Good Life Review

"Most of the luxuries, and many of the so-called comforts of life, are not only not indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind."

Fact 1: Thoreau said this quote in Walden "Economy" paragraph 19. Fact 2: Thoreau is saying that luxuries and other good things in life are not needed and actually hold people back from reaching the good life. Analysis: This quote basically sums up the idea Thoreau has about the good life. All you need in life are the bare essentials, that to live a simple life means to live a good life.

Ethic (ecologically)

Aldo Leopold: A Sand County Almanac and Sketches Here and There FACT 1: "An ethic, ecologically, is a limitation on freedom of action in the struggle for existence" (Leopold). FACT 2: An ecological ethic is the basis of the land ethic. ANALYSIS: Ecological ethics include conservation, preservation, recycling, etc. They are in place to ensure future generations can survive and prosper, and enjoy the good life, as well as the current one.

Ethic (philosophically)

Aldo Leopold: A Sand County Almanac and Sketches Here and There FACT 1: "An ethic, philosophically, is a differentiation of social from anti-social conduct" (Leoppold). FACT 2: These are the ethics we are socialized to know; honesty, integrity, etc. ANALYSIS: These ethics are essential for achieving the good life. Being respectful of others' pursuit of the good life allows for mutual respect, happiness, and prosperity.

Nirvana

Herman Hesse: Siddartha Fact 1: The state corresponding to the highest form of enlightenment, liberation and illumination. Fact 2: It is the goal of several religions to break the cycle of samsara and attain Nirvana and the goal of the main character in Siddhartha is to do just that. Analysis: Whether it be Nirvana or the good life, such goals are never easy to reach or are ever reached. Siddhartha spent decades of his life searching and failing in his quest for Nirvana until he finally reached it and it was because he knew there was no set paths or teachers that would give him exactly what he wanted and in the end he reached his goal through his own powers.

Solon of Athens

Herodotus, The History Fact: Solon believed Tellus was the most blessed man of all, followed by Cleobis and Biton, all of whom had died an honorable death. • Fact: Solon believed that a man cannot be considered blessed until he is dead. • Analysis: Wealth and greatness may define a lucky man, but every day we live is different, and we never know what the future may bring. What one may consider valuable can be easily lost. It is important to live a healthy, meaningful life in which you care for your family, die an honorable death and be remembered fondly. It is not until then, we can be considered blessed.

Catalyst for the letter

Martin Luther King, Jr. "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" Fact 1: Martin Luther King responds to white clergymen who have made a negative comment about the marches. Fact 2: He was disappointed about the comments from fellow Christian men and so the letter became a speech to all Americans about the situation of racism and hate. Analysis: Martin Luther King expected the white Christian ministers to support the marches, to support the cause against all the hate destroying the lives of African Americans. As members of the Christian church, and followers of God, whom is love, these ministers should have marched along with the dreamers instead of attacking the non-violent action. After MLK heard the words from the clergymen: "unwise and untimely", specifically "untimely", he was greatly inspired to bring up the issue about waiting. He, along with all others were tired of waiting and were not going to do it no more. Although such negative comments were made to bring some down, these only inspired more spirit.

Chorus

Sophocles: Antigone FACT 1: Consisted of 15 noble men of Thebes. FACT 2: Used to represent men, women, and elders; society. ANALYSIS: The actors would only interact with one member of the chorus, though all 15 would typically sing and dance. Their purpose was the offer insight to a character, as well as to help the crowd understand what the characters were feeling, in the attempt to make them seem more real. They offer the objective insight that the characters may overlook due to their own personal biases.

Wo-haw the artist

WoHaw: Between Two Worlds FACT 1: A Kiowa warrior whose name means cattle, Wo-haw took part in killings of settlers that caused him to be captured and relocated to Fort Marion in St. Augustine, where he created artwork as part of the assimilation process. FACT 2: Sold to tourists, the artwork Wo-haw created were called ledger drawings, after the accounting ledger books they were drawn in. Wo-haw's drawings were highly symbolic and included Native American themes that were quickly disappearing. ANALYSIS: Wo-haw was stuck between the fight to keep his culture and the fight to assimilate to the settler's way of life. Through his art, Wo-haw was able to preserve the historical significance of Native American culture for future generations, while at the same time giving him a way to obtain resources that would allow him to become part of the new European American culture, hence his new Good Life.

Red River War or Buffalo War

WoHaw: Between Two Worlds Fact 1: In 1874, 200 warriors attacked a party of buffalo hunters at a trading post in the Texas Panhandle. Fact 2: After this the U.S. army launched a campaign to end the raids between the groups. In the next few months, the army fought with warriors from the five tribes throughout Texas, the indians were defeated in the end. Analysis: The good life for the tribes was fighting for something they believed in. However, in the end the cost of fighting for that was death or prison.

