“Life of Pi” by Yann Martel Essay

All humans are born with instincts; it is during the most desperate times in life when these instincts take control of an individual. In the novel Life of Pi by Yann Martel, the protagonist, Pi, goes through a situation that evoked his instincts to take control of himself. Pi spent 227 days as a castaway on a boat drifting in the Pacific Ocean. During this time he dealt with intense hunger and thirst and was very desperate. In the second story that Pi tells, each of the animals from the first story are symbolic of humans. Pi is related to Richard Parker, as many of their actions are similar between the two stories. In light of Pi’s second story the similarities suggests that Pi uses Richard Parker to represent his instinctive mind and serve as an escape from the horrific level of savagery he sank to on the lifeboat. Pi, however, did begin to accept his situation and realize that his instinctive mind would play a major role in his survival no matter how opposed to killing and e ating his rational mind was. The savage-like behavior of Pi is brought on by intensely desperate situation, hunger, thirst, and Pi’s instinctive mind represented by the Bengal tiger, Richard Parker. When an individual acts on instincts, their actions become spontaneous and that person’s beliefs and values are not part of the decision. Richard Parker represents the instinctive part of Pi’s mind; this becomes clear after analysis of Richard Parker’s actions and emergence in the plot. Richard Parker only emerges after the orangutan or Pi’s mother is killed and Pi is in his most desperate state. This shows that Pi began acting on his instincts at this point where he felt very lonely and vulnerable while his life was in danger. Pi’s instincts provided him with food in the form of fish, turtles, and sharks, as well as the hyena or the cook. Pi states, â€Å"It is the plain truth: without Richard Parker, I wouldn’t be alive today to tell you my story.† (Martel 164) Pi has his animal instincts to thank for his survival and shows that he knows this by thanking Richard Parker, the representation of his instincts. Pi’s rational mind was not fit to survive all that time on the lifeboat; he is a vegetarian and a very religious person and would not have had any food on the lifeboat if not for his animal instincts. His rational self would not have killed the cook or the turtles and fish and he would have starved because there was no access to vegetables  and fruits in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. On page 164, Pi talks of his instincts in the form of Richard Parker as he states, â€Å"He pushed me to go on living. I hated him for it yet at the same time I was grateful.† He says that he hated his instincts for keeping him alive because they caused him to do things that were against his beliefs and values but at the same time he was grateful for his life. Pi has only his animal instincts to thank for his survival in a lifeboat for 227 days. After many desperate days on the lifeboat, Pi’s instinctive mind begins to blend with his rational mind. On page 197, after he kills and eats a turtle without blaming it on his instincts represented by Richard Parker, he realizes that he has â€Å"descended to a level of savagery [he] never imagined possible.† His instincts have blended with his sensible mind and he is no longer the strict vegetarian that he was before he was put in this situation. During his time on the lifeboat, Pi came a long way from the strict vegetarian that he once was. Pi speaks of his former self as he says, â€Å"To think that when I was a child I always shuddered when I snapped open a banana because it sounded to me like the snapping of an animal’s neck.† (197) The experience on the boat drastically changed him as his instincts no longer had to control him to kill and to eat. After continually killing to eat, he gets used to the idea and no longer needs his instincts to take over for him to eat. His vegetarian principles are irrelevant with the extremity of the situation as he could not have lived by his beliefs and values if he wanted to survive. His rational mind stepped away from its belief and values and began to accept a kill or starve mentality. Pi’s lengthy and desperate situation caused his rational mind to accept that he had to live off animal instincts if he did not want to starve. Guilt is a very powerful feeling and it can cause people to do crazy things in order to hide and escape from these feelings. In terms of the second story Pi acted on many of his animal instincts and killed and ate animals as well as humans. Pi used Richard Parker not only as his escape from his guilt but also to escape the reality of the situation he was in. The guilt that Pi felt from being a vegetarian and doing what he did coupled with the emotional pain and torment of his situation caused Pi to force himself to  believe that everyone on the lifeboat were animals. Because the events that occurred on the lifeboat were similar to those that would occur between wild animals where it is a kill or die situation it was easy for Pi to substitute animals for all of the people on the lifeboat. He continuously turned to God for help in dealing with the guilt that he felt. After telling how he killed the cook in the second story, he said â€Å"I must live with that. Solitude began. I turned to God. I survived.† Pi was very religious before he was stranded on the lifeboat and he used his faith to help him through the situation. Pi’s feelings of guilt caused him to do whatever it took to escape from the guilt and from reality. The idea of Richard Parker, therefore, stemmed from Pi’s desperate survival in a lifeboat. Richard Parker was the reason that Pi survived and also served as a savior from the guilt and emotional pain that he felt. Pi’s instincts were represented by the idea of the Bengal tiger, Richard Parker, and he survived because of these instincts. It was only natural for these animal instincts to take control of him as he was dealing with intense hunger and thirst. During his time on lifeboat, even his rational self accepted that he would have to kill to eat, a big change for the strict vegetarian that he once was. He also had to deal with severe guilt for his actions as well as tremendous emotional pain. Richard Parker served as a way for him to escape this guilt and to escape reality. Desperation and loss combined with intense hunger and thirst are some of the many things that could cause an individual to lose control of their rational mind and live on instincts. Work Cited Martel, Yann. Life of Pi. Orlando: Harcourt Books, 2001.

