The Revolutionary Period- Thomas Paine

Piece of Selection
"I have as little superstition in me as any man living, but my secret opinion has
ever been, and still is, that God Almighty will not give up a people to military
destruction, or leave them unsupportedly to perish, who have so earnestly and so
repeatedly sought to avoid the calamities of war, by every decent method whichwisdom could invent... I call not upon a few, but upon all: not on this state or that state, but on every state: up and help us; lay your shoulders to the wheel; better have too much force than too little,when so great an object is at stake."

Reflection

After reading Thomas Paine’s selection from "The Crisis No. 1," I realized just how passionate people were and can be on their political and moral views. When reading this selection, it is obvious Paine was expressing all of his views and holding nothing back. He appealed to his audience’s sense of logic by using “if, then” statements, such as “if a thief breaks into my house, burns and destroys my property, and kills or threatens to kill me, or those that are in it, and to "bind me in all cases whatsoever" to his absolute will, am I to suffer it?” This causes his audience to actually process what he is saying as well as relate it to their own lives. He shows his strong morals when he says, “I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection.” This statement proves that Paine has ethics and approves of people who believe in ethics too. He uses the term “we” to emphasis that they are all united. Paine says in the selection “I call not upon a few, but upon all: not on this state or that state, but on every state,” which proves that he believes everybody needs to support each other in order to accomplish their goals.

*Paine writing from war (during); Henry writing to go to war (to make others go)
*used to boost morale, pamphlet, "these are the times that try men's souls, propaganda, symbolism

Dear Diary,
I just read the most riveting selection! It was Thomas Paine’s selection from "The Crisis No. 1" and he made some very interesting remarks about unity. When Paine says, “I call not upon a few, but upon all: not on this state or that state, but on every state,” he is further reinforcing America’s need for unity in times of a crisis. I agree with his statement, “I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection” because these traits form a person with strong character and it’s always good to have a unity of people with strong character. I think Paine put across his thoughts well and his use of logic was very sensible. It is also helpful that he had high-quality ethics because this would encourage others to listen to him and put faith in his beliefs.

Essential Question
Due to the intolerance of different beliefs, how does the American dream serve to unite difference by affording each person to become "American?"

According to Thomas Paine, unity and ethics are the overall keys to success. In the selection Paine is quoted saying, “the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value.” This is proving the current state of America only cares about how hard or easy something is to obtain, yet they should be caring about the quality of the things they value. It is also stated in the selection that Paine feels he has “as little superstition in [him] as any man living, but my secret opinion has ever been, and still is, that God Almighty will not give up a people to military destruction, or leave them unsupportedly to perish, who have so earnestly and so repeatedly sought to avoid the calamities of war, by every decent method which wisdom could invent.” Paine is trying to persuade the community to rely on themselves and God, not in superstition and coincidences. Overall Paine believes the community should be united in their beliefs and actions in order to have a successful America.

Personal Extension

How are you working to live out your American Dream?
What do you do when you hit an obstacle?

Although I am not sure of my personal definition of the phrase “American Dream,” I know that whatever I do in life I want to be happy. Whether or not this means I am financially successful. I feel if people limit themselves to the standards of society, then they can never truly achieve the American Dream. For now my dream is to graduate from college, so I will be able to achieve my American Dream if the occasion to do so occurs. When I hit an obstacle, I look at the situation and find a way to get through it. If there is no way to work through the obstacle, I make a new plan and find a way around it.

Interviews about the American Dream

Interview 1 (D. Shephard- Neighbor)

How have you lived the American Dream?
I have lived it by believing that everyone is created equal and has equal opportunities and work to treat people that way and work to be treated that way.

What do you do when you hit an obstacle?
I think on it and if I can't resolve it myself, I will try to go to those people that I think can offer some help.

What is your definition of the American Dream?
The freedom to pursue what makes you happy.

Who do you think would be the best candidate for president to help everyone prosper and achieve the American Dream?
I feel like Barack Obama is honestly trying to put us back in the right direction for the American Dream. Of course he has an ego and wants to win, but all of them do or they wouldn’t be running.

They say if you’re riding with a child put your [oxygen mask] on your face first and then you’re ready to help your child. Take care of yourself first; I think it’s the same thing with the United States. You have to be able to care of your people first. I just feel like it’s important to take care of yourself first and be stable before you go out and help other countries. Then you have the freedom to go out and help others.

