Is it okay that we make ourselves worthy of iconic status? I feel this question is morally ambiguous at best. When probing my own moral compass I realized although I had thought about how I felt on this subject many times before, I never fully defined my position on this controversial issue. Being an artist virtuoso and knowledge worker by trade I identified an extraordinary opportunity to capitalize on my skills in both specialties to solidify my balanced stance. In this paper, I explore how I embrace the scientific approach in my modernized lifestyle all the while trying to retain my traditional humble convictions.First I gathered myself historical evidence about the evolution of icons. Once upon a time mankind praised twelve children of Heaven. The powerful Greek Titan deities ruled during this legendary Golden Age. Their iconic role as sacred Elder Gods soon was to be unexpectedly usurped by a succeeding race of younger children ‘gods’. The younger Olympians ushered in a paradigm shift permanently effecting the concept of Gods and complexion of worship of these Giants of men. Then the youngest of these giants named Kronos killed every known iconic figure born except one which escaped. Next in mythology came Zeus who became the supreme God of his era. It was believed that Zeus created humans modeled in clay from the ashes of Titans Zeus killed with his thunder bolts.

Pharoah Akhenaten and Queen Nefertiti reigned at the peak of Egypt’s imperial glory. They are famous for their religious reform. Then there was Augustus Caesar, Jesus of Nazareth and Mary Magdalene who contributed their giant legacies to mankind’s framework. Then a little further along the time line in the plains of Mina, Muhammad derived the etymology of the term Allah which is a contraction meaning “deity God”. And generations since those 10 years in Medina religious followers affix the iconic name Muhammad indicating that they too are “diety Gods” as they practice their Islamic lifestyles. Without a doubt, these artifacts of iconic religious connection have affected humanity in powerful ways. At all times in man’s history until recently there was a belief in a supreme being of one form or another. Look at even the icon of an UFO? Is it not even a symbol of a supreme being? Now doctors think they play GOD due to the advancement of knowledge about what comprises the human body.

Second, I wish to consider the scientific method techniques of the early 1800s. It is this embrace in scientific thought that tore men from myth, faith and “the holy sacred” and introduced them to new tangible forms (laws) of reason like Occam’s razor. Science fiction novels have come to life and quite possibly will completely mutate the future of mankind different than anything we ave yet imagined. This non-dogmatic logical reasoning strips all chances for man to rely on things unforeseen nor just to accept unknowns as truisms but rather to investigate for themselves radically altered the state of man’s self concept for good.

As the previous examples express at the precipice empires, time and time again similar evolutionary patterns of religious worship and self-concept continue to further collide and shape mankind’s sacred concepts that comprise today’s state. Any disturbances of past sacred icons have created serious religious repercussions. Once sacred these icons have been reduced to mere symbols of cultural achievement of an age. They are now generalized graffiti of commercial hordeum. Ironically what people hunger for the most is meaning; be it derived from position, origin, or religion. We are first hand witnesses to one of the most significant iconic paradigm shifts in human history.

There has been an unprecedented change in the human condition. For the first time literally a rapidly growing numbers of people have choices. For the first time in many situations people are having to manage themselves. Marketing all too often and all too easily take advantage of these iconic associations in religion, position or origin to connect sacred symbols that comprise the fabric of mankind’s history and sell people on predisposed ideas. Recent X & Y generations have been born into a revolutionary era in many ways. In advanced civilized areas most essentials of daily life abundantly accessible. It is here that commercialism dizzies consumers with a barrage of choices than they can handle or know what to do with. These psychologically sophisticated forces of influence did not exist in other previous societies. These new devises  prey on the weak like vultures circling a victim as each marketing effort vye for top of mind awareness. With indoctrination into such commercialism there is no room left in a self-absorbed mind.  With lackadaisical minds not preoccupied on survival needs all the time, our lifestyles have become grossly self-absorbed and over consumed by commercial giants we have invented for ourselves. These marketing bullies continually fall over themselves like wild boars crushing man’s internal concept of self and connection to meaning for their lives.

