Hamlet, one of Shakespeare's most famous plays, is a tale of conspiracy, deception, and moral ambiguity. The play revolves around the protagonist, Hamlet, who is haunted by his father's death and unsure of what might be lurking in the shadows. When he's visited by a ghost that bears his father's face, he's convinced that his uncle Claudius usurped the throne and stole Queen Gertrude's heart. Hamlet's indecisiveness and endless questioning raise the question of whether his madness is part of a performance to confuse his enemies or if he's on the brink of insanity. The play highlights the consequences of human error and the ripple effect of toxic mind games. Studying Hamlet's character can help us understand the complexities of human nature and the importance of making decisions. Shakespeare's use of introspective language and melancholic monologues is breathtaking and can inspire us to explore our own existential dilemmas.

As students, you may often wonder about the purpose of human life. The concept of Aristotle's Ergon Argument can help you think more clearly about this topic. Ergon (ἔργον) is the Greek term for "work" or "function," and Aristotle argues that every living thing has a specific ergon, or function, that corresponds to its excellence or virtue. For humans, our unique capabilities of reason and language are what define us and give meaning to our lives. Through cultivating friendships and social relations, controlling our appetites and emotions, developing moral and intellectual virtues, and exploring the nature of the universe, we can exercise our highest and most godlike capabilities. By learning about these concepts and exploring them through reading, reflection, writing, and self-directed projects, you can discover your own unique capabilities and pursue a fulfilling life that is truly your own.

Existentialism is a philosophy that encourages us to create our own lives, values, and selves. It argues that we are born without a destiny and must take responsibility for ourselves, which can lead to despair and anguish. However, this philosophy also highlights the importance of making the right choices in life, both for ourselves and for others. It encourages us to ask the big questions: Why are we here? How can we make a difference? How should we really live? Despite its origins in post-war Paris, existentialism remains relevant today as we struggle to find genuine meaning in our lives. By exploring this philosophy, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

Emily Dickinson's poetry is a true masterpiece that captures the essence of the human soul in just a few lines. With unconventional techniques, such as dashes and off rhymes, Dickinson's writing style strongly influenced modern poetry. Her reflections on life, death, love, and nature are deeply resonant, making her one of America's greatest poetic geniuses. Explore the landscape of the human soul through Dickinson's tightly controlled emotional and intellectual energy, and discover the power of her idiosyncratic style. Recommended for literature enthusiasts, aspiring poets, and anyone interested in exploring the depths of the human experience. This book is particularly relevant to those studying English or creative writing, as it showcases Dickinson's innovative use of rhythm and meter. It may also appeal to those interested in philosophy, psychology, or spirituality, as her poetry delves into themes such as life, death, and the human condition. Additionally, this book may be of interest to those who appreciate nature and its role in inspiring artistic expression.

Greek tragedy is a classic story pattern that has captivated audiences for thousands of years. It involves a tragic hero who is elevated in rank and ability, but also relatable. The hero has a tragic flaw, such as ambition or excessive pride, that leads to a critical mistake and their downfall. This pattern is seen in works such as Sophocles's "Oedipus Rex," where the tragic hero's mistake is made in complete ignorance. The point of these tragic events is to evoke fear and pity in the audience, allowing for emotional release and purification. Learning about these principles can help students understand the allure of storytelling and the importance of character flaws. It can also serve as a reminder that no matter how bad things get, at least you didn't kill your father and marry your mother.

Discover the fascinating story of Damaris Cudworth Masham, a brilliant feminist philosopher who defied societal norms and formed a close bond with Enlightenment thinker John Locke. Her work challenges traditional views on women's roles in intellectual pursuits and sheds light on the challenges faced by women in philosophy.

The Hero's Journey is a cycle that begins and ends in an ordinary world but passes through an unfamiliar, special world. It involves a call to adventure, assistance, departure, trials, approach, crisis, treasure, result, return, new life, resolution, and status quo. Many popular books and movies follow this formula, including Harry Potter, Katniss Everdeen, and Frodo. The Hero's Journey is a myth that exists in all human cultures and keeps getting updated because humans reflect on their world through symbolic stories of their own lives. By understanding this formula, you can learn to leave your comfort zone, have an experience that transforms you, and then recover and do it again. You don't literally slay dragons or fight Voldemort, but you face problems just as scary. Joseph Campbell said, "In the cave you fear to enter lies the treasure you seek."

In her latest book, "Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Can Make Us Whole," author and researcher Susan Cain explores how embracing the melancholic side of life can lead to creativity, connection, and transcendence. Discover how listening to sad music and experiencing bittersweet states of mind can be intimately connected to the most sublime aspects of being human, including awe, wonder, and spirituality.

