Simplify

In today's world, most of society often over complicates every single aspect of our lives. People are always in such a rush they never have a chance to stop for a second and take a deep breath. It's so bad that when we do actually try and rest for awhile we can almost never truly enjoy it, for interruptions and worries continually plague us. When is the last time you actually relaxed without worries, fears, or interruptions? If you're like most people you probably cannot even the recall when this occurred. Always being in a rush and never having the chance to slow down is bad for your health, your mind, and your life. It may not seem like you have a choice, however, everyone does. The majority of people just never figure out how to change their lives accordingly, thus a slower and more fulfilling life remains elusive. People are always striving for a change, but it's exceedingly rare that they fully achieve it. As Thoreau once said "the mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation." Essentially, everyone has goals and dreams, but they never transform them into reality; instead they sit back quietly while opportunities disappear.

I strongly suggest everyone who wants to improve their life in any way, shape, or form to read Henry David Thoreau's Walden. This book shows how to slow down and get the most out of life while it's still available, for our time here on earth is extremely limited. The way in which an individual lives his life shows his mindset about the world around him. Those who constantly rush and pass things by, without giving them as much as a second glance, take life for granted and do not appreciate the wonders that surround us. On the other hand, the man who slows down and stops to look at even the most seemingly insignificant things, receives a better understanding of the ubiquitous blessings which span the globe. A person who can receive satisfaction from watching an Autumn leaf flutter around in the wind is a thousand times as rich as one who watches a movie for a transitory enjoyment. What I'm getting at here is that men need to simplify their lives; we often feel that in order to have well spent life we must buy or rely on technology to get the most out of it. But alas, it's the complete opposite! Humans throughout history have invented sophisticated pieces of technology to improve the quality of our lives, and while this does make many aspects easier, for the most part it complicates issues to the extreme. We rely on these tools far too much. Basically, "men have become the tools of their tools." For what would happen, if God forbid, the power went out for an extended period of time. Almost everyone would become lost and society would eventually crumble, in essence we wouldn't know what to do. While technology and man made items do help us, it also gives us the survivability of an infant if we were to lose it one day.

We all need to learn how to simplify and do the same amount with less. Instead of surfing the web, pick up a book and read. And why drive to the store when we can walk to it in five minutes? Situations such as these present themselves to us each and every day and we ignore the simpler approach. While it may appear that driving to the store is so much easier than walking, in reality it's not. For in order to do this we must learn how to drive, get a driver's license, buy a car, buy car insurance, and finally constantly have to fill the car with gas. It seems like driving saves us from a lot of headaches, but in the long run we expend enormous amounts of energy, effort, and time in order to save but minutes. Why waste hours to save minutes? It just doesn't make sense. The majority of the population never looks at it this way though. The world is like a magician performing a magic trick, while the audience looks at one hand they ignore the one that's doing the work and hiding everything right in front of their faces. We need to wake up and start seeing what's hidden all around us; we complicate everything so much that we miss the important parts of life that are staring us down. Once we begin to simplify, all the secrets that are unseen will be revealed.

"As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will appear less complex, and solitude will not be solitude, poverty will not be poverty, nor weakness weakness."

Another problem with society that Thoreau discovered was that a large portion of Americans live their lives as consumers. In order to achieve happiness and self fulfillment people acquire items that they think will improve their lives in someway. However, this lifestyle is flawed; for the amount of belongings we own is in direct proportion to how much we are weighed down by them. Who really needs to live in a Mcmansion? And how many of us require a brand new car that costs over a $100,000? We absolutely do not need them under any circumstance, but those who can afford them feel a compulsion to buy. Just because we can do something doesn't mean we should. A large house is not only a hindrance to ourselves but to the environment as well, they just aren't sustainable. The heating alone costs a fortune, and in order to successfully keep it a stable temperature massive amounts of greenhouse gases are produced. Moreover, why spend so much on a house or a car that keeps us working until we're old and feeble. I propose that we buy small houses and used cars, so instead of trying to pay them off with constant work we as free individuals can live a full and productive life that gets the most of everything. It's not hard to change, but keeping it requires an unmeasurable amount of strength, perseverance, and above all an unwavering courage.

"The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it."

