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Greek Literature Exploration

Upon concluding the captivating narrative of “The Secret History,” I found myself intrigued and yearning to thoroughly explore the timeless wisdom housed within Greek and Roman mythology and literature. Yet, with utmost humility, if one were to measure the expertise in this field on a scale from 1 to 10, I would find myself hovering around one squarely in the domain of a novice. My comprehension of these ancient civilizations and their literary richness remains quite elementary.

I am, however, not completely uninitiated. My dear husband, an alumnus of an esteemed, single-gender liberal arts university, had chosen to minor in classics during his collegiate years. His academic pursuits in this field have considerably influenced my understanding of the subject, albeit at a rudimentary level. In my prime twenties, a wave of curiosity stirred me, igniting a desire to uncover the treasures in this timeless literature. I gravitated towards two insightful works, “Apology” and “Crito.” Their wisdom and depth had a profound impact on me. I also appreciated grandiose tales, namely the legendary Trojan War and the adventurous saga of Odysseus. Regrettably, my familiarity with these themes lacks the depth that a well-versed scholar might possess, as my knowledge has been acquired without the requisite deep contemplation and rigorous study.

While devouring the pages of “The Secret History,” a realization dawned upon me. A richer understanding of the tale likely came from a more profound acquaintance with Greek literature. Recognizing the gaps in my knowledge, I saw a perfect opportunity to deepen my exploration into this fascinating realm. A crucial tool in my upcoming academic voyage is a book, a thoughtful Christmas present from my mother, titled “Ancient Greek Philosophers,” penned by the esteemed scholar Ken Mondschein, Ph.D.

While this resource doesn’t encompass all philosophers from the ancient Greek era, it presents a comprehensive study of Plato, whose influence transcends time. Although I had skimmed through the book the previous winter, an exhaustive comprehension of its contents would demand a dedicated investment of time and attention. I foresee a two-to-three-month reading expedition to appreciate the nuances of this enlightening work truly.

I’ve charted a course I intend to follow to structure my exploration systematically. My itinerary for the literary journey reads as follows:

    • In July, I will sail with Homer’s legendary epics, “Iliad” and “Odyssey.”
    • August will be reserved for Virgil’s masterpiece, “The Aeneid.”
    • Between July and October, my voyage will be accompanied by “Ancient Greek Philosophers” by Ken Mondschein, Ph.D.

My understanding and appreciation of Greek literature will flourish upon reaching these reading milestones. As to how I will document my journey, the details still need to be decided. Nonetheless, I am keen on sharing my experiences and insights gained from reading these classic works. I am mindful of the challenge ahead. The journey may be lengthy and require steadfast commitment, but the promise of the knowledge that awaits at the end fills me with anticipation and excitement. In the spirit of these timeless narratives, I embark on this adventure, eager to delve into the past and bring its wisdom to the present.

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Decoding ‘The Hunger Games’: From Dystopia to Revolution

Hello fellow readers! Today, I want to discuss the gripping book “The Hunger Games”! This novel, set in a dystopian society, explores oppression, resistance, and the human spirit. The story unfolds in a land called Panem, where life can be really tough. With most people struggling to make ends meet and constant surveillance from the Capitol, freedom feels like a far-off dream. But, as we will discuss, hope can take root and flourish even in the darkest corners.

We will dive deep into the world of “The Hunger Games,” exploring the oppressive society created by the Capitol and its power over the districts. We’ll discuss why this system, despite its seemingly absolute control, has inherent weaknesses that lead to its eventual downfall. Central to our exploration will be the potent symbols of hope and fear – the Mockingjay and the white rose – and their roles in inciting change.
Our journey won’t stop there. We’ll delve into the actual revolution in the story, drawing parallels with historical uprisings and their iconic leaders. Lastly, we’ll discuss why Alma Coin, who presents herself as the new leader post-revolution, might not be the ideal candidate for a free and fair Panem.