Obama rhetorical analysis Essays

Obama rhetorical analysis Essays Obama rhetorical analysis Paper Obama rhetorical analysis Paper Essay Topic: Rhetorical Rhetorical Analysis Essay President Obamas 2009 Inaugural Address In January of 2009 President Barack Obama addressed his country for the first time as president of the United States of America. Not only did he address his nation but he left them with a sense of empowerment. With the use of rhetoric, Obama and his speech writers were able to greatly influence their audience. In the speech as a whole, Obama used anaphora with the word our. This was not only a good move from a political standpoint but also from a strategic standpoint. By using the word our it portrays this idea that we are all in this together. It gives the viewer an empowering feeling and makes them feel as if they are and equal to Obama. It also gives the idea that Obama is one of us and has no sense of credibility or higher value just because he is the president. He is trying to play off of this average Joe persona. He opens his speech by saying he is humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed. By saying this he is trying to show the people how he is a own to earth man and is not of greater quality no worth than any other man or woman in our nation. This also creates an example of ethos. By being relatable and not too full of himself, he portrays himself as this character that is Just like everybody else. He later goes on to say, To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. This is an example of pathos. By saying this he is creating a connection and establishing an emotional bound with foreign ountries. He goes on to say, Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing Pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions. This is an example of alliteration. By using one word after another that have a strong p sound providing a forceful delivery that rolls off the tongue. Finally Obama uses logos when he talks about how the United States cannot prosper if only the prosperous prosper. Along with the alliteration of the word prosper this gives a sense of entitlement to the lower and middle classes. Obama ran his whole campaign on he idea of not letting the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. By saying this he relates to the lower and middle class when past presidents have failed to do so. Obamas 2009 inaugural address addressed many topics by using rhetoric. Throughout many uses, President Obama was able to make the people of the nation feel included for once and made them feel like he was on their side. By doing so he gained many supporters and made many people have faith in him in his upcoming term as President of the United States. Obama rhetorical analysis By samralbovsky

Chemist Profile and Career Information

Chemist Profile and Career Information Heres a look at what a chemist is, what a chemist does, and what type of salary and career opportunities you can expect as a chemist. What Is a Chemist? What Do Chemists Do? There are a lot of different employment opportunities open to chemists. Some chemists work in a lab, in a research environment, asking questions and testing hypotheses with experiments. Other chemists may work on a computer developing theories or models or predicting reactions. Some chemists do field work. Others contribute advice on chemistry for projects. Some chemists write. Some chemists teach. The career options are extensive. More Careers in Chemistry Job Outlook for Chemists analytical chemistry Chemist Salaries federal executive branch: $88,930scientific research development: $68,760chemical manufacture: $62,340pharmaceutical manufacture: $57,210testing laboratories: $45,730 Chemist Working Conditions Types of Chemists Organic Chemists - work with carbon and carbon-compounds, many of which come from plants or animals. Organic chemists develop drug, petrochemicals, fertilizers, and plastics.Inorganic Chemists - deal primarily with non-carbon chemistry involving metals, minerals, and electronics.Analytical Chemists - examine substances. Analytical chemists identify materials, measure quantities, and evaluate properties of elements and compounds.Physical Chemists - work primarily in the field of energy research. Physical chemists look at chemical and physical changes and examine the relationships between matter and energy. Chemist Educational Requirements in a career in chemistry Advancement as a Chemist chemist with a masters degree How to Get a Job as a Chemist studying chemistry often accept co-op positions with companies so they can work in chemistry while getting their education. These students often stay on with the company following graduation. Summer internships are another excellent way to learn whether or not a chemist and a company are a good fit for each other. Many companies recruit from campuses. Graduates can learn about jobs from college career placement offices. Chemistry jobs may be advertised in journals, newspapers, and online, though one of the best ways to network and find a position is through a chemical society or other professional organization.