Most of society also fails to notice that their work habits are flawed as well. From an early age each of us is conditioned to excel and compete in every aspect of our lives. If an individual doesn't try and best an "opponent" they are more times than not, considered a failure. Why is it necessary to constantly strive to beat others and achieve a status that really doesn't mean anything at all. The most eloquent and prestigious title doesn't change a person, all it does is alter our perceptions. In the long run it only proves to be superfluous and vain. Each of us needs to learn a bit of humility and return back down to earth. This highly competitive world we live in once again contributes to the complexity that wraps around us almost to strangulation. Have you ever wondered why the majority of the population works on average around 50 weeks a year? This is a staggering amount of time to devote to one objective; it wastes our lives. Two or three weeks of vacation time a year is a ridiculously minor amount of true life. If we simplify things, we can roughly work a third of this time and still manage to live comfortably. But this is only possible if we humble ourselves enough so we can stop usurping things from others. We all just need to slow down some and not worry about others beating us in everything. Is it really necessary to waste the prime years of our lives? If you work 50 weeks out of a year until it's time for retirement there's not going to be much to look forward to. Why try to experience the sublimity of life when you can't enjoy it fully? Experience new beginnings now while you're young and full of fire, not when your 70 and knocking at death's door. Don't save it, for it might not be there in the future. Perception in the key to the universe; once we begin looking at these issues in a different light then maybe each of us can finally "suck out all the marrow of life."

"Why should we be in such desperate haste to succeed and in such desperate enterprises? If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears he beat of a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away."

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practice resignation, unless it was quite necessary. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, to live so sturdily and Spartan-like as to put to rout all that was not life, to cut a broad swath and shave close, to drive life into a corner, and reduce it to its lowest terms." -Henry David Thoreau

Nature

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,

There is a rapture on the lonely shore,

There is a society where none intrudes,

By the deep Sea, and music in its roar:

I love not Man the less, but Nature more,

From these our interviews, in which I steal

From all I may be, or have been before,

To mingle with the Universe, and feel

What I can ne'er express, yet cannot all conceal.

Roll on, thou deep and dark blue Ocean - roll!

Ten thousand fleets sweep over thee in vain;

Man marks the earth with ruin - his control

Stops with the shore; - upon the watery plain

The wrecks are all thy deed, nor doth remain

A shadow of man's ravage, save his own,

When for a moment, like a drop of rain,

He sinks into thy depths with bubbling groan,

Without a grave, unknelled, uncoffined, and unknown.

-Lord Bryon, 1812

I felt the need to include this poem here, on account of it being one of my favorites. This particular poem, especially the first stanza, describes accurately how I feel about the world.

It seems as though people always take the things that truly matter for granted. Instead of living a life full with meaning and actual substance, the majority chooses to ignore the natural order; and in doing so, they fill their lives up with shallow tangible items which in the long run do absolutely no good. There are two types of individuals who live this way: those who are ignorant of what else exists, and then those who are complacent and just cannot see big picture. The latter is the main culprit for many of our problems today. They knowingly and willingly bring not only themselves down but others as well. These individuals add meaning to their lives by buying items that fill the empty voids that exist within, and more often than not, they stay in a tiny sphere that includes only deficient man made entertainment. An example of this could be a person who spends his entire life in a city, watching T.V., shopping in a mall for the most current fashions, and attending social events that really serve no purpose but to waste time. I'm not saying these things in moderation are bad, but when these are all someone knows, then there is a problem. This type of person has a life which is virtually meaningless, and it can cause problems to all of humanity. Often, people who live in this manner are the ones that end up destroying the earth, slowly but efficiently, through subtle environmental degradation.

It utterly amazes me that a large part of the population doesn't see that there are much better ways to live. Personally, as the poem describes, I enjoy to spend my time and life for that matter experiencing the sublimity of nature. Be it either through hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, or just by taking a quick stroll outside. In order to achieve true happiness, one need not acquire possessions (that ultimately end up owning the owner); but instead obtain the intangible items which cannot be purchased, such as life changing experiences that bring individuals closer to the one thing that binds us all together- the earth.

In order for me to get a greater appreciation of nature, I strongly intend this summer to embark on a two week long hiking/camping trip in the wilderness of New York. At this current moment I have not decided the location; perhaps it will be in the Hudson Valley, the Catskills, the Appalachian trail, or the Lord knows where. The only aspect of this I can be certain of, is that I'm going to make it happen this year. For a long time I have wanted to do this, but I have not been able to muster enough motivation; however, I can confidently say this summer will be vastly different. Life needs to be lived; not from the sidelines, but from within the very center.

