Self Sufficient

Self sufficiency is important.  It allows one to get stuff done; to take care of business.  Getting tasks done is  important in life for very obvious reasons.  If we do not finish what we need to finish, we can get into trouble from our superiors.  For the readers who have never done anything wrong or who really have never left the house, trouble is bad.  Self sufficient also refers to providing for ones self.  For example, a self sufficient farmer grows his own food. Self sufficiency is usually good thing.  When we can provide for ourselves, there is no need to depend on others.  It could be considered moral or virtuous to be self sufficient.  This moral is that of not being dependent upon others, to not be sloth and lazy.  Self sufficiency is clearly beneficial to the individual, but it can have harmful effects on both global and macro economics.  If we do not need to get supplies from the local store, the store may not have enough business to survive.  If that business is not purchasing from the manufacturer, the manufacturer could meet the same fate for the same reason.  Self sufficiency is wonderful on small scale and personal levels, but in large communities and world wide, it could be disastrous. However, now that I reflect on the matter, what would global economy matter, if nobody needed to provide for others?  Self sufficiency was a staple value of transcendentalism.  We see an experiment in self sufficiency in Henry David Thoreau's Walden. Thoreau ventures to Walden Pond and builds his own house.  He lives off of the land and only eats the food he grows.  It is a very interesting experiment which I suggest you read.

Emerson quote

I am to reflect on a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson. The quote I will be reflecting on is:

There is a time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide; that he must take himself for better, for worse, as his portion; that though the wide universe is full of good, no kernel of nourishing corn can come to him but through his toil bestowed on that plot of ground which is given to him to till.

I truly like this quote.  I believe whole-heartedly in this statement.  I adore the first part of this statement: from the beginning to the word "suicide".  I have experienced this revelation in my life.  I have no clue as to why anyone would ever have the apathy to resign themselves to the "suicide" that is imitation.  To imitate others throughout  life is to give up the individuality that defines the legacy of an individual.  To lose this legacy is to be lost in history, without this legacy, there is no accomplishment.  I feel as Achilles does in the movie Troy.  Life is not worth living if I do not carry on in legend.  Personally it is my ultimatum to be remembered for my achievements in life. One of the thing I hope to accomplish is to revolutionize science or social thought.  I like to believe that my thoughts and ideas are individual and sensible enough to be comprehended by the masses. I believe that my own philosophies and thoughts could truly change the world.  I want to be remembered.  Imitation is suicide.  To only copy the work of others, is to forfeit the chance to be remembered: to have the legacy that will carry your name through history.  Emerson is absolutely correct, and this quote is beautiful.

Snow

Snow is white and falls from the sky.  It can only exist when it is less than 0 C outside.  Snow is frozen water, ice, formations that fall from the sky when precipitation occurs. I like snow it is fun to play in because you can ball it up and make snowballs to throw at friends. You can also go sledding on snow.  Snow in physical form is enjoyable.  However, in literature, I hate snow.  Snow is always being used as a metaphor for something.  It is never just snow. In Elie Weisel's Night it represents the oppression of war.  Snow blankets the town.  This blanket is also a feeling of comfort because the Mayor says he likes the scent of snow.  Snow acts as so many different metaphors; it is ridiculous.  Snow can be a blanket, comforting and warm; a shadow of cold, like in Night; happiness and youth, when playing in the snow; or rebirth, with spring after winter. The sea is like this too the ocean usually refers to some emotional vastness, like sadness; or perhaps like a vastness of opportunity.  I like seeing metaphors in literature; it adds a wonderful depth to the effect of the story.  Anyhow, back to snow.  recently in class we read a poem where snow dusting a grave, putting resolution to the death of the deceased. I think the snow also put a shroud on the matter, allowing the narrator to forget the matter. Snow is a very versatile metaphor. I really believe it can do anything.

A Poem

Upon a dreary winter day I slept.
I rose at dawn and coaxed my sleep away.
I dressed myself and prepared for the day.
I put on my shoes and put on my hat.
Out doors I left to leave my troubles behind.