My Teachers: Patricia (My Mother)
A native Floridan, my mother was country to the bone, and stuck in the cycle of wealth that comes with having a father in construction work. By eight years old she was practically independent, knowing how to cook, clean, fish, and hunt for herself. Raised with four other siblings she also knew learned to fight, a skill she still possesses today unfortunately. Although very opinionated and loud, she revels in respect for higher authority and demands the up most best from her children.
"Blood's thicker than water, but mud can get rid of both of them."
My Mother's twist on two classic quotes, was used during family crisis. It implies that though family and friends are important, they are not here forever. This quote reminds me to never hold a grudge, not be easily offended, and not let things separate one from whats truly important. Her ability to see past the petty squabbles that drown life like the ocean to the dilapidated cruiser, amazes me. Arguments have been dropped faster than they were started for someone in need, and it shows how empathetic she is. This is what I learned from my mother, the need to care for anybody in need at the risk of your own safety.
Monday, December 10, 2012
My Teachers #1
My Teachers: Michael (My Father)
My father was a city boy born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota; unfortunately making me a Vikings fan; he went military after college. He traveled for the first few years of marriage with my Mom, and still travels after resigning from the military. Currently, he works in Djibouti, Africa while my Brother, Mother, and I live in the states.
"Life's hard, truly a traumatic experience, for those who aren't good at it."
Life's cruelty seems to be the reoccurring theme of this blog (real positive), because it really is a mean world out there. My father raised me knowing this so he taught me to see adversary as not only a challenge, but as an insult. Insults are not taken lightly in my house hold, and are not left unquestioned. My dad also taught me to deal with my problems by just jumping into them, a lesson he taught metaphorically while throwing me off a bridge into water (his way of curing my phobia of heights, bridges, and deep water). My Father of the Year set the standard for facing my problems head on and I intend to stick to his lessons so that i can be "good" at life. My kids will also be getting this lesson taught to them, although maybe not in as drastic of a way as this.
My father was a city boy born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota; unfortunately making me a Vikings fan; he went military after college. He traveled for the first few years of marriage with my Mom, and still travels after resigning from the military. Currently, he works in Djibouti, Africa while my Brother, Mother, and I live in the states.
"Life's hard, truly a traumatic experience, for those who aren't good at it."
Life's cruelty seems to be the reoccurring theme of this blog (real positive), because it really is a mean world out there. My father raised me knowing this so he taught me to see adversary as not only a challenge, but as an insult. Insults are not taken lightly in my house hold, and are not left unquestioned. My dad also taught me to deal with my problems by just jumping into them, a lesson he taught metaphorically while throwing me off a bridge into water (his way of curing my phobia of heights, bridges, and deep water). My Father of the Year set the standard for facing my problems head on and I intend to stick to his lessons so that i can be "good" at life. My kids will also be getting this lesson taught to them, although maybe not in as drastic of a way as this.
Famous Americans #3
Famous Americans: Ernest Hemingway
America has bred some truly terrifyingly awesome men, whose life seems more like a action hero than true life. Top among this list is probably Ernest Hemingway, a writer/journalist by trade he was also a very notable soldier, drinker, fighter, and quite the ladies man (married five times). He was the original Overly Manly Man, though the evils of war took a strain on him and he took his own life in 1961.
"The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places."
The world's a harsh place, one bad day seem to have the tendency to snowball. Hemingway recognized this early in life and spent years detailing the horrors of life in his novels. He had been broken by life more times than i would care to count, but he preached that from these broken places greatness can be sown. I find this quote applicable to the hardships of my life now seek closure of those events, so that I can become strong at those places.
America has bred some truly terrifyingly awesome men, whose life seems more like a action hero than true life. Top among this list is probably Ernest Hemingway, a writer/journalist by trade he was also a very notable soldier, drinker, fighter, and quite the ladies man (married five times). He was the original Overly Manly Man, though the evils of war took a strain on him and he took his own life in 1961."The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places."