"A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise."

Aldo Leopold: A Sand County Almanac and Sketches Here and There Fact 1: An action is a good action when it is done for the right reasons and has positive consequences. Fact 2: If something is done to the environment that helps it in a positive way, such as keeping it stable, preserving its beauty, then it's good but if it doesn't really help the environment then it's bad. Analysis: Many of the things done to the environment(biotic community) are done for economic purposes that don't benefit the environment and Lepold is saying it's bad. Lepold's land ethic is about treating the environment better, that it's a part of us and if we don't do positive things for it then we're hurting it and hurting ourselves.

"We can be ethical only in relation to something we can see, feel, understand, love, or otherwise have faith in."

Aldo Leopold: A Sand County Almanac and Sketches Here and There Fact 1: Ethics were created by us, therefore to apply ethics to things we have to have some way of deciding whether or not ethics can be applied. Fact 2: We can basically only apply ethics to things that have some meaning to us( we see it, we feel it, understand it, etc). Analysis: Lepold is arguing that we can be ethical to the land, that there should be a land ethic. We can see the land, we can feel the land, and we can understand it so therefore being ethical to it is possible and something that should be done.

What are the keys to development of the land ethic?

Aldo Leopold: A Sand County Almanac and Sketches Here and There Fact 1: Leopold argues that we must move away from the economic point of view of things. Fact 2: Having the mindset of putting a price on land impedes the progress to environmental conscience. Analysis: As stated by Leopold, "The key-log which must be moved to release the evolutionary process for an ethic is simply this: quit thinking about decent land-use as solely an economic problem", land ethic will not move forward unless people change their perspective of things. Sometimes this is considered selfish behavior because people only worry for their benefit of things, yet they don not realize that if the environment is not in good terms then neither will we. Its a cycle and we are all interconnected. A community with a land ethic is a community safeguarding their future.

What is the role of Homo sapiens in a land ethic?

Aldo Leopold: A Sand County Almanac and Sketches Here and There Fact 1: Leopold states the role of Homo Sapiens in a land ethic is from a conqueror of the land-community to being a normal plain member and citizen. Fact 2: Doing this will imply respect for members of the community and respect for the land. Analysis: Leopold introduces us to this concept because he feels those in the past who have played the conqueror role have in the end defeated themselves. If we are able to not make things so complicated it will be easier and better to try and obtain the good life.

What does Leopold mean by: ". . .a system of conservation based solely on economic self-interest is hopelessly lopsided."?

Aldo Leopold: A Sand County Almanac and Sketches Here and There Fact 1: More people are concerned for money and not the environment Fact 2: If people seek interest in economic values instead of the ethic values then the world steers into a hopeless society. Analysis: Conservation, the method of preserving land, will not be attained unless the self-interest is left aside. We live in an unbalanced world because involvement is minimal.

Conservation

Aldo Leopold: A Sand County Almanac and Sketches Here and There Fact 1: The reading states "Conservation is a state of harmony between man and land." Fact 2: The reading also says that conservation happens at a very slow pace. Analysis: After stating that conservation occurs at a slow pace, Leopold states, "On the back forty we still slip two steps backward for each forward stride." Stating this allows us to see frustration Leopold feels when trying to create this harmony between man and land. This shows that reaching the good life can take a long amount of time and that it is not an easy task to obtain.

"they scraped the mangi off the land"

Geraldine Brooks/Elizabeth Ross: The Painted Desert FACT 1: The essay notes that it means that when whites mined the earth or made roads the essence- the spiritual and physical traces of the previous inhabitants of the land were removed. FACT 2: The essay also noted that Pijaju Peter Skipper began to paint simple shadow images (wangarr) to restore the lost mangi. ANALYSIS: Removing traces of the previous inhabitants of the land jeopardizes the Aborigines' Good Life, as they hold a deep connection to both the land and their ancestral history. Pijaju Peter Skipper's artistic efforts not only secure past and present generations Good Life, it also give future generations a link to the past.

Dreaming Story

Geraldine Brooks/Elizabeth Ross: The Painted Desert FACT 1: This is considered the center of spiritual life for native aborigines; each unique to the respective owner of their part of the story. FACT 2: The stories speak to their core values of caring for the land and are passed from generation to generation. ANALYSIS: Each dream story depicts an area of land or country that the owner of the story is responsible for taking care of, as they believe after death the spirit of their ancestors can be found here. The stories are about where they came from, and where they will return upon their death.