Join us as we navigate through the oppressive yet inspiring world of “The Hunger Games,” discovering along the way the power of hope, the courage of resistance, and the importance of ethical leadership. In this journey, we’ll see that bravery, resilience, and unity can ignite a spark that brings about significant change even in the most challenging circumstances.

The oppression of society

The Hunger Games society is split into 12 districts, and life in these districts can be quite challenging. Many folks are starving, struggling to find enough food to feed their families. People live in fear because the government called the Capitol, keeps a watchful eye on everyone 24/7. The Capitol uses hidden cameras and spies to make sure everyone follows the rules. This constant watch makes it hard for people to feel free.

The annual Hunger Games event is one of the scariest things about living in this world. The Capitol forces each district to send one boy and one girl, called tributes, to participate in this dangerous contest. The tributes must fight each other until only one person is left standing. It’s horrifying and sad because these tributes are just kids.

The Hunger Games is not just a contest but also a punishment for a past rebellion. The Capitol uses it to remind people of their power and control. It keeps people afraid because nobody wants their children to be picked as tributes. This fear helps the Capitol maintain control over the districts.

Another way the Capitol keeps control is by limiting freedom. People don’t have the right to speak against the government or to move freely between districts. These strict rules and constant surveillance keep the people in check.

You might wonder why this oppressive system has been able to work for so long. Well, it’s mainly because the Capitol is very good at controlling people. They used fear, punishment, and starvation to keep the districts weak and divided. The people are so busy trying to survive that they don’t have the time or energy to fight against the Capitol. Additionally, the Capitol controls all the resources and information, making it hard for the districts to plan any rebellion.

However, as the story shows, even the most oppressive systems can’t last forever. Eventually, people find the strength to fight back, just like the main character, Katniss Everdeen. It’s a brutal story but also shows the power of hope, bravery, and resilience in the face of oppression.

Weakness of the Capitol and the system

Even though the Capitol in “The Hunger Games” has a lot of control, their system has some big weaknesses too. In fact, President Snow himself points out some of these flaws.

In “The Hunger Games,” one big weakness of the Capitol is its dependence on the districts. Each district has a job, like producing food or coal, and all these goods are sent to the Capitol, which resembles the ancient Roman “Bread and Circus” concept, where rulers kept folks content with free food and fun shows.

Like the Roman emperors who used gladiator fights to distract people, the Capitol uses the Hunger Games to divert its citizens’ attention from their society’s harsh truths. Rome and the Capitol used these tactics to maintain control and avoid rebellions. It’s a powerful reminder of how those in power can use distractions and manipulations to maintain control.

In the Capitol, people live lavish lifestyles. They have fancy clothes, loads of food, and plenty of entertainment. But they’ve forgotten a crucial fact – they couldn’t live this way without the hard work of the people in the districts. If the districts stopped sending resources, the people in the Capitol would be in big trouble.

Because of their comfortable lives, many people in the Capitol have become disconnected from reality. They watch the Hunger Games like it’s just another reality TV show, forgetting that real kids are fighting for their lives. This lack of empathy and understanding is another weakness of the system.

Also, the Capitol may think it’s maintaining control by keeping the districts weak and divided. But, this strategy is actually a double-edged sword. It means the districts have a lot to gain by working together. If the districts ever united against the Capitol, they could pose a severe threat.

So, while the Capitol seems strong on the surface, it’s pretty vulnerable. Their power is based on fear, control, and the work of others. And as we see in the story, the power based on fear, control, and work can be challenged and eventually overthrown when people stand up against it. It’s a great lesson about unity, fairness, and standing up for what’s right.

Hope and Fear

The Mockingjay in the story represents hope. Katniss, the main character, becomes known as “The Mockingjay.” She symbolizes resistance against the Capitol’s control and gives people hope that things can change. Her bravery and refusal to give up, even in the face of great danger, inspire others to believe in a better future.

On the other hand, the white rose symbolizes fear. It’s associated with President Snow, the leader of the Capitol. Whenever you see a white rose in the story, it’s a reminder of Snow’s power and the fear he uses to control people.

