INSTRUCTIONS:
Any Assignments, Ideas, Annotations, Epiphanies, Comments, Questions, etc... for this entire week go here.
PLEASE label whatever you post at the beginning of your post so that we know what of the above (or other) categories it belongs to.
ALSO label what class it is for.
For Example:
Some Random Comments for World History from Bob Jones:
[then type whatever you want]
or
Andy Groft's Notes and Ideas from Chapter 1 of The Illiad (World Lit):
[then paste them from your word processor here]
or
Kira Edwards just checking in with ALL of the WA Upperclassmen:
[type here]
or
James Simmerman's Poetry Assignment #1 for World Literature:
ETC...
-Dr. Groft
My freeflow writing assignment from Sep 1 about deep roots.
ReplyDeleteI need to have deep roots and be a judge because to have deep roots is to have a 'deep' education. I need an education like that for me to have a good career in order to provide for my future family, to understand all aspects of life from a more 'scientific' standpoint, and I need to have mt roots go deep in history (which comes from the latin word "idtor" which means "root'' and is another title for a judge) in order to know how to prepare for and what to do in the present and future, because "the best preparation for understanding the problems of the present [and future] is to study history - for you will discover what the nature of humankind truly is" (Will Durant> Heros of History> Introduction> pg. 12)
And I must have deep rots in history, in life lessons, of what is right and wrong & spiritual matters, and as many other subjects as I can, because as a judge I need to judge my life in order to improve myself, to judge people in order to choose wisely my friends and associates, and to judge what and how to make decisions as a leader.
Andrew Blake
and that was for World History
ReplyDeleteSomething that stuck out to me while reading Hero's of History for WH was in the Introduction on page 12; where it talks about Will Durant receiving the Medal of Freedom, and the part directly after where it says "he was a philosopher who fought for clarity rather that reputation," (the medal of Freedom is the Highest award that the US government can give to a private citizen). I think that people naturally would rather revere a good and humble statesman like him than a stuck up celebrity that's all about him or herself.
ReplyDeleteI also like in the middle of the next page where it says about the book being lessons of heritage for the benefit of future generations, and a keyhole through which we can see "a celestial city, a Country of the Mind, wherein a thousand saints, statesmen, inventors, scientists, poets, artists, musicians, lovers, and philosophers still live and speak, teach and carve and sing." which is the principle of Author Mentors; and I think that we should use this keyhole to the best of our ability.
One other thing I found interesting is in chapter 1, on pages 18 and 19. It encyclopedically shows that the rise and fall of Nations (economically and in the sense of being in Existence), communities and individuals is directly connected to their moral standards and where their Allegiance lies, whether it be in God, Self, Others (including other Things), or Evil.
And by the way, muchos gracias for WH class, it's great. Andrew Blake
My free-flow writing assignment for World History:
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, to be a judge of one or many things, such as character or law, I need to be wise, and as far as I’m concerned to be wise I need to have strong healthy roots planted in rich soil. If I do not have rich soil or healthy roots, I will wither morally, and I will be an un-just judge and I will and I will be un-wise.
I believe that I am already on the path to becoming a wise judge, who has healthy strong morals or in this case, healthy strong roots. God has blessed me with all the tools I need to create strong roots, and cultivate healthy soil. All I need to do is choose to follow and use the tools He has blessed me with. Choosing to use those tools (i.e. scriptures, prayers, commandments, and the atonement, etc.) is one of the most important choices I will make, just as learning how to use those tools is just as important.
God understands that in this day and age I need to be a good judge, and I need to be wise, which is one reason why it is so important for me to learn how to choose to use the tools given to me by the grace of God.
Roots are important—roots are critical for me as a human being to fulfill the mission God has granted me. Without my roots, my morals, my history, I would not be able to fulfill the great mission God has given me. Like a tree, without my roots I would wither and die morally, spiritually, and almost physically and mentally.
God has granted us the opportunity to be wise judges of ourselves, and sometimes in the right situation, of others. I hope that I will always stay true to my roots, and be a wise judge.
