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.

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.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a perfect memory? In the short story "Funes, the Memorious," Jorge Luis Borges explores just that. His character, Ireneo Funes, remembers everything he has ever seen in perfect detail, rendering him unable to think beyond the overwhelming details. Borges was a master of exploring infinity, and his literary style of "lo real maravilloso," known in English as Magical Realism, is evident in his body of essays, poems, and stories. He was an avid reader, and his image of paradise was an infinite library, an idea he brought to life in "The Library of Babel." Borges' work also explores the idea of condensing all of time into a single moment, as seen in "The God's Script." Reading Borges can give you a glimpse of infinity and inspire you to explore the depths of your own imagination.

Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett is a play that changed the face of modern drama. The play explores the existential conundrum of two characters, Estragon and Vladimir, who wait in vain for an unknown figure to give them a sense of purpose. The absurdists deconstructed plot, character, and language to question their meaning and share their profound uncertainty on stage. While this may sound grim, the absurd blends its hopelessness with humor. Beckett's unique approach to genre in Waiting for Godot, which he branded "a tragicomedy in two acts," reflects the characters' interactions filled with bizarre wordplay, repetition, and double entendres, as well as physical clowning, singing, and dancing, and frantically swapping their hats. Beckett reminds us that just like our daily lives, the world onstage doesn't always make sense. It can explore both reality and illusion, the familiar and the strange. The lack of any clear meaning makes Godot endlessly open to interpretation, keeping audiences guessing and increasing their fascination with his surreal worlds and enigmatic characters.

Metaphors are all around us, shaping our beliefs, attitudes, and actions in ways we don't even realize. They make the world "sting and tingle," bringing color and meaning to everyday life. But not everyone is a fan. Philosopher Thomas Hobbes compared the use of metaphors to lying. However, many of us use metaphors to express anything abstract. They help us understand complex ideas like heartbreak and time. But metaphors also play a huge role in political framing and social issues. The words we choose affect how we perceive and deal with these issues, potentially affecting our laws, politics, and treatment of each other. So, knowledge of metaphors is power. By exploring and understanding metaphors, you can gain a deeper understanding of the world around you and potentially impact it positively.

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.

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.

Dive into the mind of one of the most enlightened thinkers of the 20th century with E.F. Schumacher's classic, A Guide for the Perplexed. This timeless metaphysical work offers a series of meditations that illuminate the process of receiving the jewel of its teaching. Explore the depths of Schumacher's wisdom and gain a new perspective on the perplexing questions of life. Recommended for students of philosophy, theology, and metaphysics, as well as anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the human experience. Professionals in fields such as psychology, counseling, and social work may also find value in the insights offered by Schumacher. This work may be of particular interest to those who seek to understand the complexities of the world and their place within it.

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.

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!

As students, we often get caught up in the technicalities of language and forget to appreciate the history and meaning behind the words we use. The word "doubt" is a perfect example of this. The seemingly random letter "b" in its spelling has caused confusion for many of us. However, understanding the origins of this word can help us appreciate the connections between words and deepen our understanding of their meanings. By exploring the Latin root of "doubt" and its relationship to words like "dubious" and "indubitably," we can unlock a whole new world of vocabulary. Additionally, the connection between "doubt" and "double" highlights the dual nature of uncertainty - when we doubt, we are of two minds. By taking the time to delve into the history of language, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the words we use every day and expand our intellectual horizons.

Michel Foucault, a French philosopher, is a highly cited thinker of the 20th century. His work is particularly relevant today as it explores knowledge, truth, and power. Foucault believed that language and the structures that underpin it shape the way we see things, and he called this the ‘archaeological method’. He was also interested in understanding social structures and the complicated power dynamics at play, which he called the ‘genealogical’ method. Foucault would be fascinated by social media and how it can offer a voice to marginalized groups and, in some cases, even stir up revolution. However, he would also warn about how social media can trap people in echo chambers and how data harvested from our profiles is being used to control us without our knowledge. Foucault would encourage students to critically analyze the information they consume and to be aware of the power dynamics at play. By doing so, they can become active participants in shaping their own lives and communities.

