Self-Preservation Is the First Law of Nature Essay Example

Self-Preservation Is the First Law of Nature Paper â€Å"Self-preservation is the first law of nature. † The above quote is an often heard line regarding an individual’s response to the demands of nature. It can be said that self-preservation and security outweigh the need to act independently and freely of the constraints of others. This is but one of the ways one can attempt to balance out the desire to act independently but also with the need for security. The idea of resolving these seemingly irreconcilable needs is brought up in Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, wherein he writes of two main characters who attempt to resolve their need for independence and security. The playwright utilizes character to suggest that in the attempt to reconcile independence and security, it is ultimately the need for self-preservation that takes immediate priority. A character who is faced with the task of uniting his desire to act independently with his need for security is Hamlet. Hamlet shows a melancholy side to him when confronted by these opposing demands. From his soliloquies, the reader is immersed in the thoughts of a pensive young man who struggles with the need for safety and freedom. He debates whether â€Å"to be, or not to be,† and although he does not hold his life at a â€Å"pin’s fee,† his heart harbors discontent with the â€Å"unweeded garden that grows to seed. † It is seen that he is conflicted with the demands set upon him by his dead father, as well as that of Claudius and the people of Denmark who want to move on from the passing, and he struggles with the desire to resolve his need for security and autonomy in this matter. We will write a custom essay sample on Self-Preservation Is the First Law of Nature specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Self-Preservation Is the First Law of Nature specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Self-Preservation Is the First Law of Nature specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer From this, it is seen that Hamlet values self-preservation over independence as his soliloquies are only words and not actions, and as such, are the product of his own safety thereby allowing him to immerse himself in the safety of this own thoughts. Furthermore, it is evidenced that he is a procrastinator in his quest for independent action, and this ultimately turns out to be his tragic flaw. Even though he is set upon the task of avenging his father’s â€Å"foul and most unnatural death,† he stands â€Å"unpregnant of his cause. It is clear from this that Hamlet procrastinates in order to preserve his own well being and acts in his own self interest despite the desire to take revenge upon Claudius for his father’s death. He does not wish to act independently when his security is put at risk, especially in the presence of a â€Å"smiling, damned villain,† so he procrastinates in order to put off dealing with matters that might jeopardize his wellbeing. Conversely however, Hamlet has been shown to have an impulsive streak in the face of settling his desires for safety and freedom. This is clearly seen when he â€Å"follows [the ghost]† despite the apparitions intentions being unknown. The ghost could be the work of the devil, only to condemn Hamlet to his own personal oblivion, however, he still actively seeks out the spectre because he wishes to learn the truth of the matters concerning his father’s death. As well, he displays decisive action when he says the â€Å"rat dead, for a ducat, dead. † This violent and impulsive action results in the death of Polonius who was eavesdropping on his and Gertrude’s conversation. In both of these examples it is seen that Hamlet acts independently and decisively, with the underlying intent being that of self-preservation. He seeks out the ghost’s intentions because of his desire to live securely despite the rule of Claudius, and he kills Polonius only because he was acting on behalf of his own primal instinct to preserve himself. From these examples it is inferred that in his desire to harmonize safety and the need for independent action, hamlet acts impulsively to secure the security he craves. Lastly, it is seen that Hamlet exudes an aura of intelligence and quick wit when opposed by the daunting task of reconciling safety and independence. He has an innate ability to transform a turn of events to his advantage as is witnessed when the players come to put on a show. He utilizes them in order to â€Å"catch the conscience of the king,† wherein he collects enough evidence to cement the validity of the ghost’s statements. His ability to think quickly is invaluable, as this keeps his wellbeing a top priority while still unifying his need to act freely as well. Another character who deals with the prospect of reconciling his need to act independently with his need for security is Claudius. Unlike Hamlet who is a procrastinator in his deeds, Claudius is a man of decisive action. This is clearly seen when he decides to have Hamlet sent to England with â€Å"fiery quickness† due to his â€Å"antic disposition. † It is evident that Claudius does not deliberate on matters that require immediate attention as â€Å"[he’ll] have Hamlet hence to-night. † From this, it can be inferred that Claudius wishes o preserve himself against a suspicious threat as he manages to actively deal with his adversary as well. In combination with his decisive action, it is known that Claudius is incredibly manipulative in his desire to unify freedom and safety. When Laertes makes his return to Denmark with every intention of avenging his father by killing Claudius, he does everything in his power to give†[Laertes’s soul] it[s] due content. † He placates Laertes’s indignant spirit and as a result, Laertes end up â€Å"rul’d by [Claudius]. From this, it is seen that Claudius utilizes manipulation for the sake of self-preservation while keeping his own independent actions an ulteriot motive. As well, Claudius has displayed a creative and strategic ingenuity when it comes to reconciling his own security and free will. He is determined to be rid of Hamlet, but his strategic nature indicates that he will do so by way of a cunning scheme. When Laertes and Claudius plan hamlet’s demise, Claudius maintains a skillful approach that will allow â€Å"purpose[to] hold there. It is evidenced that Claudius utilizes his own strategic nature in order to act for sake of saving his own flesh. While in the process of working towards acting independently, he also manages to keep his safety a top priority which is his ultimate motive against a dangerous opposition such as Hamlet. Lastly, it is seen that in his pursuit of uniting his own independent action and security, Claudius has shown a paranoid and guilt stricken side to him. He is responsible for the death of his own brother as his â€Å"stronger guilt defeats [his] stronger intent. † However, he cannot truly repent as his â€Å"words [are] without thought,† and as a result, they will â€Å"never to heaven go. † It is seen that because of his desire to remain secure in not only the eyes of the public, but as well as Hamlet and Gertrude, he cannot openly admit to his wrong doings. This is due to the fact that in doing so, he will risk the unbridled and justified wrath of hamlet which will compromise Claudius’s sport on the throne. Just like a scavenger whose actions are cowardly in order to live another day, Claudius too, lives securely to rule in the coming days due to his own inability to act independently. In conclusion, it is seen that in the attempt to reconcile ones desire for independent action as well as security, it is ultimately the self-preserving instinct that takes immediate control. This is clearly evidenced by both hamlet and Claudius in Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, who although take different approaches to this matter, fundamentally have the same mentality of keeping their desire to be secure the utmost priority. It is derived from the play that it is almost always security that takes precedence over freedom of actions; however it is up to the members of society to decide for themselves how they wish to approach their own attempt to reconcile their own need for security as well as the desire to act independently. There are many different approaches and ways to attempt this harmonization, and as such, each is tailored to an individual’s unique ability to decipher what it is that one really values and desires.