Andrew G.'s free flow
ReplyDeleteIf I am to be wise, to be a judge, a sage of wisdom; I need to have roots. A strong foundation in solid soil that is nurtured throughout the years. I must start now. When my posterity is just beginning to sprout their roots, when their leaves are just beginning to explore the world, and when the winds try to tear their plant stalk to the ground; I must be a full grown tree reaching out to help them up as my strong roots and base holds me up to protect others from the forceful winds.
I start now by delving myself in books; books of history, philosophy, and of God. If our future becomes our history, can history predict the future? Can we find patterns in the past that reveal ways of the future? YES! Through my study of the past and my dedication to education my roots will go deep and I will go far with my knowledge of the past leading the way.
My example of being a scholar and my foundation in solid classics will affect the people I’m with. The knowledge taught to me from the books will allow me to have the freedom of clear thinking, reasoning, and connecting. With this I may be wise, a judge, and a sage of wisdom.
~Greenman
John Peterson's free-flow assignment
ReplyDeleteThinking of men who are wise and well versed in history one that I think of often, Glenn Beck shows an attitude of one starving for a knowledge of past happening so as to make connections with modern events. While he expands his knowledge of the past he also acts as a student mentor, sharing his findings so that others can also gain a true understanding of correct principles and modern fallacies. Glenn’s research and clarity of presentation on the true benefits attached the Healthcare law, leave me amazed at the horrors placed in such a law. When Beck spoke up opposing the Freedom Flotilla’s mission that was a so called humanitarian effort but was not well intentioned, I was brought to realization of the true hatred towards the Israelis. With His look into President Obama’s life, I knew that the presidents indoctrination started at such a tender age that it would be difficult for him to choose principles of freedom later down his path. Because Glenn was rooted in truth I’ve been inspired for the root of truth. Because Glenn has a vision for truth I’ve been inspired for the vision of truth. Because of Glenn’s undertaking of truth I’ve been inspired for the root of truth. Beck’s truth now allows him to unite people in a movement that promotes a true change in mens minds. Through the problems and mockery he receives he continues unceasingly. Glenn is a teacher sharing truth and encouraging action. But, He can’t always be around to point through to truth. If I study and use the principles of Marx, Plato, Freud, Aristotle, Skousen, and the most important Jesus Christ. Christ is the source of truth. He is the source of happiness. He is the Prince of Peace. He is Wisdom. Through Christ our wisdom can be enhanced and we can know which of the Great philosophers speak truth and which lies. While Glenn Beck learns from the philosophers he only proclaims that Christ is the only way for us to repent and at last live in peace with God. I feel that I, as well as other youth, can truly educate and indoctrinate ourselves with principles of happiness. We can begin to share pitfalls and truth with others, we can help to create an environment of learning where truth is circulated.
Free-flow for World History.
ReplyDeleteZach Peterson free flow writing assignment-World History
ReplyDeleteIt is important for me as a youth to be a judge and a root as I look at were our country is heading with the recent health care and financial reforms passed by congress. As the left wing has driven our economy in to ruins I see the importance of gathering knowledge of where we are headed if we do not change course. We definately need to change direction, but is there still time to do so?
The direction we are headed is one of a loss of freedom. I have a responsibility to be well educated in matters of government because when the current adult generation is gone we will be leading tomorrow’s world. It is my responsibility as a citizen of this country to stop all loss of constitutional freedom.
How do we turn this around and how can my becoming more educated help? As youth of tomorrow we are being used as pawns to bring an end to this nation. I am not a pawn if I refuse to close my eyes to what is taking place around me. I have a responsibility to encourage others do the same. We must fight to reverse the further spread socialism. As we educate ourselves and stand up for the principles our founding fathers built this nation on.
Through the learning process we must read and study books of philosophy and history in an attempt to figure out solutions to this great dilemma we have put ourselves in. Yes we do have to study philosophy and history but we have to make sure that they contain good principles of government and freedom this is the kind philosophy we need to study. We also need to study the socialistic view to be familiar with their argument, we also need to be well grounded in good principles.
