The Lost Truth The Western Civilization - 2828 Words

The Lost Truth: The Western Civilization was built by the Catholic Church It is not unusual for an average American to possess a negative view on the Catholic Church. Indeed, historians find it difficult to convince most people that the Catholic Church did not give rise to the cultural and intellectual retrogression experienced during the Middle Ages. Dr. Thomas E. Woods, Jr. wrote a book called â€Å"How the Catholic Church built Western Civilization† to demonstrate that the Church’s contributions to Western societies go past the aspects of music, arts and architecture. As the title suggests, the author goes beyond: The Catholic Church built Western civilization. Dr. Thomas Woods completed a Bachelor of Arts at Harvard University and a Ph.D. in History at Columbia University. He is also the author of 11 New York Times bestselling books. In this essay, there will be a synopsis of each chapter of Dr. Woods’ book. A detailed discussion of chapter 5 (The Church and Science) will also be included. Hope: â€Å"A Light in the Darkness† The beginning of the Middle Ages was marked by barbarian attacks in the West which resulted in an intellectual and cultural reversion. After the sack of Rome in 410, the Catholic Church tried to hold civilization together while seeking protection elsewhere. She eventually affiliated Herself with the Merovingian ruling family after successfully converting Clovis, the Frankish king in 481. When the Merovingian family experienced aShow MoreRelatedWhile Generally, People Aim For Truth In The Pursuit Of1540 Words   |  7 PagesWhile generally, people aim for truth in the pursuit of knowledge, differences in power hierarchy can inhibit the veracity of the new information. This paper seeks to analyze the effect of power relations on the production of knowledge in the case of the Middle East. To do so, the paper first reflects on the general manner in which power relations affect knowledge before proceeding to examine the case of the Middle East upon the colonial era of the Brit ish and French. Specifically, this paper arguesRead MoreWhos Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Articulates the Crises of Contemporary Western Civilization867 Words   |  4 PagesEdward Albees (1928) play Whos Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? (1961-62) exhibits concern with the crises of faith of contemporary western civilization. This thematic concern is rooted in two sources. First it establishes a link with the dramatists of the thirties such as Eugene ONeill (1888-1953), Tennessee Williams (1911-1983) and Arthur Miller (1915-2005). These dramatists had in their plays critiqued America as it moved from confidence to doubt. In a land of success they wrote obsessivelyRead MoreModern European History. Speaks of Paul Valery and what he meant by saying that Europe doubted itself profoundly828 Words   |  4 Pagesanxiety was created. People didn t know or what to expect anymore. They did not know what was going to happen after the war. They re so devastated by the war that many who were still alive lost faith and all hopes. Many intellectuals began to doubt the Enlightenment and even the future of Western civilization. This state of uncertainty and unpredictability brought out many modern philosophers of that time. One of them was a French poet and critic Paul Valery. He stated that Europe was lookingRead MoreHow Truth Was Defined By Medieval Europeans1696 Words   |  7 PagesEric Green Urban British Literature 1st 3 December 2015 How Truth Was Defined By Medieval Europeans In life majority of people believe telling the truth is the correct way of living. Truth has endured the world throughout time and is seemingly unanswerable to those who do not understand it because this subject appears in every culture. Truth goes along with universal questions such as what is beauty, justice, and power. And love but none have a direct answer because they are all dependent onRead More Modern European History Essay886 Words   |  4 Pagesanxiety was created. People didnt know or what to expect anymore. They did not know what was going to happen after the war. Theyre so devastated by the war that many who were still alive lost faith and all hopes. Many intellectuals began to doubt the Enlightenment and even the future of Western civilization. This state of uncertainty and unpredictability brought out many modern philosophers of that time. One of them was a French poet and critic Paul Valery. He stated that quot;Europe was lookingRead MoreThe Mosquito Coast Essay example1150 Words   |  5 Pages21st century world where the increase in technology and communication has lead to the homogenization of cultural values. The concept of navigating through these complexities is referred to by critic T. Friedman as â€Å"An inevitable process of western civilization battling forces of primitivism and localism† Which can be seen in the 1981 novel The Mosquito Coast (TMC) by Paul Theroux and the 2007 film Into the wild directed by Sean Penn (ITW) demonstrates the consequences brought by failure to adoptRead MoreWhy Do Ficers Consider Kurtz Unsound?1009 Words   |  5 Pagesthe need to destroy that contradicting factor. The way to achieve this was to kill Kurtz. The truths, mores, and general reality set forth by the officers is based on support from other, similar