The world's a harsh place, one bad day seem to have the tendency to snowball. Hemingway recognized this early in life and spent years detailing the horrors of life in his novels. He had been broken by life more times than i would care to count, but he preached that from these broken places greatness can be sown. I find this quote applicable to the hardships of my life now seek closure of those events, so that I can become strong at those places.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Famous Americans #2
Famous American: Nikola Tesla
Maybe the most cheated inventor in U.S. history. Originally interning for a famous inventor he developed many inventions such as the light bulb, alternating current, and the Tesla Coil. His teacher, the famous Thomas Edison then patented Tesla's inventions as his own. Tesla was actually willing to forgive this, just for the right to at least have partial credit, but he was then sued into oblivion and put to shame in the scientific community. Only recently has evidence against Edison come to light, proving him of stealing not only Tesla's inventions but many other inventor's work.
"I do not think there is any thrill that can go through the human heart like that felt by the inventors as he sees some creation of the brain unfolding to success… such emotions make a man forget food, sleep, friends, love, everything."
Tesla's quote shows his dedication to his work, his desire to succeed and create. His drive is inspirational, he revolutionized the world just because he had a passion for inventing. I hope to feel this intensely about my dream one day, to be able to give everything I have for my dream. To be so committed I forget about food and sleep for it.
Source:
"I do not think there is... at BrainyQuote."Famous Quotes at BrainyQuote. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Dec. 2012. <http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quo
Maybe the most cheated inventor in U.S. history. Originally interning for a famous inventor he developed many inventions such as the light bulb, alternating current, and the Tesla Coil. His teacher, the famous Thomas Edison then patented Tesla's inventions as his own. Tesla was actually willing to forgive this, just for the right to at least have partial credit, but he was then sued into oblivion and put to shame in the scientific community. Only recently has evidence against Edison come to light, proving him of stealing not only Tesla's inventions but many other inventor's work."I do not think there is any thrill that can go through the human heart like that felt by the inventors as he sees some creation of the brain unfolding to success… such emotions make a man forget food, sleep, friends, love, everything."
Tesla's quote shows his dedication to his work, his desire to succeed and create. His drive is inspirational, he revolutionized the world just because he had a passion for inventing. I hope to feel this intensely about my dream one day, to be able to give everything I have for my dream. To be so committed I forget about food and sleep for it.
Source:
"I do not think there is... at BrainyQuote."Famous Quotes at BrainyQuote. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Dec. 2012. <http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quo
Famous Americans #1
Famous American: Mark Twain
Mark Twain is the American writer, he created the classic, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn which is the basis of American literature. Hemingway was once quoted saying just that. Later in life he became involved in politics and was famously anti-imperialist.
"Apparently there is nothing that cannot happen today."
Mark Twain's quote inspires the drive to do something remarkable. He is not saying this after some awe inspiring event, he is simply declaring that anything can happen. On a average day anything can happen, anything can be created. This one quote inspires tenacity, determination, and the want to be remarkable.
Source:
"Apparently there is nothing that... at BrainyQuote." Famous Quotes at BrainyQuote. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2012. <http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes
Mark Twain is the American writer, he created the classic, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn which is the basis of American literature. Hemingway was once quoted saying just that. Later in life he became involved in politics and was famously anti-imperialist.
"Apparently there is nothing that cannot happen today."
Mark Twain's quote inspires the drive to do something remarkable. He is not saying this after some awe inspiring event, he is simply declaring that anything can happen. On a average day anything can happen, anything can be created. This one quote inspires tenacity, determination, and the want to be remarkable.
Source:
"Apparently there is nothing that... at BrainyQuote." Famous Quotes at BrainyQuote. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2012. <http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes
Mockingbird #5
Words of Wisdom:
"Your father’s right," she said. "Mockingbirds don’t do one thing except make music for us to enjoy. They don’t eat up people’s gardens, don’t nest in corn cribs, they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”
Atticus first introduces it, but Miss Maudie explains the
biggest line of the book, how it is wrong to kill a mockingbird because it is
innocent. This line represents not only
the biggest conflict of the book, but also the biggest lesson to be
taught. It foreshadows several important
events in the book, from Tom Robinson’s conviction and death to Boo Radley’s
appearance. To kill a mockingbird is to
kill innocence, to wrongly convict a man, to take away a man’s peace and expose
him to the horrors of the world. The
lesson Jeb and Scout are to learn is that there is no reason to hurt an innocent
man, woman, or animal. Jem is first to learn this, as he stops Scout from
killing a roly-poly because it wasn’t hurting anything. But this lesson is more than protecting animals;
it’s the foundation of all the other lessons of the book. Standing up for what’s right, being able to
see other’s opinions, recognizing evil people, and forgiveness to those who wrong
you all branch from just being a moral person and not seeking to wrong those who
have not done anything. This quote
symbolizes the basis of human morality and empathy.