Crystal Schulmire
ReplyDeleteFree flow writing assignment for World History:
Everyone has a mission to fulfill in this life. We were given different talents each so we can fulfill that mission.
However, just having that talent is not enough, I may be a good people person, but how do I use, shine and buffer that gift? To be the leader, mentor and friend I am meant to be.
I have a purpose here, and to fulfill that purpose, I need roots. I need to better myself both academically, as well as spiritually.
I saw this quote that I really like, it starts out like this; "The history of the world, like letters without poetry, flowers without perfume, or thought without imagination, would be a dry matter indeed without it's legends..."
Our education is the same, knowledge without care, time without commitment, or religion without faith are as thought without imagination; dry, nothing within it. Flat. You get my point. These things give the object dimension. Depth. That depth is the roots. Having roots such as knowledge along with wisdom, or faith in your religion are what is required for those deep roots. Having talents is great, but learning other talents that coincide with the already God given ones I have, and cultivating all of them, branches my roots out further, making them stronger and deeper. That makes me a more upright judge, daughter and friend. A better person just for myself. Doing that for myself effects my life, my future, as well as others, in a positive way. These roots are wisdom.
I am trying to attain more deeper roots such as those, to better define who I am, and will be.
Crystal Schulmire
ReplyDeleteHeroes of History reading assignment:
In the introduction, "I said that I will study history to find out what man is - I can't find that out through science." "the best preparation for understanding the problems of the present is to study the past - for it is there where you will discover what the nature of humankind truly is."
I thought those two went hand in hand. You really can't find out who anyone is, by knowing what they are physically made of.
Chapter 1:
"Religion has been weakened by the growth of wealth and cities; .... So the old instincts return unchained and untamed, and riot in crime, gambling, corruption, conscienceless moneymaking, and sexual chaos in which love is sex..." Really, it does become a problem, when you notice the patterns right there in history, people do become greedy for everything worldly, and become obsessed with it. Then morality falters and decays, and people forget about their God who has given them all they have, everything starts to go downhill. However... "It is partly that, and contains a hundred million tragedies - but it is also the saving of sanity of the average family, the labor and love of men and women bearing the stream of life over a thousand obstacles. It is the wisdom and courage of statesmen... it is the undiscourageable effort of scientists and philosophers [trying] to understand the universe that envelops them... it is the vision of prophets and saints challenging us to nobility." Yes, life has it's problems, morality does dissipate at certain points, but there are all those other amazing wonderful things in it. That morality, faith in God, and gratefulness needs to be upheld though if we are to keep those other amazing things life has to offer us.
Free Flow Writing assignment for World History
ReplyDeleteI love history. I am so fascinated when I learn of certain events throughout time and their effect on the world and its people. From studying and observing I have realized that I can have a huge impact on someone or something by just going through my life living and making those little decisions that we sometimes underestimate. Learning this, I have come to know of the importance of my roots. If I don't have my roots planted in rich, nourishing soil that will help me grow, I'm not going to able to make all those right decisions. I may wither and fall. However, if I am planted in the right spot and have those strong roots I need, I can live and be strong enough to rise and do good no matter what comes my way.
Terrance Smith’s Free flow writing assignment for World History
ReplyDeleteThe wisest people and the strongest roots of civilization are truly admirable characters. They are vital assets to a civilization and are some of the greatest forces in furthering its progression. Without them civilization progress would falter and dwindle. These roots of civilization create a bulwark to defend against this digression. By drawing upon the experience and learning of the ages they are able to make decisions that give the most benefit to the society. Problems can be avoided and a better society harbored. They use their own experience as well as examples and patterns from history to more productively act. By studying the happening in the past they can combat issues that might normally prove hurtful to civilization.