Ngurrara

Geraldine Brooks/Elizabeth Ross: The Painted Desert Fact 1: An Aboriginal word for country. Fact 2: Can be used as a way to show care for their country. Analysis: The good life for everyone varies. Aborigines use art as way to express the importance and care they feel for their country. The use of art is a way they can express and represent how they feel without having to say it.

Where does the value of a painting come from?

Geraldine Brooks/Elizabeth Ross: The Painted Desert Fact 1: Dependent on the purchaser's interests or the cultural value offered from the painting itself due to it's artist, location, or meaning. Fact 2: The price tag is often high on specific paintings mainly because the buyer wants a sophisticated and valuable work of art to aid to their monetary class. Analysis: The paintings from the Aborigines demonstrate their culture and most deep values in regards to their heritage and land. While burdened by new civilization and modernization, the culture has faded yet their practice of painting remains livid. High-end buys and museums sometimes hunt down their works of art tot he the value they represent, making their actual monetary value even higher. Although these paintings are priced very high, more value lies in its depiction of the artist's expression.

Custodians of creation

Geraldine Brooks/Elizabeth Ross: The Painted Desert Fact 1: The Aborigine people consider themselves a part of creation. Fact 2: They also consider that their rules they have in society come from creation. Analysis: They are considered custodians of creation because they very much care for the land. Caring for the land is a main part of their core values. They think that taking care of the land will help them with achieving the good life, I agree because how are we supposed to live the good life when we have no place to live.

Why was the selling of Ngurarra I and possibly Ngurarra II such a dilemma for the people of Fitzroy Crossing?

Geraldine Brooks/Elizabeth Ross: The Painted Desert Fact One: The Ngurarra paintings were more than just paintings for the Fitzroy people, as they were used to state their case in a Tribunal. Fact Two: Ultimately, the Ngurarra I painting was agreed to be sold, and sold for $213,000 at auction. Analysis: The people of Fitzroy Crossing had to make that decision to let the "little one", (Ngurarra I) go to auction but to keep the second painting for themselves. The people understood what the money would do to help their community and even compared it to selling cattle. Their decision to keep Ngurarra II is interesting and shows that sometimes, things are too valuable to sell.

"life is frittered away by detail"

Henry Thoreau: "Where I lived, and What I lived For" and "Economy" FACT 1: As society becomes more developed and continues to grow, our lives have become increasingly filled with things we have to accomplish like errands and simple tasks that may have seemed ridiculous even a few years ago (current example being constantly updating social media instead of engaging in other activities or conversation. FACT 2: Being constantly engaged in this increasing amount of detailed activity causes our available time for enjoyment of other activities to diminish. We are limiting ourselves on the amount of enjoyment we can experience throughout the day and throughout our lives because of these seemingly meaningless tasks. ANALYSIS: This expression makes us consider what we task ourselves with in our daily lives and to consider how much each of these activities actually matter or contribute to our experiencing a good life. By letting go of these tasks (much like Thoreau) we could "cleanse" ourselves of the "daily grind" and begin to see our lives in a more enjoyable light--maybe even learn the beauty of nature.

"live deliberately"

Henry Thoreau: "Where I lived, and What I lived For" and "Economy" FACT 1: living deliberately is living with nature as much as possible as did society before there were the many distractions there are today (such as technology). FACT 2: Henry Thoreau lived for several months like this with only minimal interaction and mostly off what he grew or caught himself in an attempt to connect with nature and reevaluate what it is that is important to humans. ANALYSIS: By Thoreau's example and through the lessons he learned, we can think about how much our life experiences are distracted by the normalities that have come with the growth of our society and the many technological improvements. We may be missing great deals of experiences because of these and missing out on crucial aspects that support having a good life.

"The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation."

Henry Thoreau: "Where I lived, and What I lived For" and "Economy" Fact 1: Thoreau said this quote in Walden "Economy" paragraph 9. Fact 2: The quote means that people lead lives of discontent. Analysis: Thoreau points out that the average life person lives in discontent but it is not apparent. Since everybody is always wanting something more, working towards something more, they are being desperate and because they are being desperate they can't enjoy the simpler things in life which according to Thoreau is what is needed for a good life.

The river

Herman Hesse: Siddartha Fact 1: Seen by many travelers as an obstacle to their ultimate destination. Fact 2: The place where Siddhartha has his awakening. Analysis: The river is speaks to those who are ready to listen. It represents all things that have existed or will exist within the universe, it is everything all at once, it is the beginning and the end. It is here that Siddhartha understands what is the good life. Here he is able to understand the oneness of everything and how interconnected it. He sees that a stone may turn to soil, and perhaps to a plant, animal or human being.