Society is totally unprepared for such a hefty responsibility of managing itself-absorption. Our collective psychology can be seen in pop culture and music of the age. In fact one of my favorite Rockbands, Queensryche has a song called “I am I”. Also, Young Jeezy this year released a rap song with lyrics that say “I Put On (for my city)”. His message is simple to his listeners; publicly represent your origins as an icon. He instills in his listeners that they are little giants of their hometown streets and that they should stake extreme ownership and posses deep religious convictions when identifying with city you hail from no matter where you may roam. The abundant misuse of sacred icons exponentially deteriorates the individual spirituality of everyone. For instance, there are also hordes of gang members who believe that the mere color Red or Blue can propel themselves as Titans of their own empires. These street gangs, like religions continue to clash and fight for their most cherished traditional beliefs first. Such a bloodlust is inhumane. Such energy is invested in their beliefs but how sad are they in their misuse which creates horrible nightmares for society and community progress.

To counter advertisements exploiting cherished icons in our way of living, Thailand is leading the way when on September 10th banned Buddha statues and the image of monks from being used in any form of commercial advertising. More countries should take similar measures to preserve the sanctity of the collective cultural heritage. I am afraid that a new problem presents itself with religious aims to coexist. Thanks to the evolving toleration in America, our country is quickly losing it’s convictions to stand behind the religious origins the democracy was founded upon.

I was raised very humble in the country Kentucky hills and Ohio valleys. I was raised in a fundamental Baptist church. Although I believe many teachings in Christianity especially those which instill meekness and respect, but concerning most teachings I feel mankind simply created the God concept so we do not have to feel so small. I fear people are self-diluting themselves religiously and commercially. I believe most are missing out on so much that science can yield. Personally when I got on my own beyond my parent’s house, I couldn’t stand to feel dead inside any longer waiting hoping for something greater to “intervene”. I can not intend to hope for an epiphany of intervention from a higher power. As for me, I must embrace the pioneering of the scientific method for the things of life which are yet to be discovered.

The technology of the scientific method greatly influences my life. This mindset takes advantage of my evolved self-iconic empowerment and enables my spirit to take full charge and full responsibility of my life on all matters. I can fully choose moment by moment who I want to be in the world. Stemming from the earliest giant Titan myths and messages of prophets, now newly evolved by science these coexisting icons helped collectively evolve my success. Trouble springs up only when such a powerful self-iconic consciousness would begin to dilute itself with vices such as commercialism or extremism. Maintaining a masterful balance like only a scientist can is critical. How’s that for concept in context ?!?!

In closing I’d like to add if only we invested ourselves as much in fellowship, and overall species betterment as much as we do in coveting our religious stances and horde our self-absorbed achievements as iconic demigods; then and only then could mankind as a whole exponentially realize so much more. Furthermore as things stand today, I fear we are simply blinding and limiting ourselves inundated in religious practices. I believe science is the “eye-opening” key which can accelerate such betterment. So what I am saying is that it is a good thing that people use self ionization as an empowering tool to create change in their lives, families and community. But all the while to balance that forming ego, we must remind each other we are all a part of something greater than ourselves. Although I may come from a different covenant than another person, we must keep in mind we are not alone therein is meaning, there is hope. This isn’t exactly a complete answer for me, but it’s a “scientific hypothesis”. I am still working on my one definitive answer, aren’t we all.

I learned I could cry tears of happiness and be cool both at the same time when I was 10. As I enjoy looking back on this weird sounding awkward story, I can certainly say it is a cute moment in my childhood. In fact, I believe there is a fun lesson to share in it even now for adults to walk away from this story of what I fondly call having “base balls”.

Having “base balls” is knowing the truth behind any situation and owning it for yourself outright.  Knowing that you have complete total leverage to act on and succeed in any situation is important in life. I realized this concept for myself on the ballpark diamond and know many can identify this fun grass-root approach to a well rounded lesson. In fact, I have had a burning ambition to capture this essence before this essay’s and blossom it into a book in which I hope to tie in this year’s Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball Championship. (I am predicting that early here!)
When I was growing up, the week of my birthday was truly the best week all year around except second only to Christmas. You see, my birthday falls on the weekend even the same day sometimes that the Cincinnati Reds throw the first pitch for Major League Baseball on Opening Day. Pete Rose hit a triple the instant I was born and since I’ve been a pure blooded fan of baseball.