Becoming a wise judge and a root of civilization is something we should all seek after, however daunting or impossible it may seem. Not everyone turns out to be such and thus there must be something that sets them apart. That difference stems in their preparation to become wise. Once the goal is set to become wise then can one apply continual effort to do so. It takes time and diligent study to learn the lessons of the past. Only with the experience of those who have gone before added to one owns experience can one truly be a wise judge and a root of civilization.
Hey is there anyway to change the name that appears right before your post?
ReplyDeleteMy free-flow writing assignment for World History:
ReplyDeleteHow am I to have a strong foundation that has been nurtured in deep rich soil and is a home to healthy deep roots? Roots that will be able to crack the asphalt that has been placed on top of them? Roots that will dig deeper and deeper so as not to be cast down by the fierce winds that will unceasingly torment them, big or small.
I am willing to fight for those 'deep roots' – roots of wisdom and experience, of failures and mistakes, of happiness and success. As Douglas Malloch says in his poem “The tree that never had to fight for sun and sky and air and light, but stood out in the open plain and always got its share of rain, Never became a forest king but lived and died a scrubby thing...good timber does not grow with ease, the stronger wind, the stronger trees.” If I want to be useful timber to those of my posterity to use and build many great minds of wisdom and knowledge of both God and man, I must obtain the education that I am destined to obtain. But how do I obtain it? Do I sit back and wait for an education to come knocking? Can't I just idly wait for others to educate me rather than try to educate myself? Or, when it gets too hard can't I just give up? NO! I must apply the teacher mentor, author mentor, student mentor, and God mentor in my life. I must strive to learn all I can learn from those around me. I must read so as to learn. When I was little I learned to read and now I read to learn. In all of my learning I must also not forget God who is the true ultimate teacher. I must trust in His guidance and humbly acknowledge him in all that I do. As like all the other mentors in my life I too am a mentor of my education. I must be responsible and pay the price to obtain the deep roots that I desire. It is a great fight and often it will seem easier to just give up. But as it is said in Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham “Only a weakling gives up when he is becalmed. A strong man sails by ash breeze. What I mean by not giving up when you are becalmed and by sailing by ash breeze is, when a ship is becalmed – the wind died down – she can't move – sometimes the sailors break out their oars. They'll row a boat ahead of the ship and tow her. Or they'll carry out anchors and heave them over, and the crew will lean on the capstan bars and drag the ship up to where the anchors are heaved over. Oars are made of ash – white ash. So – when you get ahead by your own get-up-and-get – that's when you sail by ash breeze.” You can't learn everything from a class room, you have to go out and explore the world around you, learn of new cultures and people, broaden your mind with the knowledge of varies different languages, use the tools that God has given you. Don't let them rust in the bottom of the 'tool box'.
With the roots that I obtain from my endless desire for education I wish to leave an impression that is immovable; a legacy that is known far and wide. Right now in my youth I am like as soft clay, which in time will become hardened and form into stone. Now, the impression is immovable. It is my ultimate goal and responsibility through my dedication to and for education that my roots will go deep and branch out far to influence and inspire those of my posterity.