Four Noble Truths

Herman Hesse: Siddartha Fact: A concept holding the basic beliefs of Buddhism. Fact: Life is suffering (First Noble Truth), We suffer because we are attached (Second Noble Truth), The end of suffering is possible by letting go of those attachments (Third Noble Truth), and lastly the Eightfold Path; through mediation suffering will end (Fourth Noble Truth). Analysis: Suffering comes from the attachment of things and ideas. We often are attached to ideas about life that impedes us from living happy (those such as the "need" of having a lot of money to be happy, or the "need" to have a high paying job). People are too focused by unnecessary thoughts and do not live in the moment appreciating what they already have. It is quite difficult to completely end suffering for humans because we are "meaning seeking animals", however, we can suffer less if we let go of some things, if we are less attached.

Croesus

Herodotus, The History Fact: King of Lydia, wealthiest man ruling the richest empire. Fact: Asks Solon who is the most blessed, receives an answer he was not expecting since he thought it was him that was the most blessed. Confused about Solon's answer that regular and unknown men were the most blessed, Croesus does not understand why Solon is considered to be wise. Analysis: Life Happens- Croesus may have had an extravagant and long life, yet the misfortunes outweighed the material riches and Croesus was not a happy. As Solon suggested, a fortunate man is a happy man, even though he may not be the wealthiest, sometimes a simple life is better. This sends a message that money does make happiness, only through one's actions and deeds one will attain it.

Tellus

Herodotus, The History FACT 1: Solon bases his determination as to whom is the happiest man not by material wealth, power or superficial achievements, but by whom has achieved the happiest, most fulfilled life. FACT 2: Solon selects Tellus as the happiest man has he lives long enough to enjoy being the patriarch of his family, his family is comfortable in that they do not lack the necessities to exist (food, shelter), and that when Tellus died after a long life, he dies a hero serving his country. Analysis: Herodotus challenges us to think what it means to be "wealthy". Money and power can be fleeting and there are some things that cannot be bought, such as family, health, and an honorable death. Herodotus reminds the reader of this by having Solon determine that Tellus, a person that wasn't monetarily rich but rich in life, is the happiest man.

Cleobis and Biton

Herodotus, The History Facts: 1) They were brothers who were from Argos (or at least were part of the "Argive Race) who were young athletes... 2) when they were travelling with their mother, their oxen became unable to continue their journey so they pulled the cart the rest of the way to their destination Analysis: The take away from the story of Cleobis and Biton can be well summed up in the following phrase, "and in them the god had showed how much better it is for a man to be dead than alive," which represents that the hardships of living a good life go to show that there is something to reach for even when it is difficult to continue. The story speaks of them being congratulated for being the strongest, that their mother was complimented on having great sons. This shows that there is pride in living and triumph in trial.

Veil of ignorance

John Rawls: Theory of Justice FACT 1: It Prevents arbitrary facts about citizens from influencing the agreement among representatives. FACT 2: Rawls believed that race, class, or gender are not reasons for social institutions to favor is disfavor an individual. Analysis: A veil of ignorance allows representatives to govern without preconceived notions of the people they represent. Instead of governing in a way that explicitly benefits only a select group of people, being ignorant of any and all characteristics forces representatives to govern equally among all citizens. It removes bias from the decision making process by forcing representatives to strive for equality.

The principle of average utility

John Rawls: Theory of Justice FACT 1: Produce the highest level of utility averaged among all citizens FACT 2: Some basic liberties of citizens might be restricted for the sake of the benefit of other citizens. ANALYSIS: Rawls believed that people would prefer his ideas to average utility. His ideas pushed for equal liberties for all citizens, average utility would negatively affect some citizens that would be impacted when averaging utility over time. (Patrick Hulton)

Advantages of Rawls' two principles over utilitarian society

John Rawls: Theory of Justice FACT 1: Utilitarian society says that we do the greatest good for the greatest number of people and assumes equality for everyone despite efforts for success. FACT 2: Rawls' two principles allows for an inequality so long as it is in the better interest of the society and for others. One can be more successful for others because they try harder and accomplish more. ANALYSIS: Although a utilitarian society may seem beneficial to everyone, it could limit the amount of effort that each member puts forward because there is little to no reward for this effort. In using Rawls' two principles, we encourage the members of society to strive and succeed. This increases competition and gives everyone the equal opportunity to succeed in life regardless of their social status or background. In this constant competition to attain success, we give everyone hope and in doing so contribute to everyone's Good Life.