New Beginnings

Since I have started this blog in June I've spent countless hours writing about a variety of topics. And for the most part, this comes as a surprise to me, for I didn't expect to actually post a new entry or two each week. I figured that after the first month or so my interest in writing here would wane and eventually completely dissipate, but I guess I was wrong. For some reason which I have yet to understand, whenever I think of something novel I feel compelled to write about it. I do know that in a few posts I ramble on a great deal, but this is to be expected when one is passionate about something. We are all guilty of this. Who in the world hasn't talked for extremely long periods of time or written vast amounts of information about a topic they find appealing? I figure human nature is the driving force that makes us tell or show others the myriad of issues that each of us feel are wholly important. Everyone just needs to express themselves every once in awhile. Bottling up emotion or other complicated matters can lead to serious problems. So let them flow freely from your mind, speak up, don't fade into the darkness.

To be completely honest, I have absolutely no idea how many people currently read what I post here. I hope it's a lot, but there's just no way of telling. I put quite a bit of effort and time into each entry so it would make me feel better if I knew what people think of this blog as a whole. Nevertheless, even if my readers number only a handful at least I can say that I have a hard copy of my thoughts and opinions. This is probably more important than anything else; years later I can look back at everything and remember what I was like right now. What could be better than having a way to step back in time? I strongly advise others to start a blog, it's productive and writing experience can be gained easily. I personally would be very interested in reading about your opinions, hopes, and aspirations. So do me a favor and and create one so I can get an insight on the true you.

Right now I'm quite busy as I prepare to head back to college in less than a week. Packing, work, and a few other events are occupying my time, so I will not be able to devote myself to writing another entry anytime soon. Getting everything in order is quite an undertaking, I have to constantly worry about forgetting things. And I have to figure out what needs to be bought, but I've gotten this out of the way for the most part. I actually went down to Manhattanville on Monday in order to get my books, and it was extremely expensive- $591 in fact, and I still have to pick up one book on account of it not being ordered yet; this will most likely set me back another $100! Packing and buying a large multitude of items isn't exactly what I call fun, instead this piques me to a high degree. Nonetheless, I am looking forward to starting college again! Everyday for the past two weeks I've been counting down the days; and it's hard to comprehend that in a mere three days from now I'll be moving back into my college. Hopefully I can expect great things this year!

Like I said before, I will not be writing another entry this week, and once I return to Manhattanville I don't plan on writing much either. I'm not quitting this blog, I'll just be using it less frequently. So still check it every now and again for some new updates. I feel as though I can put my time to better use, be it for my studies or for other important activities relating to college life. As the wise Thoreau once said "How vain is it to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live." I firmly intend to stand up, so if I don't write anything for awhile, please forgive me.



The picture that goes along with this post shows a sunrise on the Hudson. Dawn, like many other brand new things, are fast approaching.

The Hudson Valley

The Hudson Valley that most New Yorkers love and enjoy has only been around for a mere 400 years, but in this time period it has changed and grown tremendously. It's extremely difficult to pinpoint exactly what makes this extraordinary place so unique, but it's probably a heterogeneous blend of things. Natural splendor, history, and ancient customs are so wonderfully interwoven that they cannot be separated, this is most likely what traps people here. These unbreakable bonds like a vast spider web, seem to catch individuals and never release them. I think this is the reason why the region is so appealing, everyone wants a place they can call home and the Hudson Valley offers all the qualities anyone could ever desire.

September 4th marks the Quadricentennial of Henry Hudson's discovery of the river that would later bear his name. From Septemeber to October 1609 Hudson and his crew aboard the Half Moon journeyed up the river from Manhattan to Albany and eventually back down. Along the way he was stunned with the natural beauty and resources that presented themselves to him, it looked like an unspoiled paradise. And in fact it was. This pivotal voyage sowed the seeds of colonization, years later when the first settlers arrived, the valley's destiny finally took root.

This year, in recognition of this nationally important exploration the state is hosting a whole bevy of events commemerating Hudson's voyage. All across the Great State of New York, festivals, parades, and parties are being held that deal with various aspects of the area such as history, art, literature, and the natural landscape. They are so numerous it's hard to miss them, just by picking up a newspaper one is sure to find large quantities listed. But to make things even easier I will shortly list and provide links to a few of these along with some interesting information that everyone who enjoys this place should know.

1. Hudson Happenings - News and events, plus a monthly photo contest.
2. Scenic Hudson - Hiking and conservation in the valley.
3. Explore NY 400 -Events and history of New York.
4. HV Sojourner - Everything Hudson Valley.

Books

1. The Hudson: A History
2. The Hudson: America's River
3. The Hudson: An Illustrated Guide to the Living River
4. Hudson Valley Tales and Trails
5. Possessions: The History and Uses of Haunting in the Hudson Valley
6. A History of New York
7. Denning's Point

Read The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Rip Van Winkle, and Dolph Heyliger here. They're all written by Washington Irving.