Honestly I haven’t ever really seen it as my duty to be wise and have roots so that I may help my community. I realize that I should have noticed this long before because it is a sort of duty to know our roots to help protect our community, family and the world. It’s an interesting thought to think that I was meant to be wise. Why was I meant to be wise and is everyone meant to be wise? I think everyone in there own way is meant to be wise and tht not just myself but everyone has a duty to be wise! I think that this might be one of the problems affecting our constitution today. Not very many people today(including myself) really feel the burden of knowing their roots so they can understand the constitution and why it is so imperative to have freedom and enjoy the opportunities it brings us. I think one of the greatest examples we have of this principle is Thomas Jefferson. He used every spare moment he had to learn and when the time came when the world needed a brain he was there ready to give what he had for a better future and every founding father knew history and it’s significance. To me roots mean that I know my history and some of the events that have happened a long time ago. The importance of this is that I may see their action and their consequence what they did and what happened so that I can apply this to my every day living and perfect my future by learning the past. Throughout history we see that people who made a change and people who did what they were supposed to did not do it on accident. They put careful hours and hours into studying and used their knowledge for good or for bad. If I had roots that went deep would I have the same kind of impact? No definitely not. All the people that made a great impact because of their roots wouldn’t have made the same impact without them obviously! Can you have great impact without roots? Yes you can and there are many instances were people have had impact without roots. Although what kind of change did they make and it is sure that without roots their judgment sways on things like the will of the people, jealousy, envy and pretty much anything else. The only thing I can see that would help you if you didn’t have roots is your god and even then he gave us the bible to learn our roots and it was and is an incredible tool for learning our roots. Therefore even god wants us and has prepared a way for us to learn our roots and obviously he also sees and values the importance of our roots. Since our roots are so important what am I willing to do to find them? I think I could at least give part of my day to learn them. I also think that I could give some of the things I enjoy. It would sound ridiculous to know the importance of my roots and not be willing to sacrifice or work hard for them. I am sure that anybody who has ever benefited from knowing their history did not just happen to learn it or simply just kind of learned ya know whatever they could when they were bored. In fact if you really knew your roots I’m sure you sacrificed lots of things to come to a point where your life changed. When you are in a position to change the world would you know that the choice you are making is a benefit and will not have any major consequences? I believe that the only way you could know this is if you knew your roots and you looked at Jean Valjean and his choice to choose between the world and the lord and you looked at Macbeth and his choices of murder and you looked at other historical characters and the choices they have made a difference and decide using the things you know. Letting the history you know influence your everyday choices will create a greater world for everyone today and especially tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteJoseph Burgoyne. Flee flow assignment
ReplyDeleteThis is Alexander Petrie...and here is my free-flow World History assignment. And Dr. Groft is awesome by the way..... :)
ReplyDeleteThe word “history” comes from words that meant root and judge. In ancient times, they called certain people to be their judges because they know the stories of what had happened and they knew what worked and what did not work. They knew the mistakes that people had made and the triumphs that had happened. So they could be good judges because they knew a lot of what had happened before (history). In a way, they were like a root because they kept the people grounded to what the truths were, just like roots keep trees in the ground. Another word that could describe these judges comes to mind. The word is wise. I’m sure they would have had to be very wise in order to become the people’s idtor or istor.
Is it important that I am like those judges? Why should it matter if I am a root for my community? Why should I be wise? Well, I am one of the future leaders of this country and of this world. If I don’t rise to the task, I will miss out on great opportunities to bless the lives of others. There may be someday when I am in a situation where there is some sort of emergency and no one knows what to do except for me. But if I’m not prepared for that day, I will be one of those who don’t know what to do. The world needs a whole generation of leaders, which means that I can’t slack off and say, “Oh someone else will take the lead. I don’t have to.” If one person slacks off, the world is that much more worse off. I should be the person inspiring others who may be tempted to slack off. I should inspire them to help lead the world and be the people’s istor.
But how do I get there? There is a ton of stuff I don’t know and it would be hard to ever know all of it. But I can try. I can learn every thing I possibly can. I can study every possible second. I can learn all there is to know about history, math, science, and much more. One of the most important things to learn, I think, is human nature. If I’m going to be a leader I need to know people because I’m going to lead people. Human nature is best learned from history. That shows how people acted and why and when and everything else. It reeks of Human nature. If I study History, I can learn to lead. I can follow the good examples in history and learn how to stay away from the bad examples. I can learn how to govern from the romans, sculpt from the greeks and much much more.
Free Flow Writing
ReplyDeleteReasons I need strong roots:
1. I need strong roots so I can be firm in what I believe and know and be able to teach others in need instead of being subject to others knowledge.
2. Strong roots are essential in my lifetime because of what is happening around me. I need to have strong roots in religious beliefs, not only so I have strong morals but an extra strength to draw upon when times seem unbearable, confusing, and wrong.
3. Also, strong roots in education in general will help me throughout my lifetime because I will develop a strong mind and when others fall, I will be there to help them back up in the struggles of everyday life.