AIDS in New York prisons

Why lack of awareness leads to the spread of HIV/AIDS in New York prisons In the New York state prisons, urgent attention is needed to reduce the HIV/ AIDS epidemic. From a survey done in the recent years, it has shown that the HIV infected inmates are increasing each year.Advertising We will write a custom article sample on Why lack of awareness leads to the spread of HIV/AIDS in New York prisons specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The inmates do not get enough and fair health care while in the prison. They should be educated and given prevention programs so that the transmission rate can reduce in the prisons as well as the community (Boutwell Rich, 2004). The inmates are at a very high risk of contracting the virus and then they go back to the society with little idea of the disease; how it is spread and prevented. Therefore, the prisons have become breeding places for HIV/AIDS which then spreads to the community. The health department in US intends to expand testing of HIV to the inmates because they found that twenty percent of the inmates are HIV positive (Mutter et al, 1994). The health department has initiated a program called pilot program that allocates the coordinators for patient care to HIV-infected inmates in the same jail. The program targets all the jails and aims at connecting all the HIV- positive inmates to the community care after they get released from the prison. Efforts made to prevent transmission of HIV/AIDS in the New York prisons HIV rates are very high among the African American prisoners and it is six times that of the population in general. In the year 2008, more than twenty thousand inmates were HIV positive; the female inmates were the most affected with 1.9% while the male inmates were 1.7% (Boutwell Rich, 2004). The local facilities determine the medical care of any prison or jail. Generally, the inmates do not receive adequate health care that meet the standards of public health. In New York, there is a constitutional right for the healthcare of the pri soners. If care is not provided to them, then this is termed as an unusual punishment (Krebs, 2006). On the other hand, the inmates need to support their own care by understanding their illnesses and making sure that they obtain suitable care in the prison or jail. The AIDS Institute’s Criminal Justice Initiative (CJI) was created to respond to the prevention and services for the HIV positive inmates in the New York State. Its main goal is to offer a complete, unified range of excellent HIV prevention and helpful services to individuals as well as those going back to the society. The services are usually made to reduce the transmission of HIV in the prisons and to enhance good health and happiness of the individuals who already have the disease. Factors that lead to the spread of HIV/ AIDS in the New York prisons Since there is a great increase in the number of inmates getting infected with HIV/AIDs, the setting in the prisons should be a focus in addressing such epidemics. T he inmates should be tested more often so that those infected with the disease are identified, and given adequate care while still in prison so that primary and secondary prevention goals are achieved (Krebs, 2006). Resources for carrying out routine testing should be available as well as provision of complete HIV care so that the epidemic is stopped.Advertising Looking for article on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More HIV transmission among the New York prison inmates mainly occurs due to sex between two males or two females. Tattooing in the prisons also increases HIV transmission thus the need for HIV prevention programs in these prisons (Mutter R. et al, 1994). It is apparent that HIV is transmitted in prisons due to the behaviors that occur among the inmates. From a survey done in the New York state prisons, the characteristics of the inmates who are likely to contract the disease while still in p rison are: black and younger inmates, inmates who have been imprisoned due to sexual crimes and those inmates who have stayed in prison for a longer time. List of References Boutwell A Rich J. (2004) â€Å"HIV Infection behind bars.† Clinical Infectious Diseases. 38(2):1761-1763. Krebs C. (2006) â€Å"Inmate factors associated with HIV transmission in prison.†Ã‚  Criminology and Public Policy. 5(1):113-135. Mutter R.et al. (1994) â€Å"Evidence of intra prison spread of HIV infection.† Archives of  Internal Medicine. 154(7):793-795.