Thought Experiment

John Rawls: Theory of Justice Fact #1: The thought experiment in the original position is the "imaginary situation" where each individual has a representative. Fact #2: Those representatives supposedly would meet and agree on how justice should be implemented among the community which the representatives represent. Analysis: The theoretical compatibility of representatives is an unlikely situation, as the author points out, due to the complexities of human nature.

Two principles

John Rawls: Theory of Justice Fact: Principle one- Each person has the same indefeasible claim to a fully adequate scheme of equal basic liberties, which scheme is compatible with the same scheme of liberties for all; Fact: Principle two- Social and economic inequalities are to satisfy two conditions: They are to be attached to offices and positions open to all under conditions of fair equality of opportunity; They are to be to the greatest benefit of the least-advantaged members of society Analysis: According to Rawls, these two principles are key to an equal and fair justice system. One cannot operate without the other.

Why oysters

Kate Orff: Oysters as Architecture FACT 1: The Gowanus Canal once was rich with oysters that were claimed to be the size of dinner plates. They can each filter up to 50 gallons of water per day and so help keep the waters fresh in the area. FACT 2: Over time, they can form a natural reef structure that helps to attenuate the waves. This helps prevent sudden surges and floods that negatively impact the community. ANALYSIS: In her effort to demonstrate how reintegrating a natural resource (oysters) back into the environment, she shows us the benefit of working with nature instead of against it in supporting a good life for everyone--not just humans. This makes me concerned that it would take such and obvious benefit to ourselves in order for any change in the support of wildlife to occur. It is unfortunate that our race (for the most part) is so self-centered and so unwilling to help other life forms. In the pursuit of the good life for all, we should find more ways to better coexist synergistically.

Oyster-tecture

Kate Orff: Oysters as Architecture FACT 1: The goal of "Oyster-teture" is to "harness the biological power of species in the harbor and harness power of people in community towards making change" (Orff). FACT 2: The design plan was modeled to reflect the original geographic composition of the land and harbor, including its biological inhabitants, to somewhat restore its natural state. ANALYSIS: Leaving the environment in its natural state is often the best way to use it to achieve the good life, but restoring the environment is not so easy. Ironically, it takes planning and construction to ensure the environment will continue to provide the good life for future generations.

How did the history of the Gowanus Canal inform the project?

Kate Orff: Oysters as Architecture Fact 1: There used to be oysters the size of a dinner plate in the Canal. Fact 2: One oyster can clean up to 50 gallons of water per day. Analysis: Oysters help clean the environment. A clean environment means a healthy, which leads to the good life.

"We need new stories, new heroes and new tools"

Kate Orff: Oysters as Architecture Fact: Orff explains that architecture and infrastructure alone is not the approach needed to follow a productive approach for positive design and change. Fact: Orff presents her idea of combining "two very divergent fields of urbanism and ecology, and sort of bring them together in an exciting new way", therefore providing the importance of needing "new stories, new heroes, new tools." Analysis: Orff portrays the idea that so much has changed on earth, environmentally and technologically, that we need to look for innovative ways to combine both aspects to produce a positive change in the world. Orff's approach of using oyster-tecture is a perfect example to lead others in the same direction for an overall positive effect on the world. Orff herself is sharing her new story, presenting the oysters as new heroes, and explaining the creation of new tools.

Four Steps for any non-violent campaign

Martin Luther King, Jr. "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" FACT 1: The four steps of a non-violent campaign are 1) Collection of facts to confirm injustice; 2) Negotiation; 3) Self-purification; 4) Direct action. FACT 2: The direction action referenced in the steps refers to non-violent, civil demonstrations, not violent retaliation. ANALYSIS: Martin Luther King, Jr. was a proponent of peaceful protest. Although he often tried to justify the anger and retaliation of some African Americans, he sought to improve their status in society through non-violence and negotiation.

Significance of the letter being written "in jail"

Martin Luther King, Jr. "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" Fact #1: Jail can be viewed as a metaphor for the plight of African Americans in American society at the time. Fact #2: Having been written in jail, the letter was an undeniable sign of persecution. Analysis: The act of writing a letter in jail not only showed that freedom of thought can exist even in the midst of imprisonment, but also that action can be taken anywhere at any time. If the letter had been written outside of jail, it would not have so clearly shown the persecution against African Americans. It also displayed nonviolent resistance because instead of taking up arms, Dr. King allowed himself to be jailed, but he did not allow his spirit to be jailed.