4. I don’t only just need strong roots, I want them.
5. I have a quote that I recently heard from a former student that touched me to the core. He said, “I would take a bullet for President Obama, not because of the man he is, but because of the office he holds.” That statement taught me how very important the office is that President Obama holds. Now, that bears testimony to me how important it is that we elect good and honest people to take the office that so many have sacrificed their lives for.
6. I hope and pray that I will be able to become, and always be a person of strong roots that I may be able to withstand the hard times to come.
Thank you for reading and supporting my free flow writing.
~Spencer Koyle
(World History)
Megan Borman, World History, my freeflow writing assignment
ReplyDelete9/3/2010
I believe that being a judge is important. The principles of a judge can be used in everyday life to help us become better people. A judge must be educated in matters of Law to be able to understand and uphold said institution. They must also have wisdom and experience to understand a
situation personally and make the best decision concerning the individual(s) or circumstances. If we are educated in many subjects we can make the best choices in our lives, as in instances in which we must make a decision concerning school, the work place, and other places. Wisdom and experience can strengthen those choices and extend the sphere of decision making, including as well the choice of those who we allow close to us. When we understand the laws of the land and of other institutions, we can be obedient to them and help to uphold them. To return to the desired attributes of the justice; the greatest and most valued quality, perhaps, which a judge may posses is his honesty and impartial, unbiased opinion. In most instances, this viewpoint is necessary to settle a dispute. The justice, after hearing the tale of the disputation, is able to discern, by the use of the law or his own faculties, the person who is correct, without showing a more biased favor to one over the other. These judicial virtues are also useful in dealing with relationships. For instance, when two family members or close friends disagree vehemently, the ability to be impartial and unbiased may solve the conflict more quickly ( save it be in unusual circumstances). Also, in communication with those one comes into contact with, remaining unbiased may save one from embarrassing prejudices which may prove false. In forbearing against such unwarranted opinions, you may gain friends and associates that you may benefit from greatly. An impartiality may, in addition, help one understand another’s perspective better. To conclude; in ancient (and latter) times, the justice would have also, perchance, helped organize and see to the aid and comfort of his people and given guidance and advice as part of his calling to be the “root” of their community. We, too, must always be ready to help one another, see to each others needs, be there to listen sincerely, and to teach one another.
Trevor Edmond: world history freeflow writing assignment
ReplyDeleteA leader is defined as someone that goes first, someone that shows the way, someone that can direct people in either good or bad ways. If we want to become good leaders we need to educate ourselves and seek for truth and knowledge. So how can we learn to be good leaders? Well the best way I can think of is to learn from those great leaders of the past. Such as Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, John Adams and George Washington.
One of my favorite leaders is Abraham Lincoln. The quality that really gave Abe success in his life and career was his love of reading. It was said that he had read every book within fifty miles of his house growing up. Almost every night he could be found reading and pondering a good book. He carried this quality his entire life as well as many others. He was also known for his good sense of humor and his ability to make people laugh. This was a part of why he was such an influential speaker. We can learn so much from history if we only put forth the effort.
In my life I try to learn as much from as I can from those great leaders of the past. By reading about their lives we can all become better leaders in our own lives as well as help those around us. There is so much to learn in life and I find that the more knowledge I can obtain the better off I am. I will have more doors opened before me as well as more experiences to grow from.
To me having deep roots means that you know what you stand for and that you are willing to stand up for what you believe in. If your roots are shallow then you can be easily influenced and brought down. One of my greatest sources of knowledge and wisdom is when I read from the scriptures. I dig my roots deep in the gospel of Jesus Christ and try to emulate Him and his teachings.
In our lives we need to be the judge, we need to find things out for ourselves not just follow aimlessly. If we believe every word people say and don’t take the time to find things out for ourselves we are no better than animals. That’s the difference between us and animals we can analyze the situation and make choices based on our knowledge or best judgment.
Nice job, guys and gals. I wish more people posted, but I'm sure we'll get in the habit.
ReplyDelete