Nature: Observations and a bit on Natural Selection

As I sit on the concrete bench adjacent to the lake, I look to the left and right of my feet. I see leaves, mulch, and clumps of grass, both healthy and dead. Extremely close to the water lies a plant with long, slender leaves. Its location suggests that its roots are directly obtaining nutrients from the lake. I then begin to wonder how its seed reached this destination. Did a bird deposit the seed, or was it planted by a human, or did the plant over gradually move to this location. Currently the plant appears mostly green with a hint of brown on the ends of its long slender leaves. On the leaves also appear hole where bugs have eaten the plant, but the plants seem not to be thoroughly plagued by the bugs. As I look more closely at the grass surrounding my feet, I see traditional grass, a patch of clover, some weeds stemming from the grass, and many leaves turning brown as they are no longer attached to their source of life. They appear crisp, and cracks are present throughout most. As my eyes progress from the landscaped area to the naturally formed woods, I see less definition in the placement of different plants types. They all seem to be bunched together. When nature controls the placement of plants, only the strong survive. The area directly below the tress have much more dirt than vegetation as the sun seldom reaches these areas. It also appears that the tops of the trees are greener than the middle and bottom. As I examine the tree from top to bottom, the leaves appear more red, brown, and yellow the farther I look down the tree. As I search for animals, I am unable to find any squirrels but I do see ants hiding beneath the dried leaves, and other insects climbing to the peaks of different pieces of grass for a purpose I don't know. Concerning natural selection, its seems that the grass surrounding the brick base upon which I am sitting has not been able to successfully adapt to the constant treading it receives from humans every day. It appears brown and is flatter, and has less body than the green grass. In the distance I hear a cricket. I don’t know why it chirps, but it ceases to stop as I listen. As the mild wind blows, the vegetation surrounding me moves back and forth. It amazes me that the vegetation does not break with the resistance from the wind. It has truly been engineered to withstand the breeze that is generated across the surface of the pond. In the mulched areas around the bench, there exists a stray weed here and there. These weeds are special because they have to beat the power of weed killers and survive on their own merit, in the absence of proper nourishment . It is also amazing to consider the strength of the ants that budge the leaves that appear fifty or sixty times larger than they do. From my time reflecting on nature, two major questions emerge in my though process. First, how can ants possess enough strength to lift objects up to sixty times their own weight? Second, what is in the composition of most forms of vegetation that allows them to bend, but not break in the wind? Though I do not know the formal answers to these questions, I am aware that natural selection has played a role in how these plants have the characteristics they have and need in order to survive.

The Bible and Tao Te Ching

On p.9 of Tao de Ching, Lao-Tzu speaks of how one is suppose to live a humble, inmaterial life. "When gold and jades fill the hall, They cannot be guarded. Riches and Pride bequeath error, Withdrawing when work is done: Heaven's Tao" (9). Lao-Tzu's guidelines to living are similiar to those explicitly laid out in the bible. The Bible teaches us not to be materialistic because in the end, our possesions have no value in the kingdom of heaven. The bible also warns against excessive hubris. It teaches that humility is the best policy, as arrogance spurs resentment and conflict amongst others. Like the Bible, Lao-Tzu teaches that death is not a bad thing, rather a gift that we work for on earth to ultimately obtain. I was amazed at the similiarity between the Bible and the Tao Te Ching.

Swagger

According to Darwin, "Love is still the commonest theme of our songs. As Herbert Spencer remarks, music arouses dormant sentiments of which we had not conceived the possibility, and do not know the meaning...musical tones and rhythm were used by the half-human progenitors of men, during the season of courtship, when animals of all kinds are excited by the strongest passions" (272). According to this, the opposite sex, women in my case, like more than a good body. Darwin suggests that they like intellect combined with the ability to inspire emotion in their potential mates. Although men can visit the weight room and achieve a certain bodily structure, most men try their whole life to create a "song" that interests women. "Game", the ability to lure women, is unique among all individuals. Although all individuals possess some sort of "game", not every one's "game" is equal, therefore some undoubtedly attract more females than others.