"It is as pleasant a land as one need tread upon. The land is the finest for cultivation that I ever in my life set foot upon." -Henry Hudson

"I thank God that I was born on the banks of the Hudson. I fancy I can trace much of what is good and pleasant in my heterogeneous compound to my early companionship with this glorious river." -Washington Irving

Must see Movies

In this post I will list and discuss several movies which I think everyone should see this year. I believe that every truly good film must possess a couple very important aspects. The first being a life lesson, every movie which has gone down as a classic in the past has taught something to the viewers be it either through the dialogue or between the lines. For unless it shows the audience how to improve their lives even in a miniscule way it most likely won't be remembered for posterity. I'm not saying a film has to firmly lay out "don't steal" and "don't lie" motifs. Instead, it should at least possess subtle and possibly more obscure issues that are just as important. And although most of society already knows right from wrong, by addressing it in a movie many viewers will heed the message to improve their lives, done either consciously or unconsciously. Entertainment value is the second characteristic which every movie must have, if it's not interesting no one's going to watch. It's a rather simple concept. So after stating all the facts I can conclude that unless a film teaches a life lesson and is entertaining it probably isn't destined to become a classic. I say view a film that's interesting but also imparts some knowledge and wisdom, make sure to get something out of it if time is expended to watch.

War Movies

1. The Patriot

This film takes place in South Carolina during the Revolutionary War and revolves around The protagonist, Benjamin Martin, and his family. At the onset of war Ben is neutral and refuses to affiliate himself with one side at all. However, he quickly changes his stance after his son is murdered by a British officer, his house is burnt to the ground, and his eldest son (who is in the Continental Army) is captured and is sentenced to be hung as a spy. Once these events occur he vows revenge on the Britsh and emerges as a "Patriot". Realizing that the tyranny must end he decides to lend a helping hand to the cause of American Independence. Being a skilled fighter he wages many successful campaigns against his new adversaries but he also experiences grievous losses which make him rethink his choice. He struggles with the one question that we all face: What is worth fighting for?

The main theme in this movie is patriotism as the title suggests, but the story line also delves into the much more complex issue of sacrifice. The latter comes up quite frequently, and shows that it is necessary sometimes to give up the things that are most important in order to help the greater good.

2. Schindler's List

This movie ranks #8 out of the 100 Best Movies of All Time. I have seen a great many war films, but this one moved me the most after watching it. It is so well made that by the time it is over with the viewer can't help but feel incredibly empathetic towards the individuals who endured atrocities of the past.

The film is set in Nazis Germany during the Second World War and revolves around the main character Oskar Schindler. Being a prominent business man, Schindler at the beginning of the movie attempts to increase his fortune by using cheap labor in his factories. This so called cheap labor consists almost entirely of Jews who are basically slaves. He at first is ambivalent towards their situation; he dislikes seeing them wrongly persecuted but enjoys the money they make him. However, as the movie progresses and Schindler sees the savagery that most Nazis bestow upon the unfortunate Jews he can't help but feel repulsed by his country's actions. This is when he changes for the better and becomes a virtuous man. Since he has a factory that already employs the persecuted, he decides to try and obtain as many individuals as possible so they can escape the concentration camps and a horrible death. Using the factory as a cover, he successfully saves thousands of lives. By the end of the war and the movie for that matter, Oskar Schindler is an entirely new man and a hero, although he doesn't believe so. At the conclusion he starts to weep uncontrollably because he wasn't able to save more, it's quite a lofty display of regret.

This movie clearly shows the vile atrocities that men are capable of, but it in another respect it demonstrates that there is also a great deal of good in the world that is countering every move that evil can deal. It's an epic showdown between the two, and after many losses on both sides it's apparent that evil cannot win. Most importantly this movie shows that a righteous act no matter how small, can change the world. Lastly, the film tells us (the future generations) that we cannot under any circumstance let a tyrannical government that arbitrarily takes the lives of millions of innocent people ever arise again.

Comedies

3. Idiocracy

This movie is extremely entertaining and in certain ways it's somewhat stupid but it's a must see. By the end, the viewer will be horrified with what the future may bring not too long from now.