Reflection
I agree with this interview because if our country is unable to support itself and its people, then we shouldn't be in Iraq attempting to help them. Why help another country if we can't help ourselves? I also agree the American Dream is the ability to be happy doing whatever you want to do. I don't agree that everyone has equal opportunities, but people should work to make this possible.


Interview 2 (J. Simmons- Dad)

What is your definition of the American Dream?
The American Dream is the pursuit of what you want to get out of life.

How are you working to achieve the American Dream?
Everyday I have personal goals of achieving happiness, financial success, and helping others with their goals.

How have you lived the American Dream?
Everyday I live, as long as I follow my goals afore said, I am living the American Dream. I go to work everyday, I have a roof over my head, dinner on the table, and I provide for my family.

What do you do when you hit an obstacle?
You go around it or go through it. Most of the time, I go through it. I try to think it through and take care of it quickly.

Who do you think would be the best candidate for president to help everyone prosper and achieve the American Dream?

I think Hillary Clinton would be the best choice because of the experience she has. Also the experienced people around her like the ex-president and all of his contacts would be a wealth of knowledge to help her make decisions.



Interview 3 (C. York- Mentor)

How are you working to achieve the American Dream?
Everything, everything I do. As opposed to making sure that everything that I do is something that I would want to do relative whether or not it is something I want to do for a class or soccer or anything else as long as it stays in line with the overall goal of what I want to do with the rest of my life.

What do you do when you hit an obstacle?
I take a few steps back and I look at the whole picture to try and determine the best course to resolve the obstacle.

What is your definition of the American Dream?
I would say being able to find success while still following my dreams. Not so much financial success as security within what I'm doing and feeling as though I've accomplished what I'm supposed to without sacrificing any of my integrity.

How have you lived the American Dream?
So far yes, obviously at age 22 I can't say whether or not I have accomplished the full American Dream, but I would say being able to go to school and play soccer and make movies and chase down all of my varied interests in terms of school, but I'm doing it. So in some degree yes.

Who do you think would be the best candidate for president to help everyone prosper and achieve the American Dream?
I don’t think the best candidate has risen yet.

Cubist Response

Presidential Candidates' Campaign for Office - is it really any different from our Revolutionary Forefathers campaign to join the revolution and gain freedom from England?

It is fairly similar because both the candidates and our forefathers are vying for the same thing- supporters. In order to gain power and get their goals accomplished, they must first persuade the public to see things their way. Obviously the candidates running for office want change, as did our Revolutionary Forefathers, so they are willing to use any means necessary to achieve their goals. Both our forefathers and the presidential candidates give speeches in order to get their views heard. Likewise, the candidates for office and our forefathers spread propaganda, positive and negative, in attempts to sway the public to agreeing with their opinions and ideas. Our Revolutionary Forefathers, like presidential candidates, used media to influence society, however, in today's society, there are more ways of reaching people through the media.

My Responses

I responded to Jenna's Native American post by saying:
"Thanks for the positive feedback. I agree with Jasmine in that your diary was very realistic. I really liked the Native American piece you chose because it is a great example of how Indians relate everything to animals and nature."

I responded to Jenna's Puritan post by saying:
"To be able to make it across the Atlantic and remain faithful to God shows just how devoted the Puritans were to their religion. “When the young healthy man mocked the sick, he became one of them and was the first to die. It is pure irony.” I completely agree. Their religion does mimic the devotion that some Christians still have today. “Just earlier today a young man who fell ill during the night lost his life and was tossed into the salty graveyard below.” This sentence creates a great imagery and it sounds like you actually witnessed it."

I responded to Jenna's Slave Narrative by saying:
"You're diary entries are amazing! You really capture the character's thoughts and emotions you are trying to portray. I agree the people jumping to their deaths is tragic, but would their destination be much better? Probably not, which makes the situation so upsetting.

"But I wonder how common it is for these immigrants to become suicidal; I know how much it really takes so much for it to come to that." You would think they would capture strong people, which makes me realize just how terrible the conditions were to be able to break them down to the point of suicide. I agree that Olidah is a very strong-willed person to be able to endure such torment. It is amazing that he was able to live to tell the tale."

I responded to Jenna's Patrick Henry entry by saying:
"I agree his loyalty to America allows him to further encourage the colonists. You're diary entry is very well written! I agree Henry was smart in appealing to his audience as far as acknowledging other opinions. I also agree that if Henry hadn't spoken his mind, the results would be partially his fault. What do you think his American Dream was? Do you think giving this speech was part of his dream?"