My father coached my little league team every year. Religiously at the end of practice on the first day of the season, he’d ask us “Do we want to have fun, or work together to win it all this year?”. I remember all us kids sitting on the bench that our feet could not reach the ground would scream we want to “WIN!!” What some at the end of the bench didn’t completely grasp though was that choice meant some strategic consequences. If each of us did not practice well, we might not play as much. That went for even me!

Although some would not play as much as others I think we understood enough where we were ready to accept whatever happens to have a big season. I knew inside every spring opening parade down the city main road, I always would play because I knew I had practiced harder than anyone. Harder than even what level my dad pushed me. He was always good at winning and still making the season fun for all us kids regardless of every game’s outcome.

I do not remember one year my Team did not win our little championship. I still even have my trophies; tokens of my great annual conquest. One season especially I remember there was a really intense competition. Our light-blue Angles Team and the navy-blue Padres were both undefeated except splitting one loss to each other. Although we played each other only twice all regular season, scouts from both crews sized up every player for weeks profiling for the big game. Even when we beat the maroon Twins team in the division finals our focus was always on confronting the Padres.

It was in the classic bottom of the last inning and we were tied in the Championship. It had been three extra innings in the bottom of the 10th. This was a lot of innings for a little league game, even for the parents. More so, I even remember the score was 2 to 2 with us Angels left to bat. To lead off the inning, Nigel Lowe our right fielder struck out. Out Number one.
Nakara Stevens, our shortstop popped out. Two. Our catcher Troy Tuck however singled onto first base. Alas, it was suddenly my turn to bat.

I knew the pitcher would be hungry to get out of the inning. I knew he would be coming right for me to get me out. I quickly began to foul off a lot of heated pitches. Troy was trying to steal second base but every time he ran, I would foul off the pitch and he had to return to first.

This relieving pitcher was a tough closer. I couldn’t get around on this guys fastball. By this time, eight pitches into the at bat, I was feeling the pressure. I couldn’t even get myself to look at my dad or any of the parents or peers for encouragement. I remember that feeling. I was talking in my head reminding myself it was just me and the pitcher; that is only who mattered in that moment in the entire ball park.

Ill never forget what happened over the next 5 minutes. Shaken and frustrated I did not know what to do. I had become paralyzed by my own exaggerated anticipation of the at bat’s outcome and overwhelmed with anxieties of fear that I would strike out. I stepped outside of the batter’s box and took a long time trying to collect my focus. My hands were getting clamming inside my tight white leather batting gloves. I lowered my heart rate took a deep breath; the air was cooling now twilight. I knew the pitcher was mad at me; so impatient but I did not care one bit. I recall my helmet was wobbly on my bobble-head and I straightened it as I looked out and gazed at the sun now setting. The bright October dusk orb pierced rays of orange lazering through the dark purple trees just behind the outfield homerun wall. I know I was nervous because I do not remember feeling my feet.

I do not remember stepping back into the box or even the pitch; but I do remember slicing a ball over the right fielders head right down the line. Troy was trying to steal again on the pitch, so he had a great jump at the crack of the bat. Since I saw him running as soon as I swung, I was confident he would try for home. I turned first base rounding for second as I watched the ball fly over me toward home. I looked back at home plate in anticipation and I slowed to a jog and began jumping as I watched Troy beat the throw. He literally jumped OVER the catcher to land on home plate and score the winning run!

Suddenly I was choking-up gasping for air. I was first afraid I yelled and swallowed a bug, but I realized I was in such excitement that I began tearing up all the while laughing! Awkward as it was, I realized how silly looking I was; it must had been a mess. I did not care at all how I looked. Nothing really mattered to me at all at this instant; only the glory in that we just won the game. As I struggled for composure, my steps off the field crossed path with the second baseman who was now irate and bitter. Maddened that he just lost, he came up to me and said that I was crying like a girl. I fought through my tears and caught my breath finally to laugh back him and exclaim “So. I just beat you!” And so, my “Base Balls” philosophy was invented.