Near the beginning of the film the main character Joe Bauers is introduced. Later we find out that he is a librarian in the U.S. army. His job is incredibly easy and boring, just the way he likes it. But eventually the army reassigns him to a top secret experiment due to the fact that he is the most average man they possess. This "experiment" consists of Joe getting placed into a hibernation chamber for a year, the army wants to see if this type of technology is feasible. Apparently it's not, for Joe is completely forgotten, and instead of waking up a year later he finds himself 500 years in the future. After wandering around a huge derelict city for awhile and seeing all the "progress" he is utterly amazed. Joe along with most of the viewers would think that half a millenium from now mankind would be extremely advanced and sophisticated, but this is not the case. He discovers that everyone in the future is stupid and that they're struggling to survive. In fact, Joe, the most average man, is now the smartest person in the entire world. After getting arrested, tried in a sham court, and eventually thrown in jail, Joe is summoned by the President to solve humanity's problems. He then ascends to the rank of Secretary of the Interior, but President Comacho warns him that if he doesn't fix things there will be severe consequences. After struggling with some issues, Comacho sentences Joe to one night of "Rehabilitation" which is a mix between a wrestling death match and a monster struck show. Just as he is about to incinerated by a flame thrower Joe is pardoned after the president sees that he was right about everything. The entire stupid U.S. then loves Joe once more, and later on he becomes president himself. He ends up steering the world towards intellegence, but it's not easy. This once average man in the 21st century becomes the leader of the free world and all the morons that come with it.

What I just gave is highly brief and condensed synopsis, there's much more to it that I left out. And the things I have just related may sound strange, but in the context of the film it makes for some quality entertainment! And I forgot to mention that there's a time machine too, and Joe uses it! The prevailing theme here is that intellegence and knowledge shouldn't be taken for granted. This shows what can happen when people move away from both of these most essential aspects of wisdom. It's basically a warning to wake up and kill ignorance now before it can multiply and destroy the planet.

4. Yes Man

In this very funny comedy a mans life is completely changed for the better when he says the simple word "Yes!" to every question.

At the start of the movie, Carl Allen, a bank employee who is having trouble with his life struggles from day to day. He possesses a very distrusting and negative dispostion, so this causes him to have very little contact with people outside of work. And to make things worse he lies to his friends so he doesn't have to do anything with them. Essentially he says "No" to even events and activities that should be fun and enjoyable. As time passes an old friend suddenly appears at work one day and tells Carl that he should attend a "Yes!" Self-Improvement Seminar. His friend explains that this has given him a new life and so many unique opportunities. Skeptical at first, Carl brushes it off and doesn't plan on going. However, the more he thinks about it the more it grows on him and he decides to go and see what it's about. Once there, he thinks he has made a mistake going- it appears as a bit of a cult. But after much persuasion by the lead speaker he finally agrees to say "Yes!" to everything, no matter what it is. At first, the things he says "Yes" to seem only to cause him more problems, but later on he discovers that these "problems" in fact have helped him greatly. Later on he becomes addicted to it and can't stop saying "Yes" even when he should, this causes some strain on a new relationship he has just gotten into thanks in part to the "Yes!" Seminar. At the end of the film Carl finally achieves a balance between "Yes" and "No"; he then realizes how his life has improved since the start of things and is grateful for the new and improved attitude he gains.

The prevailing theme here is that everyone should be open to new ideas, even if they don't sound good at first at least give them a chance. For if nothing new is tried a boring monotonous life will be the result, and I doubt anyone wants that. So next time a person asks a question or a favor go out on a limb and take a risk. If the request is declined it is certain that the same boring routine will continue; make sure this never happens. Let new prospects in so your life can be elevated to a point where success and fulfillment will follow.

Adventure/Action Movies

5. O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Despite this film's unusual title it is in fact highly rated. Just as one shouldn't judge a book by it's cover the same principle applies here as well. Surprisingly, it will probably be better than you might expect. And there's a unique twist that a majority of people miss while watching it for the first time, the entire thing is loosely based off of Homer's Odyssey. So many of the characters are very similar to those found in Homer's work, although sometimes it is hard to see considering this movie takes place thousands of years later.

The film is set in Mississippi during the Great Depression in a variety of locations throughout the state. The three main characters, Everett, Pete, and Delmar are recently escaped convicts that are on a quest to dig up 1.2 million dollars that Everett supposedly stole from an armored car. Over the course of their journey the three run into many obsctacles that slow them down and almost destroy their mission. But like the characters in the Odyssey they manage to make it over unsurmountable problems. A few of these obstacles worth mentioning are the following: KKK members, corrupt cops, bank robbers, develish politicians, and many others that are present in Homer's work. Later on as the movie progresses the three become incredibly successful folk singers which takes them by surprise, considering they only sang at first to make a quick buck. Once they gain fame the governor pardons them after the three help him with a reelection campaign. What I have failed to mention, however, is that Everett later reveals that there is no treasure. He never did rob an armored car, the true reason for the incarceration was because he practiced law without a license. And due to shame, Everett's wife divorced him. Eventually she would send her ex-husband a letter stating that she was going to marry another man. Everett could not allow this, so he was determined to prevent it and win back the woman he loved. In order for him to do this, he was forced to lie to Pete and Delamar so they would help him escape. After the truth is revealed some more complicated issues arise. I won't ruin the ending, but Everett does in fact get what he seeks but only after dodging a couple life threating situations which are on the strange side.

