Source Analysis Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Source Analysis Paper - Essay Example To the family and other Englishmen, this brought about a reality check in terms accepting Eunice’s choice to stick with the Indians out of her own consent. To the father, John Williams who professed a puritans faith, Eunice’s refusal to come back, called for a concerted prayer for redemption. In this context, the redemption meant freeing Eunice from harm or distress. While, Eunice does not view her action as wrong, the puritans remain adamant for redemption to save her from the Native Americans. The action by Eunice presents a pattern of trying to assimilate into another culture. This choice, results in pain and anguish to John Williams, the father. Among the English, the choice by Eunice then, was viewed as a lost cause. However, there is need to consider fact that, Eunice decided live according to how she sees it fit. In essence, Eunice’s case in this story brings to light how choices and liberty manifested in 1700s United States. Among the custom was, having f reedom to make own choices (Demos 37). As part of exercising one’s own liberty, Eunice deviated from her English roots. This involved converting to Catholism and disowned her name (Demos 107). Such events clearly indicate dissatisfaction with her previous roots. During 1700s, colonialists explored the Americas to practice religious freedom. There was freedom in terms of practicing own religion without disapproval from the King. However, regions such as New England adopted protestant faith, and was regarded more superior than other faith. This is evident when John Williams assert that, â€Å"Eunice should not loss her protestant faith in the hands of the captives† (Demos 37). The book further, reflects on a lack of respect to French Jesuits by the English Protestants. However, Demos assert that, â€Å"the Native Americans were not easily swayed to alien model† (Demos 171). The lack of religious tolerance forced John Williams to spend only a few moments talking to Eunice. It might seem that, Eunice disliked the over dependence on God among the English and her family in New England. Despite the disapproval by John Williams regarding her daughter’s choice, Eunice displayed one of the pinnacle American choices, which is, individual freedom and choice. The Native Americans regard Eunice as an equal, compared to limited liberty allowed by the English at that period in history. In reality, Eunice experienced two conflicting civilizations (Demos 175). In this story, and particular, a focus on Eunice, reflects on the freedoms instituted in the American society. Further, this story picture a period in America when religious tolerance was gaining momentum. Religious tolerance is today identified by all Americans as a vital possession. The choices made by Eunice, reflects on the Bill of Rights. Despite the story being petite histoire, illustrations about liberty are evident in a large way. In addition, the choices by Eunice have established a pr ecedent for future generations of the American society. The precedent, involves freedom to make own choices. The ideals that shape the American society today, reflects back to the journey taken by Eunice in pursuit for choice and liberty (Demos 255). In a review of Demos and Cronon’s arguments, both focuses on history related to New England. Cronon on one hand focuses on ecological changes by comparing Indians and the Europeans. Demos on the other hand, highlights on the puritans roots compared to French Jesuit and the Native American

Not sure Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Not sure - Essay Example This is based on the fact that it is the responsibility of leaders to protect and care for their subjects, failure to do so, they desist from becoming leaders. Laozi on the other hand believes on a cautious approach, insisting on taking a spiritual approach in problems of governance within a state (Raz, 91). Looking at these different approaches in their philosophical views, this paper analyzes their differences, similarities, and concludes by taking a position on which is the best form of Daoism. Laozi believes that it is impossible to see, hear, feel or name the Dao. He believes that Dao existed before the earth and heaven ever became, and it is the foundation of all laws operating under the sky, on earth, and amongst human beings. According to Laozi, Dao is impartial, and everyone is equal under it. It is the source of everything, and it can be found anywhere under the earth, on earth, at the sky, even in the heaven (Raz, 31). On this basis therefore, Dao is beyond word, descripti on or any form. This argument advocated by Lao, is similar to the argument advocated by Mencius. Mencius equates Dao, with destiny. According to Mencius, destiny is unseen, and natural, and no one can rebel against it, and succeed. To him, destiny shapes the life of mankind, and it is different from fate (Palmer, 31). Analyzing these sentiments closely, one would denote that destiny, according to Mencius existed before life, and it is a factor that shapes the life of mankind. These are similar arguments taken by Laozi, and on this note, there philosophical arguments are similar. Laozi and Mencius take a different approach in identifying the characteristics of human lives. They have different definitions of the aspect. For instance, Laozi denotes that human beings who identify with Dao are not selfish, because they put their self-interests as the last option. They are ignorant and non-attached to the conditions of their lives (Palmer, 29). This people do not discriminate any situatio n in their lives, and welcome anybody who wants to associate with them, without prejudicing or discriminating them. According to Laozi, an individual has so much, but he doesn’t need excess (Palmer, 63). He just needs what he can use for the moment. Laozi denotes that all human beings are ordinary; despite this they are still important and precious. On this note, they must endeavor to seek the Dao with passion and diligently. On this basis therefore, human beings who identify with Dao will manage to live in peace, in health, and in happiness. Mencius on the other hand believes in the class system, and categorizes people into gentlemen, and ordinary people (Raz, 93). He denotes that ordinary people can be influenced by material things, while gentlemen cannot be influenced by material things. Mencius believes that for leaders to rule, they must look for ways of satisfying the material needs of people. By doing this, they won’t live in fear of wars, or assassinations. Men cius believes that an individual does not need to be spiritual in order to achieve peace, happiness, harmony and health. To him it is a matter of good governance, and stable leadership that is centered on serving the people, and founded on a strong family values and backgrounds. For instance, Mencius believes that the family is a unit that measures the prosperity and stability of a state (Palmer, 28). To him, if a family is materially and physical successful, then the state will