Evolution

As I read Darwin's thoughts about evolution, I began to analyze myself. Darwin writes, "The jaws, together with their muscles, would then have been reduced through disuse, as would the teeth through the not well understood principles of correlation and the economy of growth; for we everywhere see that parts which are no longer of services are reduced in size" (268). This statement made me think about my forearms in particular. As I compare my features to that of a gorilla or a caveman, I realize that the caveman's forearms have a much larger circumference than mine despite the fact that I workout. As I pondered I realized that my forearms are not regularly employed in starting fires, scooping water from streams, or carving meat off the corpses of animals. As I considered that fact, I began to accept the fact that I would rather live in my cushy life than to gain circumference on my forearms. Over the years of non-use of the forearms, they have reduced in size as they are no longer of constant service.

Polygamy

"Many mammals and some few birds are polygamous, but with animals belonging to the lower classes I have found no evidence of this habit. The intellectual powers of such animals are, perhaps, not sufficient to lead them to collect and guard a harem of females" (263). This quote reminds me of the countless episodes of Saved by the Bell I used to watch in middle school. Zach would always try to play Kelly, and get with some other blonde ditz. This quote struck me because it always seemed that Zach always got caught in his games of love and affection. Although Zach's failure to achieve polygamy may have in fact been Screech's fault, Zach was unable to guard his harem of females.

Infinite Growth

As I was reading Darwin's essay on the struggle for existence, the following quote caused me to stop, and gather my thoughts before moving forward. "There is no exception to the rule that every organic being naturally increases at so high a rate, that if not destroyed, the earth would soon be covered by the progeny of a single pair" (166). This excerpt poses a truth that most of us choose not to consider. Only in the movies do we see one specie of organism come to dominate the entire world. This quote explicitly portrays the importance of death. For some it is hard to think that death is good, but according to Darwin we should embrace it. Personally I am glad death does exist for two major reasons. First, I believe that life is heaven will be far better than life on earth. Second, I do not want to live as many Western peoples do. In China the population density is enormous. I'm glad death does exist so I can continue to live the comfortable lifestyle that I am accustomed to. Although this may sound selfish, ponder for a moment if you would want to share your car with twelve other people.

Foreign Species

On p.177 of On Evolution Darwin writes, "no country can be named in which all the native inhabitants are now so perfectly adapted to each other and to the physical conditions under which they live, that none of them could anyhow be improved; for in all countries, the natives have been so far conquered by naturalised productions, that they have allowed foreigners to take firm positions of the land". As Darwin speaks of foreign species, he reminds me of an invasive species of plant that has taken over many swamplands in the northern neck of Virginia and is commonly mistaken as foreign . The plant I am referring to is Phragmites. This plant has overran many wetland areas in Virginia. This plant kills most adjacent plants by starving them of their resources necessary for survival. It grows so rapidly that it has to be cut every five years or so, as to not block the view of many creeks and openings of rivers. The reproductive ability of this plant was probably achieved through some sort of natural selection. Because it is often mistaken as a foreign species, this excerpt from the text alerted my attention.

The Socratic Method

After reading the article Professor Dolson cited in her blog, I saw many examples in the Phaedo that referred to what was to become known as the Socratic method. On p. 41, Socrates writes, "we should not allow into our minds the conviction that argumentation has nothing sound about it; much rather we should believe that it is we who are not yet sound and that we must take courage and be eager to attain soundness". I sighted another reference to this method of learning on p.42 when Socrates says, "if you will take my advice, you will give but little thought to Socrates but much more to the truth. If you think that what I say is true, agree with me; if not, oppose it with every argument and take care that in my eagerness I do not deceive myself and you and, like a bee, leave my sting in you when I go". It was fascinating to see the origin of a method of teaching that is now used widely in the collegiate atmosphere. After reading about the peculiarities of the Socratic method, it made me lose any desire to take any classes taught in this way. Apart from the fact that you have to be interactive in discussion, I do not like that the Socratic method has no limits or defined topics. As a staunch conservative, I like knowing what I am going to learn about. In my opinion a class taught in the Socratic method has a greater probability of not covering defined material in the syllabus. Although many people enjoy discussing topics at random, I tend to like studying concrete topics in detail, something that is often difficult for the Socratic method to accomplish.

A New Perspective on Learning

Departing from our modern day notions, Socrates suggests that learning is nothing more than recollection:

p.22, "Learning is no other than recollection. According to this, we must at some previous time have learned what we now recollect. This is possible only if out soul existed somewhere before it took on this human shape. So according to this theory too, the soul is likely to be something immortal"

I believe that Socrates' statement on learning, undermines most contemporary views on this process. Now-a-days, learning is regarded with the highest importance, methods of teaching are rehearsed in order for the most productive learning to occur. Most teenagers go to college to learn things they may have been previously ignorant of. Although some students may be more apt than others, I do not believe that all people are born with an innate bank of knowledge waiting to be discovered. I believe learning is perceiving things for the first time. Learning is obtaining knowledge that never existed within oneself, whereas studying is more of the recollection of previously learned knowledge. Learning is stimulated largely by creativity, and it does not occur on command. I truly believe learning is much more than recollection.