President Snow himself said that hope is more powerful than fear, and that’s why it’s dangerous. When people have hope, they’re more likely to fight for change. That’s precisely what happens when Katniss becomes the Mockingjay. Her presence gives people hope, sparking a revolution against the oppressive society. It’s a great example of how symbols can carry powerful meanings in a story.

Revolutions

Let’s compare the revolution in “The Hunger Games” with an actual historical event involving an iconic figure, Joan of Arc.

In “The Hunger Games,” the revolution starts when the districts begin to resist the oppressive rule of the Capitol. Katniss Everdeen became the symbol of this uprising, much like Joan of Arc became the symbol of the French resistance during the Hundred Years’ War.

Like Joan, Katniss didn’t initially set out to be a revolutionary leader. Katniss just wanted to protect her sister and survive the Hunger Games. Similarly, Joan was a simple peasant girl who claimed to have visions from saints instructing her to support Charles VII and recover France from English domination.

Both became inspirational figures who rallied others to their cause. As the “Mockingjay,” Katniss gives the district’s people hope and leads them to rise against the Capitol. Clad in armor, Joan led the French army to several important victories, making her a national heroine.

Despite their different times and contexts, Katniss and Joan share many similarities. Both are young women who, despite their humble origins, become symbols of hope and resistance. Their bravery and determination inspire others and lead to significant change in their societies. They remind us that anyone, no matter who they are, can stand up against injustice and make a difference.

Why Coin can’t be the President

After the revolution in “The Hunger Games,” Alma Coin, the leader of District 13, she was stepped forward to be the new nation’s President. However, she might not be the best choice. Her actions show she might create another oppressive society similar to the Capitol.

Like President Snow, Coin uses power and control to get her way. She even considers starting a new version of the Hunger Games, this time with the children of the Capitol, which shows that she’s willing to sacrifice innocent lives to maintain control, which is no different from what Snow did.

Based on my interpretation, the author’s intended message seems conveyed in the conclusion.

Because something is significantly wrong with a creature that sacrifices its children’s lives to settle its differences…But in the end, who does it benefit? No one. The truth is, it benefits no one to live in a world where these things happen.

History tells us that the period following a revolution can be unstable, often called a “dark age.” After the French Revolution, for example, there was a period known as “The Reign of Terror,” where many people were executed. The dark age happened because the new leaders were just as eager to hold onto power as the old ones.

So, even though revolutions can lead to change, it’s essential to ensure that the new leaders don’t repeat past mistakes. Otherwise, they might create another oppressive system, just like Coin was planning to do in “The Hunger Games.” It’s a reminder that power must be handled responsibly, with the well-being of all people in mind, not just a select few.

 

As we wrap up our deep dive into the fascinating world of “The Hunger Games,” it’s clear that this story offers much more than a dystopian tale. The oppressive society depicted showcases the terrifying extent of the Capitol’s control, yet, it also highlights the system’s vulnerabilities. Underneath the glitz and glamour of the Capitol, the seeds of its downfall are sown by its reliance on the districts and its manipulation of the people.

The profound symbols of hope and fear – the Mockingjay and the white rose – play pivotal roles in stirring the hearts of the oppressed. Like a beacon of hope, Katniss Everdeen inspires the oppressed districts, reminding us of the power a symbol of resilience and defiance can have, much like in real historical revolutions.

However, the book also serves as a warning. While revolution can bring about change, new leadership mustn’t fall into the trap of repeating the oppressive practices of the past. The character of Alma Coin, who proposes to continue the Hunger Games tradition, underscores this point, reminding us that the fight for fairness and equality is an ongoing struggle.

Despite its dystopian setting, The Hunger Games holds a mirror to our society, reflecting the harsh realities of power, control, and resilience in the face of oppression. It is a call to be vigilant and remember that hope can ignite the spark of change even when times are hard. And most importantly, it teaches us that whoever we are, whatever our circumstances, we can make a difference in our world. We have to be brave enough to take a stand.