Are you a bookworm who loves to read and analyze literature from different cultures and languages? Then the study of Comparative Literature might just be the perfect fit for you. This exciting field of study focuses on exploring the similarities and differences between literary works from different cultures, languages, and time periods. One of the most appealing aspects of Comparative Literature is the opportunity to explore a wide range of literary works from around the world. From Russian classics like War and Peace to contemporary African literature like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Americanah, the possibilities are endless. You'll gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and perspectives, and learn to appreciate the beauty and complexity of literature in a whole new way. But Comparative Literature isn't just about reading and analyzing literature. It's also a field of study that's constantly evolving, with exciting new research and innovations being made all the time. Scholars in this field are exploring everything from the role of literature in shaping political movements, to the impact of digital media on the way we read and write. At the undergraduate level, you'll typically take courses in literary theory, as well as modules that focus on specific genres, time periods, or regions. You might also have the opportunity to specialize in areas like translation studies or postcolonial literature. And if you decide to pursue further study, there are a wide range of potential specializations available, from medieval literature to contemporary film studies. So what kind of career can you expect with a degree in Comparative Literature? The possibilities are endless. You could become a literary critic or editor, work in publishing or advertising, or even become a translator for international organizations like the United Nations. Some notable employers in this field include the BBC, Penguin Random House, and the New York Times. To succeed in this field, you'll need to be a critical thinker with a strong passion for literature and culture. You should also have excellent communication skills and a willingness to explore new ideas and perspectives. So if you're ready to take your love of literature to the next level, consider studying Comparative Literature and see where it takes you.

The Canterbury Tales, one of the most esteemed works of English literature, seamlessly blends the lofty and the lowly in a collection of 24 stories told by a talkative cast of characters. Written in Middle English, the Tales are a vivid record of the different ways Medieval audiences entertained themselves. The varied dialects, genres, and literary tropes make the work a compelling read for everyone, with something for every reader. Chaucer uses the quirks of the characters' language to satirize their worldviews, and no level of society is above mockery. The Canterbury Tales is a great way to learn about the different social classes and the professional class of merchants and intellectuals that emerged in Medieval society. By reading and understanding this work, students can develop their critical thinking skills and gain a deeper understanding of the English language and its evolution.

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."

Do we think differently in different languages? This is the question that has been debated for decades and the answer is yes. Language affects the way we think and conceive the world around us. The structure of a language forces us to attend to certain aspects of reality that are relevant for a language. It gives us ready labels and helps us organise the world into identifiable categories. Learning a new language not only opens doors to different cultures but also provides a new perspective on the world. Cognitive diversity is at the core of human nature, and learning a new language can help us develop this diversity. So, if you want to broaden your horizons and become more grounded and in touch with your emotions, learn a new language. It will change the way you see the world and help you become an expert along a number of quite specific dimensions.

Edgar Allan Poe, an American author, is renowned for his macabre and innovative stories of gothic horror. But what makes him one of the greatest American authors? Poe's careful attention to form and style is what sets him apart. He identified two cardinal rules for the short story form: it must be short enough to read in one sitting, and every word must contribute to its purpose. By mastering these rules, Poe commands the reader's attention and rewards them with an intense and singular experience - what Poe called the unity of effect. Although he's best known for his short horror stories, Poe was actually one of the most versatile and experimental writers of the nineteenth century. An appreciation of Poe's career wouldn't be complete without his poetry: haunting and hypnotic. By exploring the paradoxes and mysteries of love, grief, and guilt, Poe's stories use violence and horror to delve into the true darkness of the human mind and its propensity for self-destruction. Reading Poe's work can help students develop their critical thinking skills and explore complex themes in literature.

Did you know that English has evolved through generations of speakers and undergone major changes over time? By tracing the language back to its ancient roots, we can discover its fascinating history. Old English, the language of Beowulf, belongs to the Germanic language family and was first brought to the British Isles by the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes. Viking invaders added more borrowings from Old Norse into the mix. Today, nearly 3 billion people around the world speak English, shaped by 6000 years of history. Learning about the evolution of English can help you understand the roots of modern English and the systematic similarities between related words in different Indo-European branches. This knowledge can benefit you both intellectually and practically, as it can improve your communication skills and enhance your understanding of the world around you.

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.

"Lord of the Flies" by William Golding is a literary classic that explores universal themes of morality, civility, and society. The novel satirizes conventions of its time and long-held beliefs about humanity, while also turning the colonialism trope on its head. The story follows a group of British schoolboys who are stranded on an island and must fend for themselves without adult authority. As they struggle to establish order and leadership, their darker urges and violent tendencies take over. The novel raises questions about the roots of human nature and the consequences of unchecked power. Reading "Lord of the Flies" will challenge your understanding of morality and society and encourage you to reflect on your own values.