Importance of the timing of the letter

Martin Luther King, Jr. "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" Fact #1: The Supreme Court had recently outlawed segregation in public schools. Fact #2: The Birmingham campaign had begun nearly two weeks earlier. Analysis: Because the Supreme Court had made a ruling against segregation, this was the perfect time to make an attempt at pointing out that the highest court in the land was against segregation and states should fall in line with that decision. Since there was already a grassroots effort happening to end segregation, this letter was a perfect weapon to use as a rallying cry to give momentum to the movement.

What does the Market Society have to do with the separation of those who are affluent and those who are not? Why is this a problem?

Michael Sandel: The Moral Limits of Market FACT 1: The "commodification" of nearly everything makes inequality more apparent. FACT 2: The more things that money can buy, makes having money all the more important. ANALYSIS: Because nearly everything these days is for sale, or has been commodified, it makes having money in the first place more important. It allows those with money to gain political favor, access to better health care, and access to shorter wait times to name a few things. If having disposable income meant only being able to buy extravagant houses or expensive cars, it wouldn't matter much. However, when having money means you have a better chance of living a long life free from health conditions, the downfalls of the market society become apparent.

Where does the Market Society fall short? (According to Michael Sandel)

Michael Sandel: The Moral Limits of Market Fact #1: Sandel argues that the market society promotes inequality by limiting access to healthcare and safety. Fact #2: Sandel claims that market societies create "moral vacancy" in politics because there is a price on everything, therefore encouraging corruption. Analysis: Sandel's concepts are very relevant to our political world now, especially when one considers campaign finance reform and SUPER PAC's like ALEC.

Market Economy

Michael Sandel: The Moral Limits of Market Fact 1: An economy in which decisions regarding investment, production, and distribution are based on market determined supply and demand, and prices of goods and services are determined in a free price system. Fact 2: The major defining characteristic of a market economy is that investment decisions and the allocation of producer goods (Links to an external site.) are mainly made by cooperative negotiation through markets. Analysis: This is an economy where everything is planned and investment and decisions in companies are easily established by the state.

Market Society

Michael Sandel: The Moral Limits of Market Fact 1: Market Society can refer to either the free-market style of capitalism first popularized by Adam Smith, or (to a lesser extent) can also refer to government-instituted and/or controlled forms of the market, commonly called State capitalism. Fact 2: The term market society differs from market economy by implying that capitalist market economics influences not just the exchange of goods and services in a society, but also directly impacts and helps shape the personal attitudes, lifestyles, and political views of its people. Analysis: The market society is what he have drifted to since the past. It shows us how to value the goods and social practices that we care about. We live this way because it makes us think about living in a life where we decide together as a society where markets can serve public good and just where they do not belong.

About Sacred spaces: "Their value resided in the community's subconscious but loomed large in the conscious minds of locals after four things happened." What were the four things?

Randy Hester: Subconscious Landscapes of the Heart 1. The places were threatened. The proposed plans to revamp the town made the residents consider what places and things in the town mattered to them the most. 2. The places were legitimized. The residents of Manteo were hesitant to claim the importance of buildings and places that they knew wouldn't appeal to tourist. Hester had to assure them that these places were fine so the residents wouldn't undervalue what these places mean to them. 3. A collective picture of the valued places was presented to the community. This map or "Sacred Structures" helped the townspeople understand what places were valued, how many people valued them and used them, and to see patterns of the town. This gave the subconscious concerns of the people a conscious expression. 4. The places were consecrated by residents. The residents had to separate the most important places from the less valued places. The most valued places would not be changed in any way with the new developments of the town because the residents believed that these places had a higher value than money.

Sacred Structure

Randy Hester: Subconscious Landscapes of the Heart FACT 1: Defined (loose translation) in the reading as any place in a community that the residents find important and essential to their way of life and identification as a community -- places that if altered or removed would drastically change their community. FACT 2: Randy Hester had the residents of Manteo, North Carolina identify these important places and made a map of what places could not be altered during the reconstruction of their town. These places were so important that they had to remain the same regardless of what the expense to potential future profit. ANALYSIS: This idea of a sacred structure invites us to reconsider what makes our communities important to us and what changes would drastically change the way our communities operated. We all experience development over time, but should there be a better system in place at identifying and preserving our own communities' "sacred structures?" Because our community and its design affect everyone and their experience in the Good Life, this is an important consideration.

What was the cost of preserving the Sacred Structure?