North America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

North America - Essay Example However, reading through some of the material left behind by actual European explorers and settlers such as De Vaca, Morton and Anne Bradstreet reveals a very different picture of how the Indian and white races compared. In his narrative, De Vaca describes arriving at an abundant land, full of a wide variety of tall trees, which would provide the necessary lumber for construction, as well as fertile fields and a number of game animals. This land is sparsely populated, with a brief mention of scattered houses. However, this impression is a deception as he moves inland and southward. The land becomes largely populated and relatively barren, causing many, including the Spaniards, to go hungry for many days at a time. According to De Vaca, the Indians all along the initial portion of his journey harassed his party continuously, killing some of the men while others began to fall sick with some mysterious illness. He is careful to include the information that this harassment is brought about because the Governor refuses to return one of the tribe’s women. After a harrowing sea voyage of escape, the men are cast ashore again and this time make friends with the Indians, who show them how to survive o n prickly pear cactus and permit the men to winter with the tribe. Life with this tribe depicts the Indians as a compassionate yet practical race. During times of hunger, everyone goes hungry. The protection of the race begins when the woman discovers she is pregnant as husbands will not have sex with them until the child is two years old. It is continued in De Vaca’s account with the suggestion that children are permitted to suckle until age 12, also as a means of survival in a land that requires strong bodies and offers little sustenance. While men may come and go from a relationship with a woman without children, once children are born,

Toxicant Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Toxicant - Research Paper Example With such a profile, one would expect that there would be no intake of the metal in humans. However, the metal that is a common pollutant in soil, water and air is exposed to humans through these agents as well as food and consumer products (Kacew & Lee, 2013). The greatest exposure occurs through breathing it in or swallowing. Exposure through the air is mainly as a result of motor vehicle exhaust resulting from the use of leaded gasoline (Who. int, 2014). The exhaust avails the lead in air, which is then taken into the body through breathing. Then there are the industrial sources such as lead manufacturing and recycling industries as well as smelters that result in the release of the metal into the air in the process of workings (National Research Council (U.S.), 2013). At home lead paints act as the main source of exposure through the air. The paint chips from the walls or movable objects, creating lead dust. Naturally, lead occurs in small amounts in source water. However, the use of lead plumbing materials has made the metal available in drinking water in large amounts. The pipes leach the metal slowly into the water. Depending on the temperature, acidity and standing time on the water, large concentrations of lead may result from the plumbing with the low detectability of the metal making it prone to consumption (Who.int, 2014). The high cost of removing the old piping propagates this method of exposure. However, the contamination and therefore exposure to lead through water may be the result of secondary pollution of water by industrial effluents (National Research Council (U.S.), 2013). Exposure through foods results from the consumption of foods handled using lead based containers. Lead cans and ceramics provide chippings that are consumed with the food. The presence of lead in the body may be detected by studying blood cells using a microscope for changes or using X-rays with the metal appearing as dense

Preparation for Writing an Essay Essay Example for Free

Preparation for Writing an Essay Essay Before you start writing an essay, you need to decide three things. What are you writing about? Who do you imagine will be reading your essay? What do you want to tell them? A popular kind of essay is to offer your reader an opinion or argument. You can write a successful essay by starting off with a plan. The key to doing a successful essay is to break the writing down into short, simple steps. Pre-writing for your essay Begin by brainstorming. Brainstorming doesnt involve writing complete sentences or paragraphs. Brainstorming involves coming up with ideas in words or short phrases. Main idea for your essay Write down the main idea of your essay. To express your main idea, write only a few words. Brainstorming â€Å"for† your main idea Write a word or a phrase that relates to your main idea. This should be something about your main idea that you agree with. Next, write another word or phrase relating to your main idea. This should also be something about your main idea that you agree with. Now, write a third word or phrase relating to your main idea that you agree with. Brainstorming â€Å"against† your main idea Write a word or a phrase that relates to your main idea. This should be something about your main idea that you disagree Try writing a second or phrase relating to your main idea. This too should something about your main idea that you disagree with. Now, write down a third word or phrase relating to your main idea that you disagree with.

