Weekly Blog: Week 18

This concludes the fall semester. And what a learning experience this semester has been. The significant part is, though, that this year I've learned more than ever, but not just in the classroom or in history books. Every class is becoming relative to another; every discussion seems it could continue on for hours, and that we have to end them so suddenly each day. I've noticed the way classmates have striven to reach their goals of being accepted into their dream schools, but along the way, they inspire other classmates to prosper. I have had a great motivation to expand my knowledge and further my thinking, and it's come from novels that I've actually enjoyed, articles and poems that we've dissected, and peers whose ambitious minds and determined attitudes have guided my decisions to push forward. While everyone thinks at some point that he is incompetent, or that her inability to decide what she wants will be her Achilles heel, it is important that we band together and realize that the journey will lead us to becoming ourselves.

Weekly Blog: Week 17

The photographers who captured the families' food and materials in different countries was capturing many other things. The different types of food and the amount of food from each group shows the countries' values. The American family had almost all commercial products and packaged goods, while the family in Kuwait had produce and grain. In light of Dalai Lama's beliefs, the materials and food also sometimes sontrasted the happiness of each family. Often times the family would be plentiful, and each member would be frowning or stern faced. Likewise, the poorer families, who had almost nothing on the table ground or on their lawns, would be smiling widely. We hear this all the time, but it is true that our materials do not create our happiness; we create our own, and many times we are able to do so in spite of lacking wealth.

Weekly Blog: Week 16

The mutual inability to love that Siddhartha and Kamala share is one of the novel's predominate ideas. They are both seekers, but not of love. Siddhartha seeks the truth, knowledge of the world and of himself. He seeks to learn from others, and therefore he cannot engage in another commitment. He has devoted himself to discovery and doesn't want love to hinder his way. Kamala practices the art of love and can't fall in love for this reason. She sees love as a play thing or a way to spend time or make dues. Thus, she unable to love Siddhartha. The two are meant for each other because of their similarities. Ironically, though, this major likeness is the same quality that prevents their love from flourishing.