Studying literature involves finding deeper meaning in a text, which can seem daunting at first. However, there are two crucial thinking steps that can help you get there: practicing insight and acknowledging complexity. Insight is the ability to arrive at an intuitive understanding of a big idea using only small clues to get there. Acknowledging complexity means exploring each facet of your subject carefully and making sure to consider multiple influences on events. By practicing these skills, you can access big ideas that reveal the deeper meaning of a story. These skills help you understand the complicated nature of the human experience, which allows you to access ideas like the parameters of maternal instinct, the consequences of injustice, and the question of whether or not ethics can even exist in a corrupted moral system. By taking the time to practice insight and acknowledging complexity, you will be able to write an amazing essay about literature.

Hedonism is a philosophy that advocates living life to experience pleasure and avoid pain. The word comes from the ancient Greek word for pleasure, and some of the earliest recorded hedonists were Greek philosophers. However, the best human condition for Epicurus, a famous philosopher, was a state of tranquility. He believed that small pleasures were more likely to bring us tranquility than earth-shattering pleasures. The key academic concept here is the importance of moderation and the idea that more modest pleasures can be easier to find and bring less pain in the long term. By understanding this concept, students can learn to focus on achieving contentment and tranquility in life, rather than constantly seeking out extreme pleasures that may be difficult to find or afford. This can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life, both intellectually and practically.

The story of Psyche and Cupid teaches us about the power of love and the importance of facing our fears. Psyche's beauty was both a blessing and a curse, but it was her bravery that ultimately led her to true love with Cupid. Along the way, she had to complete impossible tasks and face the unknown, but she persevered with the help of the unseen voice. Through her journey, Psyche learned that love can conquer all, even when it seems impossible. As students, we can learn from Psyche's determination and courage to face our own challenges and pursue our passions. By taking risks and embracing the unknown, we can discover our own strengths and find fulfillment in our academic and personal lives.

Comedy is a complex and fascinating subject that has been studied by philosophers throughout history. It defies definition because it challenges the very concept of definition itself. Comedy is not just about truth or lies, it's about the contradictions and incongruities that exist in the world and in ourselves. By exploring comedy, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world and ourselves. Comedy has a social function, helping us to adapt and correct our rigid thinking. It's a kinetic, vital force that can disrupt the order we project onto the world and reveal the flaws and conflicts in our supposedly ordered system of truths. Studying comedy can help us to think critically and creatively, and to appreciate the pleasurable, edifying revelation of flaws and incongruities.

Emily Dickinson's poem "Because I could not stop for Death" is a captivating exploration of life's ultimate journey. The poem takes us on a ride in a carriage with Death, passing by schools, fields, and the setting sun. Dickinson's use of metaphor and imagery invites us to reflect on the inevitability of death and the fleeting nature of life. By exploring this poem, students can develop critical thinking skills, expand their understanding of poetry, and gain a deeper appreciation for the power of language. The poem also encourages us to reflect on our own lives and values, inspiring us to live with purpose and intention. Overall, studying Dickinson's work can help students develop their intellectual curiosity, creativity, and empathy, making them better equipped to navigate the complexities of the world around them.

Discover the secrets to happiness with Tal Ben-Shahar's groundbreaking book, "Happier". As the teacher of Harvard's most popular course on the subject, Ben-Shahar combines scientific studies, scholarly research, self-help advice, and spiritual enlightenment to create a set of principles that can be applied to daily life. You'll learn how to open your heart and mind to feel more fulfilled, connected, and ultimately, happier. With endorsements from experts in mindfulness and positive psychology, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to improve their well-being. Recommended for students, professionals, and anyone interested in personal development, "Happier" offers insights into the science behind happiness and practical advice for achieving it. The book draws on a range of fields, including positive psychology, self-help, and spirituality, making it relevant to those studying psychology, philosophy, and religion. It is also useful for professionals in fields such as counseling, coaching, and human resources. However, the book's accessible style and relatable anecdotes make it appealing to anyone seeking to improve their happiness and overall well-being.

Some philosophers have argued that attaching a "gender" component to the "affordance theory" may shed light on the causes of household labor inequality. The study argues that men and women are trained by society to see different possibilities for action in the same domestic environment, leading to unequal distribution of household chores. The authors believe that societal interventions, such as extended paternal leave, can alter these deep-seated gender divides.

Franz Kafka's writing is known for exploring the absurdities of modern bureaucracy, but it is so much more than that. His stories act as a form of mythology for the modern industrial age, employing dream logic to explore the relationships between systems of arbitrary power and the individuals caught up in them. The humor rooted in the nonsensical logic of Kafka's situations is accompanied by a bleakness that reflects our own shortcomings back at us. By fine-tuning our attention to the absurd, Kafka reminds us that the world we live in is one we create and have the power to change for the better. Learning more about Kafka's work can benefit students intellectually by expanding their understanding of the power dynamics at play in society, and practically by helping them navigate the increasingly convoluted systems of administration that have real consequences on every aspect of our lives.

