Kierkegaard lacking of an explanation. Does this one “goal” pertain to this “good”, no matter how it’s achieved as long as it is, or does your path need a set focus as well as objective to obtain the goal? Of course the means justify the end, but does the end need to justify the means? That question being posed, what happens to one who sets his life out towards one goal, and then fails to be able to obtain that goal, can he no longer achieve the good? Goals are always achieved temporary, yet the “Good” can be eternal.
I am hearby copy/pasteing a sample essay just to see how KMC's system works with paragraphs!
"A dog is man's best friend." That common saying may contain some truth, but dogs are not the only animal friend whose companionship people enjoy. For many people, a cat is their best friend. Despite what dog lovers may believe, cats make excellent housepets.
In the first place, people enjoy the companionship of cats. Many cats are affectionate. They will snuggle up and ask to be petted, or scratched under the chin. Who can resist a purring cat? If they're not feeling affectionate, cats are generally quite playful. They love to chase balls and feathers, or just about anything dangling from a string. They especially enjoy playing when their owners are participating in the game. Contrary to popular opinion, cats can be trained. Using rewards and punishments, just like with a dog, a cat can be trained to avoid unwanted behavior or perform tricks. Cats will even fetch!
In the second place, cats are civilized members of the household. Unlike dogs, cats do not bark or make other loud noises. Most cats don't even meow very often. They generally lead a quiet existence. Cats also don't often have "accidents." Mother cats train their kittens to use the litter box, and most cats will use it without fail from that time on. Even stray cats usually understand the concept when shown the box and will use it regularly. Cats do have claws, and owners must make provision for this. A tall scratching post in a favorite cat area of the house will often keep the cat content to leave the furniture alone. As a last resort, of course, cats can be declawed.
Lastly, one of the most attractive features of cats as housepets is their ease of care. Cats do not have to be walked. They get plenty of exercise in the house as they play, and they do their business in the litter box. Cleaning a litter box is a quick, painless procedure. Cats also take care of their own grooming. Bathing a cat is almost never necessary because under ordinary circumstances cats clean themselves. Cats are more particular about personal cleanliness than people are. In addition, cats can be left home alone for a few hours without fear. Unlike some pets, most cats will not destroy the furnishings when left alone. They are content to go about their usual activities until their owners return.
Cats are low maintenance, civilized companions. People who have small living quarters or less time for pet care should appreciate these characteristics of cats. However, many people who have plenty of space and time still opt to have a cat because they love the cat personality. In many ways, cats are the ideal housepet.
And there you have it folks, it is supprisingly not that Nactous wrote one giant paragraph, but that KMC made it one giant paragraph.
Disclamer: This essay is the view of whoever wrote it and does not neccissarily show the views of THE JLRTENJAC or JLRTENJAC INC. (I'm a dog person.)
Tell me what you think of my philosophy paper:
Reviewed by Austin B. Conway
Kierkegaard, Purity of heart is to will one thing.
Purity of heart is to will one thing is, at its core a sermon and a very flushed one at that. While I wouldn't’t go as far as to refer to it as “life changing”, it defiantly strikes me as thought provoking. Kierkegaard takes the focus out of the “here” and “now” and sets it towards the conclusion of most things or the outcome if you will. Another theme constantly repeated throughout is that of repentance, but repentance before it seems too late.
I found that a very thought provoking image is perhaps one of the first that is painted. Overlooked by many, the preface concerning the woman doing the needle work is a relevant image portrayed through the rest of Kierkegaard’s Purity of heart is to will one thing simply because it deals with looking past or beyond what is just visible. It’s a powerful image because it is found to be so true; we do too often look at the basis of most things, just the outside. While in truth what we should really be doing is not only appreciate the time and effort that went into creating everything we view, but the items purpose as well. To take things at their base, and base only is not only an insulting outlook towards the maker of such item, but a hollow one as well. Kierkegaard made a wise decision by implementing this image due to the fact that it is a reoccurring theme throughout the entire reading that can be easily seen while reviewing/ taking a deeper look into the “Greater Good.” It can be simply seen that in Purity of heart is to will on thing that Kierkegaard wishes for his reader to strive for the ultimate goal, that being the ultimate good. It almost seems that everything that is done must feature that underlying “good” quality; that an act can’t simply be seen as simply an act, it most be seen more than what is visually apparent; it must have “good” at the core. This is relevant to the preface because, as the preface shows with the story of the woman with needle thread, nothing should be taken at face value, it should all have a purpose, and that purpose should be apparent even when it’s often overlooked.
Repentance and Remorse are, without a doubt two very prominent themes that Kierkegaard enjoys to play on as well as repeat countless times throughout the text. In Kierkegaard’s world it seems that there are no time periods where one can be freewill and crazy, and the next looking for repentance as well as forgiveness. Kierkegaard views remorse as a “wonderful power, so sincere is its friendship that to escape it entirely is the most terrible thing of all.” A “wonderful power” remorse is indeed, simply because a man without remorse is nothing much of a man at all. It is within the same chapter that Kierkegaard presents the idea of “Double Mindedness” to the reader. The “Double Mindedness” is seen as two guides who “beckon the man forward to the Good, while the other calls the man from evil.”(Kierkegaard) While to some this image may be seen as a “tug of war” between two forces I assure you it is not. The “two guides” represent the constant desire to do Good in almost every aspect of ones life; as well as to repent for past mistakes made along the way. While confusing, both “Guides” are essential to an achieving of Purity of heart, simply because “good” intentions never produce good results and if started down the wrong path it is very difficult to correct yourself if it seems you have nothing to correct yourself for. Kierkegaard regards the path of remorse to be the more important of the two because, as it can be interpreted through his readings that man can only find the wrong from the good through trial and error, and with every error of forgiveness from a certain party, whether that be man or eternal, is required. It is noted however that man to often seek forgiveness at the “eleventh hour”, the last possible chance for forgiveness so, it seems the most crucial time for remorse. This however, is not what Kierkegaard encourages; nothing should ever be put off this late, especially the path which is viewed to be the most important to Kierkegaard himself. This leads to the question, does man want true forgiveness, to truly repent for past mistakes or sins, or does he wish it selfishly for himself; knowing that it would be empty if he truly finds himself not sorry?
Kierkegaard focuses on an aspect that I simply and utterly disagree with; that being that all actions and decisions should be targeted towards one goal. Kierkegaard even seems to regard things that are not targeted towards this “one goal” as a waste of time. Having thought this over many times, I must simply disagree with this philosophy to reach Purity of heart. I find this philosophy towards life to be hollow, and simply unsupported. A life where everything is directed towards the “Good” I can live with, but when life is directed towards one single goal and ambition it strikes me as a waste. Here is where I find Kierkegaard lacking of an explanation. Does this one “goal” pertain to this “good”, no matter how it’s achieved as long as it is, or does your path need a set focus as well as objective to obtain the goal? Of course the means justify the end, but does the end need to justify the means? That question being posed, what happens to one who sets his life out towards one goal, and then fails to be able to obtain that goal, can he no longer achieve the good? Goals are always achieved temporary, yet the “Good” can be eternal.
Let the weeping begin....
http://www.gamespot.com/news/6198627.html?tag=latestheadlines;title;1