Randy Hester: Subconscious Landscapes of the Heart Fact One: It is estimated that preserving the towns Sacred Structures cost the town over half a million dollars in revenue each year. Fact Two: The cost of losing potential revenue doesn't outweigh the cost of losing places that hold a sacred meaning to the people of Manteo. Analysis: The residents of Manteo understood that their town needed to be revived to survive but they didn't want to do this at the cost of losing places that meant the most to them. The Sacred Structures did bring a financial cost but financial gain holds little value compared to the places that are important to the people and essential to the identification of a community

Ismene

Sophocles: Antigone FACT 1: She is the sister of Antigone and strongly refuses to assist in defying Kreon in order to bury their fallen brother due to fear of repercussions. FACT 2: Later, after Antigone is caught and is to face punishment, Ismene has a change of heart and lies to Kreon by stating she had a part in the burial. At the fear of losing her sister and being alone, she begs to be included in the punishment. ANALYSIS: The character of Ismene seemed to be blind to the grand picture in the beginning. She must have known that her sister would be in trouble and that she would miss her sister as well if punished/exiled. Realizing too later what her true feelings were shows us the importance of considering everything we do in a grander perspective. Although there may be easy paths to take or paths that seem obvious, we should consider what it really takes long term to achieve a Good Life.

Liturgy

Sophocles: Antigone FACT 1: The liturgy is who was responsible for paying/funding the theatre's professional actors of the Dionysus theatre in Athens. FACT 2: The person designated as the liturgy would differ from performance to performance and the wealthy citizens were happy to help and play their part in assisting the theatre. ANALYSIS: As Dr. Pagan stated, there were no formal taxes that funded such performances. The fact that the members of the community were more than willing to fund these large performances shows how much they valued the community compared to their individual wealth. In modern society, we feel entitled to such luxuries and are hard-pressed to find many people as philanthropic as the people of ancient Athens. Using this perspective, we are invited to reevaluate where we stand in society and how having a willingness to help those around us helps everyone as a whole achieve a good life.

Eurydike

Sophocles: Antigone FACT 1: The wife of Kreon, to whom blames the death of her children on her husband and committed suicide. FACT 2: The messenger says that Eurydike's last words were "evil curses on your (Kreon's) head, because you were the killer of your sons" (lines 1304-1305) ANALYSIS: Eurydike believed that her life was not worth living anymore after the death of her sons. In order to get back at her husband, she committed suicide so that he may be entirely alone without her. This suicide parallels with Antigone's own death wish as Antigone knowingly went against authority and was sentenced to death. Eurydike believed that her life would only achieve the "good life" as revenge to her husband and was not able to live on the Earth after the death of her sons.

Choral odes

Sophocles: Antigone FACT 1: There were five in total. FACT 2: Used as the prologue and epilogue, and to offer insights to the characters and spectators. ANALYSIS: The most famous of all the odes is the "Ode to Man," the prologue of Antigone. It speaks of how great man is and all of our accomplishments. These odes also help offer insights to the characters by offering unbiased opinions to characters, as well as to help set the stage for spectators to give them a better understanding of how the characters feel as well as how they themselves should feel. The odes help spectators connect with the play.

Teiresias

Sophocles: Antigone Fact #1: He is a blind old prophet who has come to speak with Kreon. Fact #2: Seems to be disrespected by Kreon as he tries to have a reasonable discussion with him and show him how he is "steering the city" in a negative direction. Analysis: While Kreon initially disrespects and taunts Teiresias, he finally decides to try and re-route the direction he is going. Teiresias stays cool, calm, and collected during his exchange with Kreon and shows why he is a respected prophet is during this time.

Haimon

Sophocles: Antigone Fact #1: Is the son of Kreon and is also to be married to Antigone. Fact #2: Initially shows his loyalty to Kreon but later proves his undying devotion to Antigone. Analysis: As the son of the King Kreon, it is apparent that Haimon wants to obey his father's viewpoints. However, when he sees how irrational his father is being towards Antigone, he turns the table and stands strong in his stance of protecting her. When Antigone later ends her own life, Haimon follows suit as he cannot bear life without her.

Pride (Hubris)

Sophocles: Antigone Fact 1: Antigone has too much pride in her family to go against Kreon's order and bury her brother. Fact 2: Kreon has too much pride in himself that he does not see he is wrong. Analysis: Pride is very important in this story. Antigone wants her brother to have a proper burial so her pride leads her to do it. Kreon, however, also has a lot of pride in himself and his role in society. He does not want the brother to be buried so he makes it a law, even though it is the right thing to do. Again, this pride costs Kreon the death of his wife and son.

Laws of God and nature vs. laws of man

Sophocles: Antigone Fact 1: The Laws of God and nature stated that every man should have a proper burial. Antigone thought it was wrong for her brother not to have a proper burial Fact 2; The laws of man, Kreon, stated that the brother should not be buried. Kreon buried one of the brothers but not the other. Analysis: I would say that this is the main theme of the play. Antigone tries to bury her brother, which is against the law that Kreon made. Kreon then sentences Antigone to death, which causes a chain of events that comes back and haunts Kreon.