Step into the world of ancient Greek tragedy with Sophocles' Oedipus Rex. Dr. Lisa Marie Portugal's 2018 edition offers a fresh take on this timeless play, exploring themes of fate, free will, and the consequences of unchecked power. With school discounts available, this edition is perfect for students looking to delve into the classics or for teachers seeking to incorporate new and personalized compilations into their curriculum. Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore this captivating work and its enduring relevance to modern society. Recommended for students of literature, history, and philosophy, as well as anyone interested in exploring the timeless themes of fate, free will, and the consequences of unchecked power. Sophocles' Oedipus Rex is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the foundations of Western thought and the enduring relevance of Greek tragedy. Dr. Lisa Marie Portugal's 2018 edition offers a unique and personalized compilation of this classic work, making it an excellent resource for teachers looking to incorporate new material into their curriculum. With school discounts available, this edition is the perfect addition to any classroom or personal library.

Quietism is a Christian philosophical concept that emphasizes disconnection and contemplation over frantic action. It is a state of calmness or passivity that can be seen within many other religions and is alive and well in modern philosophy. Quietism is an important antidote to the age of overload we find ourselves in, and its influence can be seen clearly in the sea of mindfulness apps on offer. Learning about quietism can help students to find a state of calmness in their lives and to connect with their being rather than what they are doing. By understanding this ancient historical concept, students can gain a better understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Do you ever wonder about the stories and poems from thousands of years ago that still captivate us today? Ancient literature is a treasure trove of rich, timeless tales and powerful, thought-provoking works. Academic terms such as epic, tragedy, and mythology are integral parts of the study of ancient literature. An epic is a long narrative poem that typically recounts the deeds and adventures of a legendary hero or heroes. The Iliad by Homer is considered one of the greatest epic poems in Western literature and explores the themes of heroism, pride, and the consequences of war. On the other hand, a tragedy is a play or literary work that depicts a serious and often catastrophic event, usually resulting in the downfall of the protagonist. Oedipus Rex by Sophocles is a prime example of a tragedy and explores the themes of fate, destiny, and the consequences of actions. Mythology refers to a collection of traditional stories, usually of supernatural beings and events, that serve to explain the beliefs, customs, or natural phenomena of a particular culture. Ancient Greece and Rome were rich in mythology, with stories such as the tale of King Midas and his golden touch, or the story of Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, still captivating audiences today. Leading academics in the field of ancient literature have made significant contributions to our understanding of this rich and diverse genre. Classical scholar Mary Lefkowitz has studied the impact of ancient Greek literature on modern Western culture, particularly the way in which ancient myths and stories continue to influence contemporary society. Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, on the other hand, has written about the eternal themes found in ancient literature and their relevance to contemporary life, such as the timeless struggle between good and evil, the search for meaning and purpose, and the consequences of human actions. These leading academics have helped to deepen our understanding of ancient literature, its themes, and its impact on modern society. By studying the works of these experts, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the timeless and universal nature of ancient literature and its continued relevance today.

Morality is a concept that has intrigued and confounded humans for centuries. At its core, it refers to the principles or values that guide human behavior and differentiate right from wrong. But what exactly makes an action moral or immoral? How do different cultures and societies define morality? What role do emotions and reason play in moral decision-making? These are some of the questions that continue to challenge and fascinate academics in the field of moral philosophy. One interesting fact about morality is that research suggests that it may be innate to humans. A study conducted with infants showed that even at a very young age, babies display a preference for characters who help others over those who hinder them. This suggests that a sense of morality may be hard-wired into our brains from birth. Another area of interest for moral philosophers is the role of emotions in moral decision-making. For example, the moral philosopher Jonathan Haidt has argued that emotions such as disgust and empathy play a crucial role in shaping our moral judgments. He has proposed a theory of moral foundations, which suggests that there are several innate moral instincts that guide human behavior, including care/harm, fairness/cheating, loyalty/betrayal, authority/subversion, sanctity/degradation, and liberty/oppression. Academic terms and concepts relevant to the study of morality include deontology, consequentialism, virtue ethics, and moral relativism. Deontology is a moral theory that emphasizes the intrinsic value of certain actions, regardless of their consequences. Consequentialism, on the other hand, evaluates the morality of actions based on their outcomes. Virtue ethics focuses on the character traits that lead to moral behavior, while moral relativism holds that morality is relative to the culture or society in which it is practiced. One leading academic in the field of morality is Peter Singer, who is best known for his work on animal rights and effective altruism. Singer's influential book "Animal Liberation" argues that animals have moral value and should be treated with the same respect and consideration as humans. He has also written extensively on the concept of effective altruism, which involves using reason and evidence to determine the most effective ways to help others. Remember, exploring academic topics independently can be a rewarding and enriching experience. Don't be afraid to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and seek out diverse perspectives. Happy exploring!