Deciphering the meaning of a particularly complex book
Is like trying to unwrap a chocolate that has melted and hardened several times over
Little chips of chocolate crumble off here and there
And when the bulk of it finally comes loose
You are surprised at the strange wrinkled shape.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
An essay on The Communist Manifesto
Marx. The name goes off like a firecracker around the table. Devoured like a personal offense to each and every hearer. And why? Whatever could one do to become so delightfully infamous? To be known from across nations down to the very individual. “You’re reading the Communist Manifesto?!” Bullets start flying. Words like “individualism,” lack of motivation,” “unfair.”
But I see his side. History is constantly being shaped by the conflict between social classes. Marx seeks to end this conflict. Is a vision of equality and prevention of conflict not beautiful? This man writes passionately about the freedom of the oppressed and the hope of a new society. “All that is solid melts into air, all that is holy is profaned and man is at last compelled to face with sober senses his real conditions of life and his relations with his kind.” He points at the prejudice of the ruling class or bourgeoisie as well as their dominance over production. “The modern laborer…instead of rising with the progress of industry, sinks deeper and deeper below the conditions of existence of his own class.” “…the proleteriat alone is a really revolutionary class…the bourgeoisi therefore produces its own gravediggers.” He sees a society where land and factories are owned and allotted by the state, and there is peace.
However, there are innate problems, with Marx’s ideas. He fails to look behind class conflict and see the human nature. As a Christian I believe we live in a fallen world and have a sin nature. It is because of this nature that Marx’s solution fails. People cannot work just to work. We are, at times, motivated by selfish ambition: reward. The American dream implies that if you work hard, you move up; however true or false this may be we do need motivation outside of ourselves. There is also the idea of a community of women. In their defense, the communists state that the family already is corrupted. They examine how men cheat on their wives and go on to say that it “…is in reality a system of wives in common.” Although the family is corrupted, it is a hasty and bold generalization to think that all men cheat on their wives. A community of women would in fact create the dehumanization that Marx writes against.
In this way Marx vision fell short. It is impossible to make a beautiful society with imperfect people. In dashing rhetoric and passionate expression, Marx proclaims his vision of a peaceful society. And the yearning within the human heart for peace is a beautiful thing…a vision which in no way should be banned, but rather supplement with material that points out flaws in the solution. As a piece of literature pertaining to society it is beautiful, albeit misguided. Our hearts yearn for peace on earth, our natures make hell on earth, and because of that conflict we cannot create heaven on earth.
But I see his side. History is constantly being shaped by the conflict between social classes. Marx seeks to end this conflict. Is a vision of equality and prevention of conflict not beautiful? This man writes passionately about the freedom of the oppressed and the hope of a new society. “All that is solid melts into air, all that is holy is profaned and man is at last compelled to face with sober senses his real conditions of life and his relations with his kind.” He points at the prejudice of the ruling class or bourgeoisie as well as their dominance over production. “The modern laborer…instead of rising with the progress of industry, sinks deeper and deeper below the conditions of existence of his own class.” “…the proleteriat alone is a really revolutionary class…the bourgeoisi therefore produces its own gravediggers.” He sees a society where land and factories are owned and allotted by the state, and there is peace.
However, there are innate problems, with Marx’s ideas. He fails to look behind class conflict and see the human nature. As a Christian I believe we live in a fallen world and have a sin nature. It is because of this nature that Marx’s solution fails. People cannot work just to work. We are, at times, motivated by selfish ambition: reward. The American dream implies that if you work hard, you move up; however true or false this may be we do need motivation outside of ourselves. There is also the idea of a community of women. In their defense, the communists state that the family already is corrupted. They examine how men cheat on their wives and go on to say that it “…is in reality a system of wives in common.” Although the family is corrupted, it is a hasty and bold generalization to think that all men cheat on their wives. A community of women would in fact create the dehumanization that Marx writes against.
In this way Marx vision fell short. It is impossible to make a beautiful society with imperfect people. In dashing rhetoric and passionate expression, Marx proclaims his vision of a peaceful society. And the yearning within the human heart for peace is a beautiful thing…a vision which in no way should be banned, but rather supplement with material that points out flaws in the solution. As a piece of literature pertaining to society it is beautiful, albeit misguided. Our hearts yearn for peace on earth, our natures make hell on earth, and because of that conflict we cannot create heaven on earth.
Good Tuesday morning!
It's supposed to be sunny all week! I love lounging around luxuriously, drenched in sun and poetry. The madness of class seems to be winding down rapidly and is picking up a more relaxed pace. Simply lovely. I was laying in the grass yesterday. I woke up eye-level to all these little white flowers. To think that each of them is a way God loves us, and every leaf on every tree and every blade of grass was made for us. How great is His love.
Yours truly
butterfly girl
Yours truly
butterfly girl
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Friday girls night!