I responded to Jenna's Thomas Paine entry by saying:
"I like the selection you chose. The picture does go along well with this piece. I agree that people in today's society take freedom for granted. I feel Thomas Paine is persuading the colonists to fight because they had already worked so hard to travel to America, but when things weren't smooth sailing like they had thought it would be, they felt helpless. The ones who fought were the true Americans because they were working to establish the new land and actually trying to make it a better place."

I responded to Jenna's interviews by saying:
"I agree with Wanda Price's idea of the American Dream. I think the dream consists of doing what makes you happy. I also agree with her statement of the American Dream getting repetitive. The fact that she feels she hac accomplished her American Dream is inspirational because not many people are confidently able to say they have.

I like that you asked two people who grew up in the same home. It is interesting that, even with the same parents, they have such a different view of the American Dream. I noticed they both feel they have accomplished their dreams, which is also interesting. I think it would be interesting if you could interview your grandmother to see what her American Dream is, in order to see if she influenced either of her daughters.

In this interview, I like how his dream deferred and he was able to adjust to the change. This shows that dreams change along with age, and it is good that your father was able to adapt, unlike Willy Loman."

I responded again to Jenna's interview by saying:
"It is interesting that their dreams are different; however, I find it rare that a husband and wife alter their dreams so they can share the same dream, unlike the Shimerdas in 'My Antonia.' I agree that one will "shape their American Dream to utilize one's talents as well as fulfill desires," although, I don't agree with basing everything on everyone else because everybody has their own dreams and opinions. I like how you question their experiences in youth and I think that would be a good question to ask them. For example, 'were their any experiences in your childhood that helped shape, or change your American Dream?' "

I responded to Jenna's Interview repsonse by saying:
"Yes I did purposely ask people with different political views. :)

I agree that my mentor was the most open-minded. Like you said, this is probably because of her age. Thank you for the reflection idea. I will take it into consideration."

Emerson- "Nature"

http://oregonstate.edu/instruct/phl302/texts/emerson/nature-emerson-a.html

"To speak truly, few adult persons can see nature. Most persons do not see the sun. At least they have a very superficial seeing. The sun illuminates only the eye of the man, but shines into the eye and the heart of the child. The lover of nature is he whose inward and outward senses are still truly adjusted to each other; who has retained the spirit of infancy even into the era of manhood. His intercourse with heaven and earth, becomes part of his daily food. In the presence of nature, a wild delight runs through the man, in spite of real sorrows. Nature says, -- he is my creature, and maugre all his impertinent griefs, he shall be glad with me. Not the sun or the summer alone, but every hour and season yields its tribute of delight; for every hour and change corresponds to and authorizes a different state of the mind, from breathless noon to grimmest midnight. Nature is a setting that fits equally well a comic or a mourning piece. In good health, the air is a cordial of incredible virtue. Crossing a bare common, in snow puddles, at twilight, under a clouded sky, without having in my thoughts any occurrence of special good fortune, I have enjoyed a perfect exhilaration. I am glad to the brink of fear. In the woods too, a man casts off his years, as the snake his slough, and at what period soever of life, is always a child. In the woods, is perpetual youth. Within these plantations of God, a decorum and sanctity reign, a perennial festival is dressed, and the guest sees not how he should tire of them in a thousand years. In the woods, we return to reason and faith. There I feel that nothing can befall me in life, -- no disgrace, no calamity, (leaving me my eyes,) which nature cannot repair. Standing on the bare ground, -- my head bathed by the blithe air, and uplifted into infinite space, -- all mean egotism vanishes. I become a transparent eye-ball; I am nothing; I see all; the currents of the Universal Being circulate through me; I am part or particle of God. The name of the nearest friend sounds then foreign and accidental: to be brothers, to be acquaintances, -- master or servant, is then a trifle and a disturbance. I am the lover of uncontained and immortal beauty. In the wilderness, I find something more dear and connate than in streets or villages. In the tranquil landscape, and especially in the distant line of the horizon, man beholds somewhat as beautiful as his own nature.
The greatest delight which the fields and woods minister, is the suggestion of an occult relation between man and the vegetable. I am not alone and unacknowledged. They nod to me, and I to them. The waving of the boughs in the storm, is new to me and old. It takes me by surprise, and yet is not unknown. Its effect is like that of a higher thought or a better emotion coming over me, when I deemed I was thinking justly or doing right."