Tight Control in Beverage Operation Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Tight Control in Beverage Operation - Assignment Example Conversely, this has created a paradox in these arguments (R11). Therefore, the paper seeks to discuss three operational elements where tight control can affect customer satisfaction and operational ease and vice versa. Many organizations have policies and procedures that govern all its operations in service delivery to its customers. These policies and procedures ensure ease of operation and customer satisfaction. However, there may be elements of operation within a company where tight control affects customer satisfaction and the operational ease. For customer satisfaction, important operations elements must be put in place. However, in case of a tight control of these operations, both customer satisfaction, and operational ease may be affected. For instance, good service, right strategy application, and beverage expertise are good examples of operational practices that enhance a smooth operational ease. If these operational practices are taken care of appropriately, customer satisfaction would also be achieved (Slack & Stuart 28). The operational practice, therefore, improves efficiency and visibility hence enhancing profitability, competitive advantage, and customer service. Expertise in a beverage is an essential component that enhances the operational ease and customer satisfaction. For a beverage company to achieve these, a team of experts of beverage should be in charge of handling the business. Operations and supply chains needs should guide these operations. These include technology and software selection, network design for the supply chain, and management of the workforce. These strategies need to be regulated depending on the customer needs and expectations in order to maintain customer satisfaction (Tamime 24). However, if a tight policy control is put in place without considering the customer needs, the satisfaction of the customers may be affected.

Recycling Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Recycling - Research Paper Example â€Å"Environmental Ethics† relate to ethical and moral standing, which provides recognition of distinguishing characteristics of environment.1 It is important to initiate such programs through which these environmental issues are addressed and taking such measures that can reduce their adverse effects. Hence, there is a need to have be proactive and be able to understand the human’s role concerning preservation of environment and natural habitat. There is an anthropocentric code of ethics, which takes into consideration, the moral aspects of a human being with environment. However, few thinkers argue that the code of ethics should not just be focusing on the human element, but it should also have moral standing and sentiments for animals and natural habitat. This is necessary in order to conserve the natural resources like river, lakes and other species of ecosystems.2 My ethical standing on these environmental issues is based on the different approaches of scholars. It has been noticed that the environmental issues, which are occurring, have a deep impact on human beings. The pollution, whether it is air, water or land diminishes the health of the individuals, the depleting effect of natural or even manmade resources are affecting the living standard of individuals specially the human beings. In some cases, if there is a reduction of natural sources of herbs and plants then it gives rise to reduction of potential natural medicines for various diseases. In the same way, if there is a natural disaster it affects our homes and living. This approach is anthropocentric which are concerned with cause and effects of nature and environment on human beings.3 In the contrary, there is a â€Å"non-Anthropocentric approach† to environmental ethics, which also takes into consideration of other factors of Eco systems like animals, flora and Fiona. It is necessary that while one remains focused on how the environment