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Distracted Harmony

Hello fellow readers! Today, we’re embarking on a unique journey. Not to a park or a museum, but straight into the future! Specifically, we’ll explore Aldous Huxley’s take on the future as portrayed in his dystopian novel, “Brave New World.” If you thought navigating your career path was challenging, imagine being in a world where everyone is genetically designed to suit a specific job and social class. A bit intense, right?

Well, it doesn’t stop there. Hefty control is exercised over society, and people’s emotions are suppressed. Suddenly, dealing with everyday problems doesn’t seem so difficult in comparison, does it? So, let’s dive in and look at this unique world Huxley has created for us!

 

In “Brave New World,” society places a high value on getting along with everyone (social harmony) and maintaining a peaceful and orderly world (social stability). They prioritize these things so much that they sometimes lose sight of what makes them individuals.

People in this society use a special drug called soma to help achieve this calm and ordered society. Think of soma as a magic pill that removes strong or uncomfortable feelings. It helps everyone stay happy and peaceful but also stops them from experiencing the full range of human emotions.

However, the quest for this so-called ‘social stability’ comes with a hefty cost. It’s like accessing many books from an electric reader for convenience but giving up your favorite physical books. In their case, they’re giving up their individuality and emotions. Most importantly, they’re losing that special human connection – the bond you share with your best friends or family, where you deeply understand and care for each other.

It’s as if they’ve created a world where everyone gets along because they’re all the same. They’re happy, but it’s because they don’t know any other way to be. And while they have many connections with others, they aren’t the meaningful and deep relationships we value. It’s a trade-off – they have social stability but at the cost of losing what makes us human.

Any human relationships are meaningless in this society. So sleeping with people is just like a sport or game for them. They have multiple partners, and no one minds! It’s no wonder they can’t understand the beautiful lines of Shakespeare – they can’t feel the same emotions his characters do.

 

Unlike the rest of society, the three main characters try to find a meaningful relationship, so they struggle to fit into society. Bernard, Helmholtz, and John (also known as the “Savage”) are like the ‘misfit toys’ of their world, each feeling just a smidge out of place. We’ll explore how they wrestle with a society that prizes “social stability” over individuality, emotion, and, most importantly, human connection.

Bernard Marx is a guy who’s about as comfortable in his skin as a cat in water. He’s an Alpha, the top caste in the World State, but he doesn’t quite measure up to his fellow Alphas—literally. He had a physical character of gamma minus. Imagine being a bit shorter in a world where all Alphas are tall, and you’ve got Bernard. He feels like he’s standing on his tiptoes, trying to fit into this society that values physical perfection. But there’s more to his struggle than his height. Bernard isn’t entirely on board with the emotional numbness as common as air in his world. He sometimes craves real emotions, a big no-no in a society where soma, a feel-good drug, is passed around like candy to keep everyone in a blissful haze. In a world where “fitting in” is the golden rule, Bernard’s often on the outside looking in.

Helmholtz Watson is the guy who got it all: he’s handsome, intelligent, and an Alpha-Plus. But, like trying to cram a square peg into a round hole, Helmholtz just doesn’t quite fit. He is so perfect that he has never had a problem getting women in his bed. He’s feeling a bit like a hamster on a wheel—running around but going nowhere. The superficial pleasures of his society, like recreational sex and soma holidays, leave him feeling as hollow as a chocolate Easter bunny. He yearns for something deeper and more meaningful that his society doesn’t offer.

Finally, let’s talk about John, also known as the “Savage” Talk about a culture shock! John’s been living on the Savage Reservation, where life is like an extended episode of “Little House on the Prairie,” only to be thrust into the high-tech, emotion-suppressed World State. It’s like going from churning butter to watching over your Rumba sweeping on your floor on the clock! John’s deeply influenced by the works of Shakespeare, which makes him treasure emotions and individuality—two things the World State has practically eradicated, which makes him stick out like a sore thumb in a world where everyone else is all about conformity and stability.