This movie like Homer's epic poem is about self discovery. It shows that over a long and arduous journey people can drastically change and once their destination is reached they no longer take things for granted. In effect, the theme here is that if one has enough perserverence and hope they can just about make it through any obstacle that prevents itself in the steep path of life.

By the way, if you have a fondness for cows I strongly advise against seeing this movie!

6. The Dark Knight

This non-stop action film will most definitely keep viewers on the edge of their seats for the entirety of its duration. One may at first think of it as just another dull super hero movie which happens to involve Batman, but there's much more to it than originally meets the eye. If it's carefully looked at many important principles and lessons will emerge that may move you.

The setting of The Dark Knight is in Gotham City, while the plot rotates around Batman and the Joker who are constanly at odds with one another. The movie is a battle between good and evil, Batman personifies the former and the Joker the latter. Essentially, the entire movie is one huge battle scene. The Joker basically just wants to introduce anarchy to the city and wreck havoc. He is completely void of empathy, therefore he tortures others in extremely horrible ways. All of the main characters in the film have been hurt by the Joker, and this takes a large toll on some of them. Thanks in part to this villain's delight of taking away people's loved ones, he manages to seriously mess some important individuals up. One such being Harvey Dent, the District Attorney, who is a crucial player for the side of good, he's second to only Batman. Towards the end of the movie after Batman defeats the Joker he also has to stop Harvey who has become a murderous vigilante. In the end, Harvey kills 6 individuals before he meets his own destruction after a struggle ensues between himself and Batman. Not caring about being a hero, Batman just wants to do what's right, so he takes full responsibilty for the killings that Harvey did. He doesn't want all the good that the late District Attorney performed to go to waste. And he certainly can't let the Joker win, since he is the reason why Harvey went bad. So after this cover up, Batman becomes hated and is a wanted man for the murders.

Besides being an intense action film, The Dark Knight also shows what it takes to be a real hero. Fame and acknowledgement for good deeds is not what makes a man one; instead, all that matters is doing what is right, no matter the consequences or hardships. For only when an individual can become righteous enough not to care about taking credit for these acts can one truly call themselves a "hero".

Each movie I have just discussed will hopefully become a classic one day, for they all possess qualities that make them truly unique. I advise everyone to make an attempt to see all six sometime this year. I guarantee that most if not all will be liked a great deal, and I can confidently say important life lessons will be learned. Films are manifestations of our inner desires, fears, hopes, and aspirations; so when watching one be sure to notice that the people who created them are trying to convey messages to the audience that will help mankind.

7 Ways to Gain Success

In this world there are many ways in which a person can become successful. Most of the time hard work is involved in order for this to occur, but luck can also play a large role as well. Everyone wants to be successful, but most of the time no one wants to perfom the necessary steps in order to make this possible. Shortly, I will discuss a few simple activities that if done daily can help achieve your full potential. If these rather mundane tasks are followed a well rounded knowledge can be gained and a Renaissance Man persona will emerge.

The first part of achieving your goal is to perform tasks which the majority of the population overlook. Most people are content with thier idyllic lives and don't strive for anything great. Instead of seeking knowledge which will lead to success they sit in front of the T.V. for hours on end and don't think about anything. Be different, don't be complacent, read a book instead of sitting in front of the T.V., and while surfing the web look up things that will help you learn. The internet is the greatest source of knowledge anywhere, so when not on Facebook put it to good use.

1. News- Every day or so I suggest the news be looked at. Be it either from a newspaper, the internet, or the T.V. This enables one not only to keep up with world events but also on discoveries as well. I generally use Google News to see what's happening. It's a good source of varied topics, ranging from politics to celebrities.

2. Reading- By doing a little reading every now and again, this helps improve cognitive ablitity, writing skills, and vocabulary. Anything can be read in order to gain these improvements, but I say try something challenging. Pick up an old book, written for say 100 hundred years ago. By doing this a sense of what life was like back then will prevail. And more often that not these authors use a greater and more eloquent vocabulary so even if the book isn't interesting at least some new words will be picked up.