A written analysis of an ethical dilemma in health care ethics Essay

A written analysis of an ethical dilemma in health care ethics - Essay Example The health care industry is one such organisation that tries to balance individual thought and critical thinking decision-making skills with ethical guidelines set forth via laws, regulations, and company policies. Every person, regardless of his or her chosen career or lifestyle, will eventually be forced to make a decision in an ethical dilemma. This dilemma may be as simple as whether or not to tell a friend that he or she may be getting laid off from work or as difficult as deciding whether or not a person has the sense and capability of making a decision on his or her own regarding healthcare and treatment. Doctors often face scenarios such as these often. Generally, doctors can turn to laws and legal documentation regarding how to proceed with a course of action. For example, if a woman were to go to a hospital with an extreme case of preeclampsia: do the doctors work to save her life and the life of her child, or do they respect the patient's wishes to be left alone. In this particular scenario, several people are involved in the decision-making process; and several others hold stakes in the results of the decision once made. First, the mother has already been informed that without a caesarean, she will die. Additionally, without allowing the doctors to perform the caesarean, the mother has been informed that her baby will also die. The third group of stakeholders in this scenario is the doctors treating Mrs. M. The Doctors face the difficult decision of forcing Mrs. M to endure a terrifying and difficult procedure, or allowing Mrs. M to make a choice that may kill both herself and her baby. Preeclampsia, sometimes called toxaemia, affects nearly five percent of all pregnancies throughout the world (Cleveland Clinic 2007); this disorder is "one of the leading causes of premature births and the difficulties that can accompany them" (Cleveland Clinic 2007, 2). This is because when a woman acquires preeclampsia her uterus becomes deprived of oxygen due to the low amounts of blood able to flow there. Some doctors believe that this spike in blood pressure is caused by poor nutrition; however to date there has been no specific cause defined. The only known cure for preeclampsia to date is to birth the baby. However, since many cases of preeclampsia become apparent merely half-way through a pregnancy, this may not always prove to be the best or most viable option (Cleveland Clinic 2007). If too early in the pregnancy, some doctors can monitor the baby's health and attempt to let the baby stay in the womb for a longer period of time to develop more fully before being delivered. However, in this particular scenario, allowing the baby to remain inside the mother's womb was not an option. The preeclampsia had already placed both the baby and the soon-to-be mother in danger of losing their lives. Allowing the child to remain inside the mother would surely kill both mother and child. A caesarean section is a procedure in which doctors can deliver the mother's baby "through an incision made on [her] pregnant belly" (BellyBelly 2007, 1). Essentially, rather than allow the baby to finish developing in the womb and be birthed vaginally, doctors believed that the best way to ensure safe delivery would be to cut