 

The three characters are the focal point of the story. By bringing characters like Bernard, Helmholtz, and John into focus, the author, Aldous Huxley, really wants to highlight the price we might pay if we care about “social stability” too much.

Let’s think about it this way. Imagine all your friends decide to play the same video game, and they want you to play, too. But you don’t like that game. Still, you choose to join in just to fit in. In the process, you give up a bit of your uniqueness – what makes you ‘you’?

In “Brave New World,” that’s kind of what happens, but on a much bigger scale. Bernard, Helmholtz, and John all stand out because they aren’t like everyone else in their society. They show us that when we focus too much on keeping everything stable and everyone happy, we risk losing what makes us unique. We risk losing our ability to feel deeply and connect with others on a personal level.

It’d undoubtedly be tough to walk in their shoes in such a society, wouldn’t it? It’s hard to picture ourselves living in that kind of world. Honestly, I was torn between feeling sorry for these three characters or the rest of society. Those heavily influenced by genetic engineering and frequently using soma probably don’t even realize what they’re missing out on. It’s like they’re at a grand feast but only tasting one dish, missing out on all the other delicious flavors. So while their world may seem stable and peaceful, they’re missing the depth and variety of experiences that truly make us human.

 

“Brave New World” takes you on an exciting journey to a future world where people value getting along with everyone more than being true to themselves. You’ll meet fascinating characters like Bernard, Helmholtz, and John, who stand out, making you think about what it means to be different. The book makes you wonder about balancing keeping society peaceful and allowing people to be themselves. It’s an excellent read for anyone who likes stories about future worlds or if you enjoy deep thoughts about society and where we might be heading. Don’t miss this classic.

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Censorship: A Dystopian Critique on Fahrenheit 451

I recently finished reading a disquieting dystopian fantasy book, “Fahrenheit 451,” by Ray Bradbury. After completing it, I had to pause for a day to collect myself and soak in all I’d read.

 

The story throws us into a dystopian future where the lead character, Guy Montag, is a fireman. But hold on; these firemen have an interesting job – they ignite books instead of extinguishing fires. Strange, right? This is because the governing body in this world prohibits books from suppressing the propagation of diverse ideas.

Montag never questioned his job until he met his new, inquisitive neighbor. This young lady nudged him to reassess his life, work, and societal norms. He decided to bring a book home, initiating a clandestine collection. This risky adventure into reading pushed him to question his society’s dictatorial rules.

Things take a turn when Montag’s distant wife uncovers his secret. Out of dread, she betrays him by reporting his book collection to the firefighters. Montag’s life gets turned upside down after this. The book is a hard-hitting critique of censorship and conformity, underlining the significance of literature, critical thinking, and individual freedom.

 

Conformity

Conformity refers to the social behavior where people align their attitudes, beliefs, or actions with those of their group. It’s a common way of creating a uniform society or group, but it does take a toll on freedom of thought and behavior. It discourages individuality and creativity.

In “Fahrenheit 451”, the dystopian society is an outstanding example of conformity. Citizens willingly accept oppressive rules, including the book ban and the preference for trivial entertainment over intellectual conversations. Montag’s wife is so engrossed in her shallow life that she doesn’t realize she’s stopped being human.

Information in this society is strictly controlled. People need books or encouragement to think critically to stop thinking. When Montag starts questioning these norms, his wife’s response is a mix of fear and denial.

Ironically, at the end of “Fahrenheit 451”, the city that prohibited books from suppressing knowledge is destroyed by an atomic bomb. The society that tried to prevent chaos by limiting individual thought crumbles to ruins due to the war, perhaps due to its suppressive measures and failure to promote critical thinking and learning.

Despite this bleak scenario, there’s a glimmer of hope. The intellectual outcasts, who have memorized entire books, survive. They hold within them the knowledge that the old society tried to extinguish, demonstrating the resilience of human thought and ideas.