realities. Without that support structure found in civilization, the baseline reality of nature takes its place, and constructed civilized realities crumble. As Kurtz left the influence of civilization, his reality was destroyed, and in turn fell into the baseline of nature, with little of its previousRead MoreAnalysis Of Joseph Conrad s Heart Of Darkness1164 Words   |  5 Pagesbut also portrays through the Vietnam War, the contrasting misguided crusades of enlightenment that the supreme race forces upon savages. The reversed meanings amongst the colors and entangled description in Heart of Darkness shows how backwards civilization is through the need to enlighten or civilize the natives is flamboyantly flaunted in both the movie and book. Ultimately, both portray an allusion to Dante’s inferno and through comparing and contrasting the symbolisms and imagery effectively personifyRead MoreThe Greatest Question For Today s Christian1212 Words   |  5 Pagesbelieved that Christianity will ultimately die if not rooted in true foundational principles built upon the cornerstones of scriptural truths. There are two large threats to Christianity in today’s world. The most obvious and impending power of evil Webber argues to be the over whelming force of Radical Islam. While this book was written nearly 8 years ago, the truth still rings clear today, if not even more so. The threat of ISIS today leaves the human race scared of its own kind. Webber’s predictionRead More Cahills How The Irish Saved Civilization Essay737 Words   |  3 Pages Cahills How the Irish Saved Civilization Thomas Cahill opens his story describing Romes fall, â€Å"For as the Roman Empire fell, as all through Europe matted, unwashed barbarians descended on the Roman cities, looting artifacts and burning books, the Irish who were just learning to read and write, took up the just labor of copying all of western literature - everything they could get their hands on. These scribes then served as conduits through which Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian cultures were

The Neurobiological Factors Associated with Depression Essay

The Neurobiological Factors Associated with Depression Depression is a mood disorder that affects approximately ten percent of men and nearly twenty-five percent of women at least once in their lifetime (1). There are several types of clinical depression, such as unipolar depression and bipolar depression. Unipolar depression consists of primarily depressive states while bipolar depression involves a fluctuation between states of depression and mania (2). Some of the most common symptoms of depression include excessive feelings of sadness, guilt, or worthlessness, a significant change in appetite, insomnia or hypersomnia, energy loss, thoughts or attempts of suicide, and anhedonia (3), (4). While the symptoms of depression are†¦show more content†¦While some of the findings from these genetic studies are still preliminary, several investigations have indicated that the role of certain neurotransmitters, called monoamines, in depression is immense (7). Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that bind to receptors in order to excite or inhibit the firing of neurons (6). The Catecholamine Theory of Mood was proposed as a major explanation for the cause of depression in the 1960s by Joseph Schildkraut (7). Schildkraut suggested that a deficiency of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine at receptor sites caused depression while increased levels of norepinephrine caused mania. Some evidence for Schildkraut’s account was established by the success rate of monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor drugs, which block the reuptake of monoamines and facilitate the release of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and serotonin (8). Further evidence has been established by studies that found decreased norepinephrine levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of deceased depressed patients (5). More recently, drugs have been developed that selectively block the reuptake of norepinephrine by the presynaptic cell. It has been found in preliminary st udies that the level of depression decreases in these patients, which provides further evidence for the role of norepinephrine in depression. While empirical support for the Catecholamine Theory of Mood has grown substantially, evidence from more recent studies highlights theShow MoreRelatedIntroduction to Addictions and Substance Use Disorders Essay646 Words   |  3 PagesIntroduction to Addictions and Substance Use Disorders Cognitive-Behavioral Models The cognitive behavioral models say that incentives make way for the right conditions for the need for drug abuse. Drug use is associated with experiences such as self-exploration, religious insights, altering moods, escaping boredom or despair, enhancing creativity, performance, sensory experience or pleasure, and so on (Capuzzi Stauffer, 2012). Cognitive behaviorism has brought in appreciated data at the sameRead MoreNeurobiological And Biological Relationships Of Major Depressive Disorder1312 Words   |  6 PagesNeurobiological and Biological Relationships to Major Depressive Disorder Biological and neurobiological studies have become more and more closely correlated with mental disorders throughout the past decade of scientific progress. This