Approaches to the study of Religion

Approaches to the study of Religion We can say that there are different approaches that can be taken when studying religion. For the last four decades universities and schools have been acting in response to a constant , steady demand for courses upon the study of religion .The people who take these courses are usually involved in religion themselves ,many are involved a in religious communities or, wishing to know more and learn regarding the religious beliefs of others. Others have no clear vision upon their religious identity and are searching possible traditions, ready to meet their spiritual exploration .So they start looking for different approaches to their study ,bringing along different opinions and whatever the process and methodology is, will bring them information from which eventually they will find answers or give opinion. (Peter Connolly,pp1-2Approche to the Study of Religion,Biddles L.T.D.) The author will attempt to evaluate the strengths and weakness of two approaches to religion and try to compare the work of the two representations and their methodology .The first is Professor Ninian Smart as he wrote widely, regarding different topics in religions, with papers and articles appearing in a vast range of publication sand television worldwide developing his own vision and philosophy of human progress and spiritual evolution. The other is Sri Aurobindo who brought a change to the vision of evolution of life into the divinity of life, In his own words: Man is on a transitorily passage . He is not final. The stage from man to super being is the next which depends from the approach of the achievement on the evolution on earth. It is the logic of Natures process. The works of both Sri Aurobindo and Ninian Smart shows two drastic and completely different approaches to religion. The author as part of his degree course has studied these two vastly differing approaches. Ninian Smarts approach to religion is described in his academic literature as a completely new way to the thinking of religion. He illustrate the introduction of Phenomenology saying, a lot of opinions have been written about not only the physical interchange of races but;, also ethnical and cultural, and especially upon values, so what take place when religions and their tradition convene? Will the globalization lead to a kind of universal religion, as prediction might lead, or it will be turned in a lively variety of many different beliefs? Smart contemplated these question for many years investigating various religions in the world. He explains that such experience definitely will change positions on previous views regarding religious tradition. It may perhaps intensify your religious experience. It all depends on the person you are and the personal period of life you are going through.(Scott London ,the future of religion an Interview with Ninian Smart June 1999 issue ofThe Witne ssmagazine. ) We can confirm that the method of study that Smart used in his approach comprehend both external and internal analysis of religion, characterized by phenomenological perspectives.(James L.Cox,p.159.A guide to the Phenomenology of religion .key figure ,formative influence and subsequent debate. Continuum International publishing group .2006.)Of course the phenomenological approach employed by Smart can be interpreted as an attempt of taking into consideration the individual experience of religion a at the same time trying to separate from it. The method used was to compare the subjective experience with the intent of shaping the arrangement of religion itself from within the structure. This approach can be better understood in his ritual dimension involvement with worshipping, meditations, pilgrimages, sacrifices and healing activities .Of course doctrinal and philosophical dimension is to be taken in consideration without living behind the experimental and emotional dimension and the important ethical and legal dimension.(Ninian Smart,pp10-12,Dimension of the sacred an anatomy of the worlds beliefs ,Harper Collins Publisher 1196) We see from Smarts classifactory account The Experiential and Emotional Dimension The Narrative or Mythic Dimension The Doctrinal The Philosophical Dimension The Ethical and Legal Dimension The Social and Institutional Dimension The Material Dimension The Practical and ritual dimensions (BBC.Religion) Smarts perspective in sustaining a phenomenological perception to the methodology of approach to the study, is far different from the approach that Sri Aurobindo use. First of all we have to say that both, Smart and Aurobindo have not defined religion from objective point of view but rather to determine religion in terms of its own value. Both methods tried to avoid the phenomenological approach. Personal experience is crucial to any understanding of religion .On this particular account Aurobindo discovers the relation or union, he favours, what he identifies as spiritual psychology and integral methods, but for both he confirms that the objective is to be understood and interpreted in terms of subjective.( D P Chattopadhyaya p1integral sociology and dialectical sociology,Shri Jainedra press 1976) From its approach, we understand that Sri Aurobindo begins his work clearly within religious prospect, particularly his own relation with yoga, he explains; the practice is not for ourselves alone, but for the Divine; The intent is to find occupation of good in the world, to outcome a spiritual conversion and to bring down a divine nature and a divine life into the mental, vital and physical nature and life of humanity. Its object is not personal, although is a necessary condition of the yoga. So with Aurobindo is clear the goal is more directly mystical ,to became one with the divine .(Michael T.Mclaughlin,p96, Editrice Ponteficia Universita` Grecoriana Roma 2003)In many occasions he confirmed that he does not intend to promote any old religion or to find a new one and he strongly oppose religious particolarism. So he is proposing a mystical goal and from his yogic teachings he guides,shows and achieves that.(Stephen H.Phillips.p79,Aurobindo`s Philosophyof Brahman,E.J.Brill Leiden 1986) The strength of Smart can be seen that he does not wish to strip religion or faith down to one or two elements say belief in The Virgin Birth and the dogma of out with the church there is no salvation but his classificatory account makes it clear that it has many elements and strands. A criticism of his approach is that it is far to scientific and while starting from the experiential and emotional he soon slips back into trying to seek common themes within all religions Aurobindo did not just stick to an immanental experience of a divine being but that there must be transcendence within the individuals life which is seen in Auroville with a lived approach to ones faith rather like that which is common within Charismatic and Evangelical Churches. A criticism of Aurobindos view may be seen that it seeks to remain within religion itself, similar to that of Smart as they both emphasise the importance of the experience of religion, a personal contact with God or Gods, however within Marxism we can see a move away from this religious experience. Aurobindo offers no guidance upon other religions as his account is purely personal. So how would Aurobindo address questions upon doctrine say within the New Testament? These questions within Smarts Classifactory account would help to define a religion. For example different opinions regarding the Trinity between Roman Catholics and Jehovah Witnesses. Also we can see the beliefs, symbolim and teachings of Aurovil le fitting weel within the above detailed classifacations of Smarts dimensions of religion Can we truly compare two totally different views religion one very internal the other very visual? Is Sri Aurobindo truly internal when we have the community of Auroville and a culture around him? Can we categorize all religions within Ninian Smart definitions? We may conclude saying that maybe religions will never combine in to one global faith ,but we do think that the society is moving towards a global ideology that have a space for religion and identify the contributions of the diverse ethnicity and traditions and bring a new way in helping us to work together for the support of human values and spirituality. What may be the way forward in the teaching and definition of religion is to accept the singularity of each religion and each individuals faith and seek ways in which they can be accommodated within a safe international environment that moves away from empirical definitions.