I have an hour drive in and from work each and every day. I use this time to walk through many sorts of things for myself for the day or review and gleam from lessons learned from the day of work before. From concepts, streamlined programming methods, personal networking and business strategies, to communication skills, or even tonight’s star constellation patterns; I think about alot for fun. It is also here where I love to begin considering my thesis statements for essay assignments.
As I dwell on Cole’s assertion that “quantitative changes can make huge qualitative differences”, my mind begins to swirl with countless interpretations of this paradigm pertaining to my own personal experiences and everyday routine orthodox living. My imagination sparks paraelle to when Mark Wahlberg says in M. Night Shyamalan’s The Happening “There are forces at work here beyond our control”. My mind discects factors of influence from my life both large and small; many of which are percieved subjectively large by not identifed as so by physical substance. Furthermore I believe it is true that the smaller things that impact my life the biggest certainly are the most fascinating.
Moreover when I consider the smallest of everyday things that impact my life, I began to identify objects. I objectified my house, my car, my attire and I knew I needed to get smaller. I got down to the plaque which can build in arteriol walls and then to the atom which landed me at a brickwall. I challenged myself what is even further wormholes? Then I found my own philosophical answer. In my opinion, what smallest of human influencers is the subtle silent and invisible quarks in one’s attitudes which can propel the largest overall change in the outcome of everything for one’s life including the environment around him/her.

I once heard that people behave and act a particular way only because that either they had previously witnessed that behavior or because of what they have done before. Moreover it becomes obvious that if you can habitualize your attitude(s), you can begin to make small changes to the impossible. This concept was fully captured for mewhen I spoke to Mr. Paul Loeb author of The impossible will take a little while last month here on campus.
Certainly I had found for myself a connection between his work and was further inspired by our classroom reading “A Matter of Scale” by Ms. Coleof whom I have personally pursued also beyond our class . The short essay began to work on me and probed me to think deeply about the small unseen worlds around us. Ms. Cole’s instructive examples in collaboration with Mr. Loeb’s works have helped me define to express my own feelings about how I see our human existence and the intricacies of what success is comprised.
In other words it is evident that so many small things seem to be critically important. Nothing is trivial. It is the same with human psychology says Cole in her book First you Build a Cloud on pg 208. She illustrates of how Newton tied the universe together with one common force called gravity. Even the great movie producer George Lucas has given us all the theological concept of the “living Force” from his saga Star Wars.

Anyway my point is that my attitude which can be undervalued and small in perceivable size is a scientific influence and in fact secret ruler of my everyday life. Cole speaks in her book in the later chapters about small physics and how they are formulas for a way of life… And as with the Butterfly effect’s explosion of small non-linear sequence of events, small variations of the initial condition of a dynamical system do produce large variations in the long term behavior of any system.

Such a system is my life. I consider my attitude toward roadblocks of my successes and how can I overcome them. My smallest attitudes then produce the greatest impact on my life like trying to knock each concepts down in succeeding order every day just as if they were all a row of delicately aligned dominoes. It is my attitudes which propel a constant steady momentum of force to continue along the daily line of trials and tribulations.

My life’s future changes every time I face it. It changes because I examine it with a confident positve attitude. Once I see any obsticle with a humble approach, I’m different. And that changes everything else. I feel I have this much “figured out” but I am working on the one which still leaves me paralyzed which is Carl Jung’s banished question “Why?”.

Take Cole’s Assertion
quantitative change can make huge qualitative differences.
howcan this be foud in our everyday’s life.

writing a argumentative struture essay or a narrative…

a narrative is : introduction — highpoint — conflict — resolution

…if a baby arrives how it changes lives tremendously…
…if you ever got a new pet how did it change your life…

have a critical eye read our paper to help determine satisfy your proofs…

http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/seeingandwriting3/researchlinks/links1.asp