In Preparing for death, there exists a correlation between the views of Socrates and those of Christianity

Socrate's belief that preparing for death is essential is evident in the following passage:

“In fact, Simmias, he said, those who practice philosophy in the right way are in training for dying and they fear death least of all men. Consider it from this point of view: if they are altogether estranged from the body and desire to have their soul by itself, would it not be quite absurd for them to be afraid and resentful when this happens?”

In this passage, and throughout the beginning of the Phaedo, Socrates suggests that the philosopher should be the least concerned with death because he, more than a normal human being, has made it his goal in life to be prepared for dying. According to this belief, Socrates ponders why his friends do not fully accept his willingness to die. In truth, Socrates does not resent death because he knows he is prepared, and death, the separation of the soul from the body, is one of a true philosophers highest goals. Like Socrates, most Christians do not fear death because their religion teaches them to strive for eternal life which comes only through death. Like Socrates, Christians know that if they make all the necessary preparations (follow the ten commandments) while they are living on earth, there will go to heaven and be fully content forever. Christians, like Socrates, also believe that there are consequences for not preparing correctly for death. The correlation between the Bible and the Phaedo was too close to be left unforeseen.

Poets according to Socrates

The way Socrates and I view poets is completely different. Socrates states his view on p.25, "I soon realized that poets do not compose their poems with knowledge, but by some inborn talent and by inspiration, like seers and prophets who also say many fine things without any understanding of what they say". Socrates' view of poets is different from my personal view. Throughout my academic career, the best poets in my classes have been the students who spend the most time planning their thoughts, and who make the most revisions. Although some students have more natural talent than others, the students who write the best poetry are those who understand what they are saying in their poetry. Although I disagree with Socrates about the natural ability of poets, I do agree with Socrates on p.25 when he says, "because of their poetry, they thought themselves very wise men in other respects, which they were not".

Confusion: A Central theme throughout the White Castle

Although the theme of confusion is ever-present throughout the entire book, the climax of the confusion begins at the end of Chapter 10, on page 145. "We exchange clothes without haste and without speaking. I gave him my ring and the medallion I'd managed to keep from him all these years". This change of clothes makes the possibility of identifying the narrator in Chapter 11 nearly impossible. Despite the utter confusion, there lie hints that suggest the narrator could be either Hoja or the narrator from previous chapters. For example, on page 147, the author writes, "once or twice when the sovereign had wanted to speak of him, he realized the subject didn't attract me at all". Before the narrator and Hoja changed clothes, it would appear that this quote would be coming from Hoja's mouth because Hoja does possess some jealousy towards the narrator, and doesn't like talking about him. However because the narrator and Hoja changed clothes, this identification exists only as a speculation because there does not exist any concrete evidence to confirm this fact. Another quote that confuses the reader comes from p. 155, "and perhaps most of all I loved Him with the stupid revulsion and stupid joy of knowing myself". This quote, if it was possible to identify from whose mouth it came, would have the ability to clear up a bulk of the confusion that is present throughout the final chapter.

Horrible work for a good cause

On Hoja's quest to find "that deep truth which would change everything" (140), referring to specific details Hoja wants to glean from all he interviews, Hoja subjects his interviewees to harsh punishment in an attempt to ease his conscience. For example, Hoja approaches a dead man on the verge of death to obtain answers for himself, not to spare him from the claw of death. While Hoja's intent is not cruel and unusual, the methods he employ to find the desired solutions are indeed violent and unforgiving. Like Hoja who punishes people in attempt to find his joy, thousands of mattel toys that should be bringing hours of joy to children across the world are being recalled because they contain lead paint that is fatal if large amounts are swallowed. To hear hear more about the story visit http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/09/04/mattel.recall.ap/index.html.

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The Plague

When I read that Hoja had a "flea bite" (78), I was expecting him to perish eventually. The way I was hating on Hoja was how many people were hating on Michael Vick during his trial. Because Michael Vick is personally someone I like to watch on the field, it was hard to judge him for the crime he committed.

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