"Your father’s right," she said. "Mockingbirds don’t do one thing except make music for us to enjoy. They don’t eat up people’s gardens, don’t nest in corn cribs, they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”
Mockingbird #4
Words of Wisdom:
“I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what."
One of Atticus’s biggest lessons to his children is to stand
up for what’s right even if it’s not a popular decision. Atticus takes the Tom Robinson case knowing
it is futile, knowing that Tom would be sentenced to death and that he would be
ousted by the town, but he takes it anyways.
He says if he didn’t take this case he wouldn’t be able to even look his
children in the eyes, that’s how committed he is to being a role model to his
children. He wants his children to know
and be able to stand up for what’s right even at the risk of losing the life he
built. To see that even though it’s
impossible, a morally sound person sticks his or hers neck out for the
innocent. With this lesson in mind, I reflect
on all the evil in the world and see where righteousness is hidden by morally
grey people. That if people showed true
courage the world would be a safer place for all.
“I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what."
One of Atticus’s biggest lessons to his children is to stand
up for what’s right even if it’s not a popular decision. Atticus takes the Tom Robinson case knowing
it is futile, knowing that Tom would be sentenced to death and that he would be
ousted by the town, but he takes it anyways.
He says if he didn’t take this case he wouldn’t be able to even look his
children in the eyes, that’s how committed he is to being a role model to his
children. He wants his children to know
and be able to stand up for what’s right even at the risk of losing the life he
built. To see that even though it’s
impossible, a morally sound person sticks his or hers neck out for the
innocent. With this lesson in mind, I reflect
on all the evil in the world and see where righteousness is hidden by morally
grey people. That if people showed true
courage the world would be a safer place for all. Mockingbird #3
Words of Wisdom:
“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.”
As Atticus states, Scout needs to be able to see other's situations. This is a fairly popular idea, that one can never truly gain another’s perspective until one looks through their eyes. From the Bible text that states, treat thy neighbor as thy would like to be treated, to several other ancient country proverbs I have been drilled with. But as with the last post’s quote, it is a necessary lesson that must be taught to children. Atticus shows that he is a responsible parent by trying to guide his children to be the most responsible adults. As I stated before this lesson is taught constantly, but not taken seriously. Several characters in “To Kill a Mockingbird” are unaware of this lesson, the gossipers around town who constantly judge the Finch’s are a prime example. Their gossip hurts Scout and makes her angry at the town. Obviously this quote is a part of the words of wisdom because it teaches such an applicable lesson that is usually looked over. Without the ability to see into someone else’s situation the world would fall apart, it is the major factor in empathy. It is the reason we are able to create society and live within it without constantly murdering, burglarizing, and cheating each other.
“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.”
As Atticus states, Scout needs to be able to see other's situations. This is a fairly popular idea, that one can never truly gain another’s perspective until one looks through their eyes. From the Bible text that states, treat thy neighbor as thy would like to be treated, to several other ancient country proverbs I have been drilled with. But as with the last post’s quote, it is a necessary lesson that must be taught to children. Atticus shows that he is a responsible parent by trying to guide his children to be the most responsible adults. As I stated before this lesson is taught constantly, but not taken seriously. Several characters in “To Kill a Mockingbird” are unaware of this lesson, the gossipers around town who constantly judge the Finch’s are a prime example. Their gossip hurts Scout and makes her angry at the town. Obviously this quote is a part of the words of wisdom because it teaches such an applicable lesson that is usually looked over. Without the ability to see into someone else’s situation the world would fall apart, it is the major factor in empathy. It is the reason we are able to create society and live within it without constantly murdering, burglarizing, and cheating each other.