The book leaves us with a potent commentary on the cyclical nature of human civilization and the ongoing struggle between censorship and freedom, ignorance, and knowledge. Despite the challenges and risks, the book-loving survivors are determined to build a society based on enlightenment rather than suppression.

Conclusion

In the past, certain governments suppressed intellectual freedom, such as the Nazi’s book burning in Germany and the Cultural Revolution in China. Here in the US, we enjoy more freedom but must be vigilant of any subtle censorship driven by group or political interests.

The book “Fahrenheit 451” was like a warning claxon in my mind. I believe it’s vital to understand the ‘why’ behind the label of evil rather than just accepting the ‘what.’ It brought home the scary thought of people forgetting how to question the reasons behind labeling something as evil as information has been filtered for us.

On a lighter note, this book makes for a great summer read despite its heavy theme. Its captivating tale of a future dystopian society is quite engaging, not to mention a bit spine-chilling. So go ahead, try it, and let it make you ponder!

 

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From Mistborn to 1984: A Journey into Dystopian Fantasy

After finishing the Mistborn series, I decided to try a different genre—dystopian fantasy. That’s how I stumbled upon “1984,” a novel by George Orwell. It’s about a society where one group, the Party, rules everything.

The Party is really crafty at holding on to power. They use many tactics, like spying on people, twisting words and facts, and giving out brutal punishments. They have a knack for controlling what everyone thinks and does. And the worst part? People lose what makes them unique. Their rights and their lives revolve around serving the Party.

This quote from a book has stuck in my head, and I can’t seem to forget it.

Freedom is slavery.

Love is hate.

Ignorance is strength.

In societies like these, keeping the group together means keeping the leader in power. Ultimately, the group’s life depends solely on the survival of the leader or a select group—basically, it’s all about domination. There’s not much room for thinkers or philosophers in such a society. The only slots are for the ruler, like the Lord Ruler in “Mistborn” and Big Brother in “1984”. Thinkers who don’t fit in either get “re-educated” in the Ministry of Love or transformed into less intellectual beings, like the Kandra in “Mistborn.”

I remembered a story a Cambodian boy told me about his parents escaping the Khmer Rouge in the late ’70s. It was much like stories from folks who left Russia and Poland in the ’90s. These stories gave me an odd feeling after reading “1984.” I was scared to check if these stories were real because they might be even more terrible than I thought.

When rulers like these take over, they usually justify their harsh actions. They claim it’s all for the greater good, to crush individuality and personal rights. It’s all about power, control, and setting up a new order or “saving the world.” Interestingly, the Lord Ruler in “Mistborn” was trying to save the world. But he could have done it better like Elend Venture attempted to in the series.

Despite the uncomfortable feeling, “1984” is a fascinating read. It’s scary how the survival of everyone depends entirely on the Party. It shows how absolute control is used to boss people around. But it’s definitely worth the read!”

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Journey into a World of Fantasy: Unveiling the Magic of “Mistborn”

Hello, fellow bookworms! We recently delved into the intriguing world of Brandon Sanderson’s “Mistborn” series. After exploring this dystopian universe, my curiosity has been piqued, and I’m excited to tell you about my next reading adventure.

Our journey into dystopian literature continues as I’ve picked out four other captivating books that present unique perspectives on dystopian worlds. These timeless classics have inspired readers worldwide and left indelible marks on the genre.

George Orwell’s “1984

Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World.” Unlike “1984,”

Suzanne Collins’s “The Hunger Games.” – I know there’s a movie series, but I haven’t had the chance to see it yet.

Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451,”

I plan to explore these books, comparing their dystopian elements with “Mistborn” and discussing what makes them so compelling. Stay tuned as I continue this literary journey together, discovering the depths of these iconic dystopian worlds. Who knows? I might even find my favorite book!

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Journey into a World of Fantasy: Unveiling the Magic of “Mistborn”

Every once in a while, we come across a piece of literature that leaves us wide-eyed with its unique world, captivating characters, and gripping storyline. For those who adore fantasy like me, the “Mistborn” series by Brandon Sanderson is one such marvel that will keep us riveted from beginning to end. Today, we dive into the magical universe of “Mistborn” and what makes it a compelling read for fans of fantasy novels.