"Ode to Man"

Sophocles: Antigone Fact One: Celebrates how the humans have so much power over the environment. Fact Two: The chorus tells us about the accomplishments of all the men. Analysis: Fighting for the good life is the most famous ode in all of the Greek Mythology. It was a rebuttal of the chorus. Ode to man said that nobody has the power to control life and death. It is up to the Gods which I believe is a good thing.

Polis

Sophocles: Antigone Fact One: It is an entity that was ruled by their citizens like a self government. Fact Two: It was able to give the people an individualized religious, political and philosophical view on everything. Analysis: This was very important and still is important for Greece's ancient history. It gave Greece a good reputation because they were able to select their own ruler. They didn't refer to Athens or Thebes yet. This gave them a positive government which helped them attain the good life

Antigone

Sophocles: Antigone Fact: Antigone is the daughter Oedipus and sister of Eteokles and Polyneices who chooses to defy her uncle and king, Kreon, and act against his order of not providing Polyneices of a proper burial. Fact: Antigone was not concerned by a death sentence as she believes honoring her brother and abiding by the laws of the gods is more important than man-made laws. Analysis: Antigone's character displays the highest devotion to family and the gods by standing by her decision to bury her brother properly. Since Antigone describes her life is surrounded by evil, I believe Antigone feels that honoring her brother would allow her to die virtuously by pleasing the gods below. In a sense, Antigone did not live a good life, instead ended her life "good" by standing by her believes.

Kreon

Sophocles: Antigone Fact: Kreon is the newly appointed king of Thebes after Eteokles and Polyneices, his nephews, who died in a battle for control of the city. Kreon believes Polyneices had ill intends toward the city and ordered his body not be honored with funeral rites and anyone who violated his order be sentenced to death. Fact: Kreon discovers it was his niece, Antigone, who defied him and sentences her to death despite pleas from many including his son. By the time Kreon has a change of heart, it was too late. Antigone had died, as well as his son and wife and Kreon blames himself. Analysis: In displaying a stubborn and strong sense of governing which disregarded family and the laws of the gods, Kreon perhaps had good intentions in proving himself deserving of being king. However, Kreon neglected to take into consideration any of the opinions of his people and family in sentencing his niece to death. We can learn from Kreon's experience, that other's opinions may make a difference in our attainment of a "good life."

Medicine Lodge Treaty

WoHaw: Between Two Worlds Fact 1: Some of the leaders of the tribes: Cheyenne, Arapaho, Kiowa, Comanche, and Kiowa Apache signed this treaty. Fact 2: This treaty created reservations where the 5 tribes could live. On the reservation they would become settled farmers, raise livestock, and receive government aid. However, not all tribes excepted this treaty. Analysis: This showed that everyone views the good life differently. Those who did not except the treaty felt this was not the good life. They felt the good life was not being confined to a single area.

Importance of buffalo

WoHaw: Between Two Worlds Fact One: Buffalo, aka bison, were hunted by Native Americans. The Plains Indians way of life centered around the buffalo. They hunted buffalo, ate their meat, and used their hides for clothing and shelter. Fact Two: In an attempt to interfere with the Plains Indians way of life and force them onto reservations, the U.S. Government encouraged professional hunters to slaughter the buffalo in large numbers. There were an estimated 30 million buffalo before European Settlement and at the end of the 19th century there were just hundreds of buffalo. Analysis: The buffalo was a vital part of the Plains Indians good life. The US Government used this to their advantage when they encouraged hunters to kill off the buffalo- they were concerned about ruining someone else's good life in an attempt to discover their own good life. As we fight for our own good life we should remember that other people may not respect our path and would be willing to limit our potential for a good life so that they can more easily attain their own good life

Hide paintings

WoHaw: Between Two Worlds Fact One: Hide Paintings were an artistic tradition for the Plains Indians. They would paint animal hides with scenes from their war exploits and events that affected their community. Fact Two: The hide paintings were used for teepees, worn as robes, and also kept a historical record. Analysis: Hide paintings were part of the Plains Indians culture as they were able to record their experiences through them. The use of hide paintings to express prestige as warriors and depicting events that affected their community shows that the Plains Indians were fighting for the good life for their community. This expressive artistic tradition was important to their culture and Plains Indians, such as Wo-Haw, who were kept at Fort Marion continued this expression by keeping "ledger" drawings on paper. They did what they could with what they had as their fight for the good life had transitioned.