There is absolutely nothing like driving an hour for icecream instead of supper. ("Life is short, eat dessert first.") ColdWater Creek. We sat on the curb eating the richest most amazing icecream while hearing of Pooh and Winnie's search for a "hefalump." On the way home, windows rolled down, enjoying the warm night air, blasting Christmas music. Absolutely lovely.
Today is just as lovely...warm heady spring air, smelling of future rain. I am working on living in the moment. Not for it, but in it. To be present where I am, when I am to see God's glory in the here and now.
Yours truly,
Butterflygirl
Today is just as lovely...warm heady spring air, smelling of future rain. I am working on living in the moment. Not for it, but in it. To be present where I am, when I am to see God's glory in the here and now.
Yours truly,
Butterflygirl
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Hello there!
Caterpillars are still waging an aerial attack on Houghton.
But other than the caterpillars, life is wonderful. I got a room to myself in Lambein for may term, without having to pay for a single. Decorating and setting up was a total blast. The banned books course is really great. It's forcing me to draw my own line when authors are abusing their power over readers, and when uncomfortable, ugly subjects are needed to make a good point.
Me and the other girlies have had deep discussions. Particularly pertaining to whether or not it would be possible to get married, and then secretly become a pre-nun for a year. During which you'd start a black market of lace and jewelry and then eventually quit. It would just be oh so romantic to be able to tell your grandchildren..."Yes I was a nun once..."
Last night we watched a modern movie about Romeo and Juliet. Hardly anyone else was in the theater. It was so nice to get indignant at the characters, dreamy eyed over Italy and breathless over true love. Beforehand we went to a little coffee shop. There was live music, antique decorations, couches and general aire of quaintness. Note to self: maybe I'll run a coffee shop.
Yours imaginatively
Butterfly girl
Caterpillars are still waging an aerial attack on Houghton.
But other than the caterpillars, life is wonderful. I got a room to myself in Lambein for may term, without having to pay for a single. Decorating and setting up was a total blast. The banned books course is really great. It's forcing me to draw my own line when authors are abusing their power over readers, and when uncomfortable, ugly subjects are needed to make a good point.
Me and the other girlies have had deep discussions. Particularly pertaining to whether or not it would be possible to get married, and then secretly become a pre-nun for a year. During which you'd start a black market of lace and jewelry and then eventually quit. It would just be oh so romantic to be able to tell your grandchildren..."Yes I was a nun once..."
Last night we watched a modern movie about Romeo and Juliet. Hardly anyone else was in the theater. It was so nice to get indignant at the characters, dreamy eyed over Italy and breathless over true love. Beforehand we went to a little coffee shop. There was live music, antique decorations, couches and general aire of quaintness. Note to self: maybe I'll run a coffee shop.
Yours imaginatively
Butterfly girl
Saturday, May 8, 2010
What to do when torurously bored
1. Read a book.
2.Check e-mail.
3. Dream about and research your future apartment. They cheapest apartment I found was $350 per month and I could live in Paris for $1,200 per month.
4. Skype your lovely family back home....i could hear the kettle whistling, mom cooking, Jordy playing guitar...
5. Make a list of complaints just to get it out of your system:
Lunch wasn't served today
Can't go to graduation because I don't have a ticket
Library's closed
Rainy outside
Cold outside
Have to move to Lambein later
6. Explore wherever you are
For me that was Gillette
7. Make a list of what you found:
An out of tune piano dedicated to some one's mother. I wondered how many times fingers had coaxed tunes out of it. Played Fur Elise on it-still sounded bad. But the keys were definitely poem worthy.
Found some ancient pictures in a nook near the fireplace in the basement
Found a lovely Victorian looking chair in one of the fourth story study-nooks. They all have windows. Now all I need is some hot cocoa and a book.
Found my favorite lounge on fourth floor to. Window, comfy chairs, eclectic and cozy. Note to self: new haunt.
Found a small dark closet in the basement-wish it had a light.
8. Write a grumpy poem:
Today holds as much pleasure as a stale cracker.
Past it's expiration date
or freezer-burnt ice cream
At the bottom of the box
Or how bathrooms smell
When they need cleaned
Today feels like a poem tied to a chair
Beaten for meaning
Or the stain
You can't get out of the carpet
Or the weariness
Before you even get out of bed
Today is like a computer screen
Flat
Or a sidewalk
With no daisies
I kneel with my ear to the pavement
Straining to hear what it's saying.
9. Put on some jazz music, lipstick and a smile and realize that if people could die from boredom you'd have 9 lives.
10.Update your blog or write in a diary.
2.Check e-mail.
3. Dream about and research your future apartment. They cheapest apartment I found was $350 per month and I could live in Paris for $1,200 per month.
4. Skype your lovely family back home....i could hear the kettle whistling, mom cooking, Jordy playing guitar...
5. Make a list of complaints just to get it out of your system:
Lunch wasn't served today
Can't go to graduation because I don't have a ticket
Library's closed
Rainy outside
Cold outside
Have to move to Lambein later
6. Explore wherever you are
For me that was Gillette
7. Make a list of what you found:
An out of tune piano dedicated to some one's mother. I wondered how many times fingers had coaxed tunes out of it. Played Fur Elise on it-still sounded bad. But the keys were definitely poem worthy.