paper aims to expound models that have contributed to our developing understanding of the origins of Major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment guidance, from both neurobiological and biological fields. It will also explore the implications, both positive and negativeRead MoreMajor Depressive Disorder Impacts Many People Worldwide1310 Words   |  6 Pagescharacterized by feelings of sadness accompanied by emotional and physical withdrawal, all thought to result from molecular and cellular abnormalities that interact with genetic and environmental factors. To date, no concrete neurobiological explanation exists to completely define, diagnose and treat this illness. Depression debilitates patients, society and economies. An estimated 14.8 million Americans (6.7% of the population) suffer from this disease, costing the eco nomy 83.1 billion US dollars annuallyRead MoreOutline The Processes Of Nociception1498 Words   |  6 Pages-Weak surrounding ankle muscles -Referred pain -Unable to fully weight bear -Reduced Passive Active range of motion Q (2b.) Explain how these factors might impact on her pain. Describe the likely neurobiological mechanisms involved. Relate to the Clinical Model of Pain. Linda may have psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, fear of moving her limb for it might cause more damage and due to her previous injury 2 years ago. Additionally, she is feeling quite disappointed andRead MoreStroke Accounts For 11.13% Of Total Worldwide Mortality1416 Words   |  6 Pagespatients stop taking their prescribed medication 1 to 2 years after their stroke incident [1][2][3]. These high rates of non-adherence are influenced by multiple factors such as patient’s cognitive characteristics, behavioral factors, social support and environmental-related factors (Einsiedel Eastlick, 2000). The consideration of these factors will give us a clearer insight in understanding non-adherence. The causes of non-adherence can be categories into ability, information and motivation (â€Å"AIM†Read More Traumatic Brain Injury Essay1983 Words   |  8 Pagesresponse to a perceived threatening stimulus and is frequently accompanied by negative affect, facial expressions described as hostile, temper tantrums, anger and a reported feeling of loss of self-control has been strongly associated with a range of adolescent physical and social factors such as peer rejection and lower social orientation , social skills problems starting fights, getting angry and physical abuse . On the other hand, Proactive aggression (PA) is pre-meditated, controlled or has the specificRead MoreExposure To Social Violence1134 Words   |  5 Pagesfindings showing that intra-familial ACEs (child abuse and household dysfunction) are associated with premature delivery (11–13) and low-birth weight (10,13). Furthermore, it spread out past research (23–25) by confirming the association between maternal history of adversities during childhood and depression during pregnancy. Our analysis adds power to the previous literature on the negative impact of social ACEs on depression. Previous research’s explored peer violence, which has shown that bullied adolescentsRead MoreThe Causes And Consequences Of Anxiety943 Words   |  4 Pagesfurther exploration of these beliefs by Carver and White (1994) will be explored. In addition to these, it is also suggested that anxiety is correlated to hippocampus and amygdala formation and volume, therefore, this idea will also be explored, other factors that may influence anxiety will also be discussed in order to consider other potential causes and consequences of anxiety. After review and consideration of this evidence, the question â€Å"To what extent can individual differences in anxiety be explainedRead MoreSymptoms And Symptoms Of Ptsd3334 Words   |  14 Pagesobserved to be comorbid in post-trauma patients. As PT SD is often considered the most severe manifestation of post-trauma psychopathology, this review will focus more specifically on the risk factors for developing PTSD and associated psychopathology in response to trauma exposure. Identification of risk factors for the development of PTSD could inform the optimal delivery of services and resources after trauma and disaster to those who are most likely to develop psychopathology and might benefit theRead MoreSubstance Misuse And Substance Abuse Essay1837 Words   |  8 Pagesmisuse behaviour characterised by a strong desire to continually take the drug in uncontrolled manner, which leads to withdrawal symptoms once the dosage of the drug is discontinued (Koob, Sanna Bloom, 1998). This disorder has its roots in both neurobiological and social processes (Galizio Maisto, 2013), this essay will critically discuss both the biological and social catalysts in which substance misuse initiates and leads to substance misuse behaviour, with r eference to the psychopharmacology of

The Good Earth’s Relationship Between Wang Lung and O-Lan Free Essays