Reflection
When people grow up, they lose their innocence and therefore lose the ability to enjoy nature as they once did. They no longer have time to relax and spend time in nature because they are too busy with every day distractions. When Emerson mentions the relation between "man and the vegetable," I realize that in nature, there really is no difference. The land is so tranquil that everything is still and people should be able to let go of their thoughts and become a vegetable. In nature one should be able to let go of reality and get in tune with their inner self. I agree with his statement "The lover of nature is he whose inward and outward senses are still truly adjusted to each other" because it is nearly impossible to enjoy nature if one is troubled. Although, if one is troubled, they should spend time in nature in order to release their stresses.

Dear Diary,
This selection written by Ralph Emerson, reinforces my opinion that nature is important in one's every day life. The temperature controls what you wear, the weather determines how you spend your day, and the landscape affects your emotions. After having a stressful day, one can go outside and the land will relieve the stress. Nature has a calming affect that takes away all feeling of reality. Although, as we get older we look at nature in a more analytical sense than we did as little kids. I empathize with Emerson's statement of "In the wilderness, I find something more dear and connate than in streets or villages." In villages, the buildings are man made, but in nature everything is natural and as it should be. People are flawed, therefore cities are flawed, but in nature, flowers grow wild and rivers are sporadically placed. No one can control the landscape. Everything is in its rightful place. The fact that no one can control landscapes should relieve many that feel they need to be in charge of everything. Spending time in nature gives one a reason to relax and let go of tension. As long as people respect the land, it can take care of itself which gives nature a human-like quality.

Emerson- "Self-Reliance"

http://www.emersoncentral.com/selfreliance.htm

"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. The power which resides in him is new in nature, and none but he knows what that is which he can do, nor does he know until he has tried. Not for nothing one face, one character, one fact, makes much impression on him, and another none. This sculpture in the memory is not without preestablished harmony. The eye was placed where one ray should fall, that it might testify of that particular ray. We but half express ourselves, and are ashamed of that divine idea which each of us represents. It may be safely trusted as proportionate and of good issues, so it be faithfully imparted, but God will not have his work made manifest by cowards. A man is relieved and gay when he has put his heart into his work and done his best; but what he has said or done otherwise, shall give him no peace. It is a deliverance which does not deliver. In the attempt his genius deserts him; no muse befriends; no invention, no hope.
Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string. Accept the place the divine providence has found for you, the society of your contemporaries, the connection of events. Great men have always done so, and confided themselves childlike to the genius of their age, betraying their perception that the absolutely trustworthy was seated at their heart, working through their hands, predominating in all their being. And we are now men, and must accept in the highest mind the same transcendent destiny; and not minors and invalids in a protected corner, not cowards fleeing before a revolution, but guides, redeemers, and benefactors, obeying the Almighty effort, and advancing on Chaos and the Dark. "

Reflection
I like this selection because it is straightforward. In the first line it says, "envy is ignorance...imitation is suicide." I agree with this statement because I have never seen the point in wanting to be somebody else. Everybody should work to be their personal best rather than attempting to be somebody else's. I also agree with the line, "none but he knows what that is which he can do, nor does he know until he has tried" because people may tell you what you can and can't do, but only you know what you are truly capable of. Even if one tries and fails, at least they won't live with regrets. The second paragraph of the selection is saying to stand up for what you believe in and accept what the "divine providence" intends for them to do. I agree that everybody should follow their own path, because life would be boring and monotonous if everybody was the same.

Dear Diary,
As G. H. Hardy said, "It is not worth an intelligent man's time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that." This quote relates to this selection because if everybody was the same, the world would be in chaos and there would never be any progressions in society. I think everybody should read this selection because it is so true and motivating. If someone tries to be like someone else, they won't succeed. Everybody is meant to serve a specific purpose and if everyone was too afraid to stand out, the world would be full of "Chaos and the Dark."
Just like everybody has a different purpose in life, everybody has a different American Dream. It is possible, but not probable that any two people will be able to achieve the same one. Since everyone is different, everyone has different opportunities and personalities which are meant to serve their specific purpose in life. If people would stay focused on their own dreams, instead of comparing themselves to others, the world would be a much more advanced place. It would also encourage others to step out of their comfort zones in order to fulfill their own dreams. I think people should stop envying others and feeling judged in order to work towards their own goals.