Found some ancient pictures in a nook near the fireplace in the basement
Found a lovely Victorian looking chair in one of the fourth story study-nooks. They all have windows. Now all I need is some hot cocoa and a book.
Found my favorite lounge on fourth floor to. Window, comfy chairs, eclectic and cozy. Note to self: new haunt.
Found a small dark closet in the basement-wish it had a light.
8. Write a grumpy poem:
Today holds as much pleasure as a stale cracker.
Past it's expiration date
or freezer-burnt ice cream
At the bottom of the box
Or how bathrooms smell
When they need cleaned
Today feels like a poem tied to a chair
Beaten for meaning
Or the stain
You can't get out of the carpet
Or the weariness
Before you even get out of bed
Today is like a computer screen
Flat
Or a sidewalk
With no daisies
I kneel with my ear to the pavement
Straining to hear what it's saying.
9. Put on some jazz music, lipstick and a smile and realize that if people could die from boredom you'd have 9 lives.
10.Update your blog or write in a diary.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
catepillars and commencement
Well hello, my lovelies!
Finals have at last finished. It was so sad and strange to watch most everyone pack up and leave. I'm saying through commencement week and then doing Mayterm. Mayterm is basically where students use up their extra (paid-for) credits in 1 or 2 intensive, month-long courses. I'll be taking a Banned Books course. I'm quite excited. We're reading things like the Communist Manifesto ect. It'll be really good to be taught about those books form a Christian perspective.
I feel so blessed to have discovered kindred spirits here, most of which share my love for literature and romanticism. Which may be a contributing factor in why I am now leaning towards a English major. Come to find out, it would only take 2 years to get my masters and then teach it. Which is what I came to Houghton for originally. :) This summer I'm hoping to get a job that will gie me some experience...we'll see.
And last but certainly not least....CATERPILLARS ARE TAKING OVER HOUGHTON!
There was a time when spring was fresh a beautiful and all the trees were budding and their blossoms fell all around...and then the caterpillars came. First, aerial attack. They hung from spider-web strings in the trees. I often appreciated how the trees here drape gracefully over the walk-ways. No longer. You do not see these caterpillars hanging until they are about an inch away from your face and then you turn around to see more and you are suddenly trapped as they blow in the wind on their invisible strings. Now, don't get me wrong I generally am predisposed to caterpillars. Turning into a butterfly is like redemption. But these caterpillars are the ones that kill trees with thick nasty tunnel webs. So once you get used to skirting around all trees. You look down and realise that what you tought where just tree-sheddings on the walk-way are caterpillars. And with every step you try not to imagine what is smooshed beneath your shoes. It doesn't smell like spring anymore. It is warm and muggy. It smells like caterpillars. You open a door and look down to see the door frame covered in caterpillars. It's like a plague. I am thoroughly disgusted. My skin crawls. BLAEEEEH!!!!
Finals have at last finished. It was so sad and strange to watch most everyone pack up and leave. I'm saying through commencement week and then doing Mayterm. Mayterm is basically where students use up their extra (paid-for) credits in 1 or 2 intensive, month-long courses. I'll be taking a Banned Books course. I'm quite excited. We're reading things like the Communist Manifesto ect. It'll be really good to be taught about those books form a Christian perspective.
I feel so blessed to have discovered kindred spirits here, most of which share my love for literature and romanticism. Which may be a contributing factor in why I am now leaning towards a English major. Come to find out, it would only take 2 years to get my masters and then teach it. Which is what I came to Houghton for originally. :) This summer I'm hoping to get a job that will gie me some experience...we'll see.
And last but certainly not least....CATERPILLARS ARE TAKING OVER HOUGHTON!
There was a time when spring was fresh a beautiful and all the trees were budding and their blossoms fell all around...and then the caterpillars came. First, aerial attack. They hung from spider-web strings in the trees. I often appreciated how the trees here drape gracefully over the walk-ways. No longer. You do not see these caterpillars hanging until they are about an inch away from your face and then you turn around to see more and you are suddenly trapped as they blow in the wind on their invisible strings. Now, don't get me wrong I generally am predisposed to caterpillars. Turning into a butterfly is like redemption. But these caterpillars are the ones that kill trees with thick nasty tunnel webs. So once you get used to skirting around all trees. You look down and realise that what you tought where just tree-sheddings on the walk-way are caterpillars. And with every step you try not to imagine what is smooshed beneath your shoes. It doesn't smell like spring anymore. It is warm and muggy. It smells like caterpillars. You open a door and look down to see the door frame covered in caterpillars. It's like a plague. I am thoroughly disgusted. My skin crawls. BLAEEEEH!!!!
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