Mockingbird Quotes #2
Words of Wisdom
“You will not touch him,” Atticus said flatly. “I don’t want either of you bearing a grudge about this thing, no matter what happens.” Pg. 158
When Atticus tells Scout not to attack her bully, Walter, he
is trying to teach her not to hold a grudge especially not for something he is
doing. This is one of the several
lessons he tries to teach his kids in hope of making them into better
people. Bob Ewell was one to hold a
grudge, he hated the Finch’s for taking away the last bit of credibility he
had. He carries this hatred to his
grave, as he attacks Scout and Jem just to be killed by Boo Radley. Atticus realizes the potential lesson to be
taught and tries to engrave this lesson to his children to prevent his children
from being unmoral. These are words of
wisdom because one must live life without holding grudges so that they are not
weighted down by their grudge. I
remember an old saying I once heard, a man who kicks a stone only hurts his
foot. I feel like this holds truth about
life, that acts done in anger only come back as pain.
“You will not touch him,” Atticus said flatly. “I don’t want either of you bearing a grudge about this thing, no matter what happens.” Pg. 158
When Atticus tells Scout not to attack her bully, Walter, he
is trying to teach her not to hold a grudge especially not for something he is
doing. This is one of the several
lessons he tries to teach his kids in hope of making them into better
people. Bob Ewell was one to hold a
grudge, he hated the Finch’s for taking away the last bit of credibility he
had. He carries this hatred to his
grave, as he attacks Scout and Jem just to be killed by Boo Radley. Atticus realizes the potential lesson to be
taught and tries to engrave this lesson to his children to prevent his children
from being unmoral. These are words of
wisdom because one must live life without holding grudges so that they are not
weighted down by their grudge. I
remember an old saying I once heard, a man who kicks a stone only hurts his
foot. I feel like this holds truth about
life, that acts done in anger only come back as pain. Mockingbird Quotes #1
Words of Wisdom:
I chose this quote as my words of wisdom not for any advice
it gives, but for the lesson it teaches that just because something is
ultimately right, life has a way of corrupting men. Scout recognizes the awful truth of the world. As it says twelve church going men, who are
morally responsible members of society, convict an innocent man to death. But how can this happen, if these men were
good people how could they kill this man?
The world and it separate societies seem to have this effect on people
forcing them to turn a blind eye to justice to preserve the public’s
opinion. It seems impossible but unfortunately
the moral of a man is as fallible as the idea of the world being flat. This must knowledge must be taken into real
life and applied to avoid injustice. No
all people all bad, but there are several societies that are. In every evil regime, there are still
families, children, and real humans with hopes.
Their ideals molded to hate any threats to their societies normal. So these words of wisdom, represent a warning
for those who intend on sticking up for what’s right.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
1st post: Introduction
Home Page:
This blog is an assignment for my high school English class, in which we must find words of wisdom from the book "To Kill A Mockingbird', three great Americans (mine are Ernest Hemingway, Mark Twain, Nikola Tesla), and two great quotes from life teachers. I am a sophomore in a Florida High School and quite enjoy soccer, movies, and adjective clauses. My teacher, who is an amazing person, assigned us this project in hopes it would help us grasp the idea of the American Dream. This has been our subject for the past quarter, and has been interesting to see the history of America through ambitious eyes. It has also taught me the importance of perseverance though difficulty, and if i had to give advice to the reader it would be to never stop pushing yourself to your limits so that you can grow to be a better person.
This blog is an assignment for my high school English class, in which we must find words of wisdom from the book "To Kill A Mockingbird', three great Americans (mine are Ernest Hemingway, Mark Twain, Nikola Tesla), and two great quotes from life teachers. I am a sophomore in a Florida High School and quite enjoy soccer, movies, and adjective clauses. My teacher, who is an amazing person, assigned us this project in hopes it would help us grasp the idea of the American Dream. This has been our subject for the past quarter, and has been interesting to see the history of America through ambitious eyes. It has also taught me the importance of perseverance though difficulty, and if i had to give advice to the reader it would be to never stop pushing yourself to your limits so that you can grow to be a better person.
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