Sugarcane :: Botany

Sugarcane Sugarcane is the common name of a species of herb belonging to the grass family. The official classification of sugarcane is Saccharum officinarum, and it belongs to the family Gramineae. It is common in tropical and subtropical countries throughout the world. It can grow from eight to twenty feet tall, and is generally about 2 inches thick. Several different horticultural varieties are known, and they differ by their stem color and length (Anonymous, 1998). The common sugarcane has been cultivated since ancient times. The most widely used form of cultivation is by stem cuttings, since many varieties do not produce fertile seeds (Microsoft, 1994). According to Helen Boyel, (1939) this is one of the many species of plants that would not survive without human intervention. It is a very easy, and profitable plant to grow, but does not naturally reproduce very effectively. The sugarcane was one of the first "cash crops" of early colonial America. It grew plentifully in the southern states, and was a major source of income for many plantations. It is grown readily in the United States in Hawaii, Louisiana, Florida and Puerto Rico. The countries that produce the largest amounts of sugarcane are Brazil, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Mexico, India, and Australia (Microsoft, 1994). Sugarcane cannot be easily harvested by machine, so for centuries it has been harvested by hand, using large machete like blades. For this reason sugarcane fields have very large amounts of farm hands, and are a major source of employment throughout South America, Central America, and even the Caribbean. In early America, when the plant was readily harvested, it was a major source of slavery in the south. However, with the advent of abolition, it was found that sugarcane could be imported cheaper than it could be grown (Microsoft, 1994). This is why the sugarcane industry in the United States has diminished so sharply since the Civil War. The primary use for sugarcane is to process sugar, which can then be used in an infinite number of products. The type of sugar produced by sugarcane is called sucrose. This is the most important of all the sugars. Sucrose is used as a sweetening agent for foods and in the manufacture of cakes, candies, preservatives, soft drinks, alcohol, and numerous other foods. Although the use of sugar in the human diet is controversial, sucrose supplies about 13 percent of all energy that is derived from foods (Escalona, 1952).

On Some Motifs in Baudelaire

Seminar Questions 1. Modernism- Benjamin, Walter â€Å"On some Motifs in Baudelaire† Question 1: In â€Å"On some Motifs in Baudelaire† Walter Benjamin argues that extended exposure to stimuli, or shocks, in the environment alters the human experience of our world and creates a conditioned reaction within the crowd. How does this overstimulation shape our current society and was Benjamin correct in warning against it? Walter Benjamin implied that our minds are not equipped with the facilities to handle these shocks.These develop into environmental stressors and thus our decision-making skills are weakened and we just follow the person in front of us. While over stimulation is an epidemic in current times I do not believe it has created mindless hordes of people. The biggest effect of over stimulation is an individual’s continuous partial attention. Not being able to focus on one thing means focusing on multiple tasks and then not doing any of them completely. Our minds rapidly switch between a variety of separate channels.Initially, this may lead to fatigue. However, the mind can build off of this and become stronger. This is why current culture deems louder, brighter, faster, and shocking media as â€Å"better†. For society to notice anything it needs to be an attention grabber, and when society is constantly focusing on a variety of media you are bombarded with I do not agree that these shocks create a conditioned reaction within the crowd but I do believe they create them within the individual.An individual’s need to process multiple channels of information at once allows information that isn’t sold as the biggest, brightest, and best to fall through the cracks. ? Question 2: Walter Benjamin’s description of a flaneur as a â€Å"detached observer† describes a spectator who seems to maintain their individuality from the crowd. One that can break free from rationalized understandings while being opened up to new perspectives and experiences. Do modern cities and their architecture embrace the idea of the flaneur? Modern architecture embraces the alienating nature of modernity.It creates cities that encourage crowds and a fast-paced way of life. Commercial typologies like malls, subway systems, and high-rise office buildings create a certain environment that do not encourage individual reactions. When something is designed to garner a similar reaction from different types of people it lessens the chance for chaos and also allows a behavioural expectation to be set within a certain environment. When people are expected to react in similar ways it allows the people in charge to be better prepared for distinctive instances.Police can work better, government can create more effect universal policies and transportation can run smoother. Therefore, it benefits the rulers of a city to for modern architecture to follow the same instances. Perhaps the flaneur is the architect, but the vision and idiosyncrasies that the architect tries to instill within each project get syphoned out through different real world factors. Factors that include: budgets, client’s tastes, feasibility, and materiality. These factors chip away at truly city changing architecture and create an environment where the same projects continue to get churned out.