The relationship between O-lan and Wang Lung is stabilized by O-lan’s hard work and resourcefulness, based largely upon a woman’s inferiority, and threatened by superficial tendencies. Their affiliation also ends romantically with the loss of love and is regretted, in the end, with sufficient sympathy. O-lan proves to be beneficial through means of outdoor labor. We will write a custom essay sample on The Good Earth’s Relationship Between Wang Lung and O-Lan or any similar topic only for you Order Now In the afternoon she took a hoe and a basket and these upon her shoulder she went to the main road leading into the city where mules and donkeys and horses carried burdens to and fro, and there she picked the droppings from the animals and carried it home and piled the manure in the dooryard for fertilizer for the fields† (Buck 29). O-lan also proves her helpfulness by performing household chores, to much of Wang Lung’s appreciation. â€Å"And she took their ragged clothes and with thread herself spun on a bamboo spindle from a wad of cotton she mended and contrived to cover the rents in their winter clothes† (Buck 29). Although this is true, Wang Lung’s gratitude towards O-lan appears repressed as he constantly hides his feelings for her in the beginning. The protagonist immediately becomes mortified by his affection for O-lan. â€Å"And then he was ashamed of his own curiosity and of his interest in her† (Buck 30). Wang Lung subsequently attempts to dissuade these thoughts. O-lan’s aid and usefulness obviously weakens the tension between both spouses and creates a more mutual, stable life at home. Arguments are rarely heard amongst the lips of either husband or wife. This may be due to O-lan’s unusual quietness. â€Å"But she never talked, this woman, except for the brief necessities of life† (Buck 30). This silence almost utterly terminates all heated conversations. However, it also enhances her appearance as a slave and overall working image. â€Å"But in the day her clothes, her plain blue cotton coat and trousers, covered all that he knew, and she was like a faithful, speechless serving maid, who is only a serving maid and nothing more† (Buck 30). Women, in ancient cultures are, as shown in The Good Earth, thought to be of lesser value than that of men. She was, after all, only a woman† (Buck 30). On numerous occasions, O-lan is treated as if she is a piece of property obtained by her new husband. â€Å"It seemed that during these next months he did nothing except watch this woman of his† (Buck 28). Wang Lung acts this way due to the environment in which he grew from, where both elders and men reign, leaving women at the bottom of the totem pole. Wang Lung’s uncle once questioned, â€Å"Have you not heard it said that in the Sacred Edicts it is commanded that a man is never to correct an elder,† (Buck 66). As the novel progresses, Wang Lung’s thoughts of his wife’s exterior begin to surface as superficial tendencies emerge. He complains of her horrid hair and rough features. â€Å"He saw for the first time that her hair was rough and brown and unoiled and that her face was large and flat coarse-skinned, and her features too large altogether and without any sort of beauty or light† (Buck 179-180). These cruel comments are the first slap in the face of O-lan, as Wang Lung’s manly instincts begin to kick in and he discovers beauty abroad. Lotus enters the story when Wang Lung gives into the temptation of lust. He buys her, despite the fact that he is a married man. Threatening the relationship between O-lan and Wang Lung, Lotus slowly tears the couple apart even more than they were before. Earlier in the novel, during the raid of an aristocrat’s home, O-lan finds many valuable gems within the walls. Once money becomes a necessity, Wang Lung asks for the gems in order to grant them to the House of Hwang in return for additional land. O-lan is allowed to keep only two of her choosing and she quickly decides on two pearls: And he was moved by something he did not understand and he pulled the jewels from his bosom and unwrapped them and handed them to her in silence, and she searched among the glittering colors, her hard brown hand turning over the stones delicately and lingeringly until she found the two smooth white pearls, and these she took, and tying up the others again, she gave them back to him. (Buck 157-158) These white spheres represent more than just the upcoming twins. They also symbolize Wang Lung’s love for O-lan, no matter how limited it may be. Once Wang Lung becomes completely entangled inside Lotus’s web of desire, he demands that O-lan give him the pearls at once so he could, in turn, award them to his concubine. This simple act may be construed as Wang Lung’s thievery of his affection for O-lan and Lotus’s gain in the matter. As O-lan begins to die, she utters a phrase that entirely reveals all of her inner thoughts. â€Å"Well I know I am ugly and cannot be loved—,† (Buck 277). These ideas show her lack in confidence that may have been even more destroyed with Wang Lung’s brutal behavior and harsh words. Wang Lung, however, felt guilt beyond measure and â€Å"wondered and grieved at himself most of all because what she said was true, and even when he took her hand, desiring truly that she feel his tenderness towards her, he was ashamed because he could feel no tenderness, no melting of the heart such as Lotus could win from him with a pout of her lips† (Buck 277). This not only serves as evidence of Wang Lung’s sympathy towards O-lan and his regret for everything that he induced. It also reiterates the fact that Wang Lung and O-lan’s relationship changed instantaneously as his feelings for Lotus blossomed. How to cite The Good Earth’s Relationship Between Wang Lung and O-Lan, Papers