3. Science- Learning about new discoveries and other fascinating scientific topics gives one a greater knowlege and appreciation of the world. Many of life's mysteries are waiting to be found and understood, by utilizing scientific methods we are able to help mankind by delving into the most simplistic and also the most complex aspects of life. By understanding both we are able to solve almost every problem that we face. A couple useful and interesting sites are Discovery News and Live Science.

4. Politics- Understanding politics is key to ensuring that "We the People" have adequate rights that will not be violated. If our back is turned on this important subject we not only jeopardize our own prosperity but that of others. Too often people ignore this, and one day it will come back to haunt them. Make your voice heard, don't be silent. And educate yourself on the current issues so ignorance will die. Einstein said "Politics is more difficult than physics." This may be true, but it doesn't mean we should give up on navigating through this treacherous sea. Check out the news for political information and gain some principles so a rightful stance can be formed.

5. Philosophy- In order to be successful some famous philosopher's views will have to be reflected upon. By knowing other people's positions one can analyze them, absorb parts, and eventually form brand new and completely unique philosophies that will help with every task in life. Philosophers are incredibly numerous, but it's relatively easy to locate a few whose opinions can be agreed with and fit your own values. So I say read up on the works of philosophers that you find interesting.

6. History- This is a highly important subject that everyone should know. Possessing a basic understanding of the world's colorful history is a must. As the old saying goes "those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it". So do a little research in order to make sure that mistakes don't arise like they did to others. Essentially, build off other's pasts, construct a building upon sturdy foundations that were already laid down. One fun way to look back in time is through the internet archive aka The Wayback Machine. On this site one can view web pages from as far back as a decade ago. Just type in the URL and a glimpse of the past will emerge; it's a good way to see how things have evolved over the years.

7. Writing- Another important task which everyone should do every day is write. It doesn't matter what is written about or where it is recorded. The main thing is just to express yourself, simply write what you're passionate about. I suggest keep a journal or perhaps even a blog like this one. Out of all the topics previously mentioned I hold this one with the most esteem, don't get me wrong the others are vastly important as well, but being able to have a firm grasp upon the English language and how to record thoughts envelops all the rest. And the more one writes the better this skill becomes, that's why something should be written at least once a day. A fulsome amount doesn't have to be put down, a 15o words will suffice. This can be easily accomplished in as little as 10-15 minutes. I myself keep a journal and I have been doing so for over three years; I basically just record what happened throughout my day. Besides gaining necessary writing experience it also instills self discipline onto an individual. For even though many days I don't feel like writing I do it anyway. If enough strength is had to push youself to write even when not in the mood, then eventually other even more important things will be achieved when enough will power is obtained.
Even if everything I have said doesn't appealing, simply write in order to have a tangible record of your thoughts. A journal entry a day will ensure that these don't get lost in oblivion. Years later they can look back upon and past events will be remembered, these will show how much everything has changed. This is probably the best result of daily writing. So make sure to do it for yourself and no one else. See the changes in the world, but above all those that are taking place within your life.

If the preceding 7 steps that I have just listed are followed, I do confidently believe that success will be found at one time or another. But even if it's not the type that is expected, success will in fact be achieved, for gaining knowledge and individual thought makes a person invincible. People who fit into this small part of the population can expect to accomplish great things. Along with this, I cannot forbear mentioning that besides the topics I have covered there are many more which are unable be expressed in words. Certain things can't be taught they have to learned first hand. So it is necessary sometimes for one to brave the unknown in order to gain truth and all the other aspects of life that make success possible. Teach yourself what you desire, don't idly sit back while another dictates what should be learned.

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other."-Abraham Lincoln

"Don't confuse fame with success. Madonna is one; Hellen Keller is the other." -Erma Bombeck

"Success is dependent on effort" -Sophocles

View of Life

How do you view life? Is it positive, negative, or somewhere inbetween? I ask this because most people really don't have a clue, it generally takes some long contemplation before a true answer can be derived. It's actually one of the simplest questions that can be asked, nevertheless, it often poses difficulty for the majority. Why is this? Well, to put it bluntly it's probably because people just don't think for themselves. I mean really, how many individuals think about this simple question? I strongly doubt many. The majority often follows the path which is already made. Instead of wondering and imagining about something completely unique, people usually just think like a robot. They get up in the morning, follow the same routine day after day and never contemplate about the world's many mysteries. Mainly the thoughts of the day include the following: What should I wear? What should I eat? I'm tired, I don't want to go to work, I hate my life... etc. The wise thing to do is to forge a new road which no one has taken. If this is done thoughts which never entered your mind before will finally emerge.

Those that have pondered the aspects of life which most of the population never think about have done great things. People such as Einstein, Edison, Thoreau, and Ben Franklin followed their own path and each one came out to a completely new place. Their unique perspective helped them not only acheive great things for themselves, but for the world as well. This is what the power of individual thinking can do. However, those that follow the boring and well worn road of the majority often end up like a broken record. All they do is go in circles over and over until the end of their lives. This is not living; it's breathing and eating and that is all. There are so many examples of this which are in plain sight, take a look, they're all around. The business man- the one who acheives happiness through the accumulation of wealth. Money is his only thought, and how to make more of it. He spends his life chasing after cash instead of chasing after the things that really matter. And let's not forget about the college student- who is pursuing a career which will make him a living, but will neither bring him joy nor satisfaction. Indeed, both of these people will be able to stay alive, but if asked if their life is truly positive I think the answer will be "no".

This once again brings me back to the the question: How do you view life? Is it a burden or a blessing? The ones that have asked themselves this very question deserve an A+ in my book. By asking yourself even the simplest question which deviates from the majority shows an originality. Be it good or bad, it's the thought that counts. Many brilliant and gifted well known inventors, philosophers, and statesman have carefully thought about this and have given very detailed responses. Some viewed life as positive and thought man was naturally good, while others have viewed life in a far more negative fashion and believed the nature of man was full of evil and selfish vices. Which is the right way of thinking? Well, this is for each person to decide on their own.

In my opinion, however, I view life in a positive way. I think it's something that shouldn't be taken for granted and the most should be made with it. Why think of it as negative? This type of thought doesn't help anyone, all it does is depress and give a feeling of hopelessness. The way one views life is the way one will live it. Having a negative attitude accomplishes nothing, it essentially destroys all goals and takes the meaning of life away. Believing that people are inherently bad, selfish, and unoriginal will provide a sense of distrust. I say that people should trust first and distrust secondly. It makes things a lot easier and it also provides hope. The most important thing that exists is hope, for this is what keeps the world moving. Without it nothing would ever get accomplished. If a person didn't have anything to look forward to, why would they even bother trying to get a task done?

Writers such as Friedrich Nietzsche who believed that life lacked a purpose, constantly tried to convince others that there was no such thing as hope. Throughout much of Nietzsche's works he states time and time again that there is no point in believing in anything and that life is full of overhelmingly bad burdens. Essentially he viewed life in a extremely negative fashion. His words are poisonous and only cause harm. I often have to wonder why there are those who feel compelled to convince others that there is nothing to believe in or hope for. They seem to think they're doing a favor to the world by instilling a sense of "reason" onto the population. All that is getting done however, is the destruction of the people who actually make society a better place. People like Nietzsche are miserable and bascially want to take everyone else down with them. In my opinion, if you harbor these ill thoughts on life keep them to yourself. Only speak out if you have something that can improve mankind. Words should be spoken to cheer someone up, not bring them the down. Everyone has a choice that they must make: Do you want happiness or misery? Live accordingly, since the two are not interchangeable. Both cannot be had at the same time. Happiness can't under any circumstance be achieved if life is viewed negatively. In the end, Nietzche got his just rewards. Towards the end of his life he went insane and died a sad man; he reaped what he sowed.

In contrast to these types of individuals, there are those who see life like the sun, -it's brightness cannot be diminished in any way. People like this strive for a greater understanding of it's mysteries and view it as the most sublime force in the universe. Every individual who doesn't take life for granted should in their own way seek out its purest form. The famous Henry David Thoreau did exactly this and he found what he was looking for. He did so in an unusual way, but nevertheless, he followed his own path. For this he should be commended and we should follow his example of individuality. Seeking to understand life better, Thoreau retreated into the woods where he lived alone in a small cabin for two years. In that time span he had little contact with other humans, instead he communicated with nature. In Thoreau's words "I went to the woods because I wanted to live delibrately, I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life... to put to rout all that was not life; and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived." This says it all. It's not important how you seek out the very essence of life, instead, the main thing is what is gotten out of the experience.

Life is complicated, there is no doubt about this. And even with all the different views that people possess, be it good or bad, it's within our grasp right now, so make the most of it. And along the twisting ride, forge your own path through the thickets, be original. Don't be content with a normal life, make it something special. And also remember to ask yourself each day while wandering through the tranquil solitudes of thought and reverie: How do I view life? For even the subtlest thought of this question can bring careful introspection to the most important thing in the world- Life and it's many mysteries, which are just waiting to be discovered.