“Mistborn: The Final Empire,” the first book in the series, instantly invited me into a world where the laws of nature are manipulated by gifted individuals who ingest and “burn” different types of metal, each granting them distinct supernatural powers. These individuals are known as the “Mistborn.” Set in a dystopian landscape ruled by the immortal Lord Ruler, the society of “Mistborn” is divided between the oppressed skaa (commoners) and the privileged nobility.

The protagonist, Vin, a young skaa girl, survives the brutal streets of Luthadel by relying on her quick wits and natural skepticism. Vin’s life takes a dramatic turn when she discovers she is a Mistborn, possessing an extraordinary range of powers. She is recruited by a charismatic revolutionary, Kelsier, a Mistborn who plans to overthrow the tyrannical Lord Ruler. As Vin learns to harness her abilities, she becomes a key player in the rebellion and an emblem of hope for the oppressed skaa.

What makes this book so enticing? Sanderson’s exceptional world-building is one of the most vital elements of the series. The meticulous design of the magic system, known as Allomancy, is utterly fascinating. It operates on defined principles and limitations, making it believable and intricate. Using metals as a source of magic is genuinely innovative and sets “Mistborn” apart from other fantasy novels.

Moreover, Sanderson has crafted a variety of engaging characters. Vin, our heroine, evolves from a wary, mistrustful street urchin to a brave, determined woman, inspiring readers with her journey. Other characters like Kelsier, with his magnetic personality and unwavering optimism, also leave a lasting impression.

The narrative is complex but smoothly paced, allowing me to immerse myself in the world of “Mistborn gradually.” It’s an epic tale of resilience and rebellion, interspersed with tension, exhilaration, and heartbreak. Sanderson’s writing style is lucid and engaging, making it an enjoyable read for teenagers and adults alike.

“Mistborn” is not just about magic and adventure; it also delves into themes like power, inequality, and the human spirit’s resilience against oppression. It made me reflect on these profound subjects, adding a deeper layer to my reading experience.

In conclusion, Brandon Sanderson’s “Mistborn” is an exciting adventure into a world teeming with mystery, magic, and compelling characters. The intriguing magic system, engaging plot, and complex themes make it a must-read for any fantasy fan. So, if you haven’t ventured into the world of “Mistborn” yet, grab a copy, cozy up in your favorite reading nook, and prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey.

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Do you listen to music or Lyric?

My husband mentioned that he would not hear any music because all his concentration goes to the lyrics of the music. Interestingly. I am the opposite. I hear music but not the lyrics. Don’t get me wrong. I care about the lyric of the song. When I hear a piece of music for the first time, my brain is busy creating the score from the music. Since I have played the piano since I was three years old, I have a near-perfect pitch. Whenever I hear music I like, I like to recreate the music with my piano.

I tried to concentrate on the lyrics many times; however, I could never focus solely on the song’s lyrics. Having a near-perfect pitch works as a double-edged sword. The ability is good if you want to copy a music piece you hear, but sometimes I feel that this ability can prevent me from enjoying the music. When I listen to beautiful music, the orchestra’s pitch or singing can distract me from enjoying the music. On the other hand, my husband can pick up the lyrics even when in a foreign language. He again has similar problems as I do, and he will never process the song’s tune at all.

Our brains respond to lyrics and tunes independently. According to Besson, Faïta, Peretz, Bonnel, & Requin (1998), syntax, the structural aspects of language, and music harmony create similar brain responses. In contrast, the brain response is very different from semantically inappropriate words. Brain responses are the same for both lyrics or tunes until semantically congruous or incongruous words either in or out of key. Therefore, this finding demonstrates that we process lyrics and tune independently.

I may be keener to the song’s keys, and therefore, my brain dominantly processes the songs’ tune rather than the lyrics. On the contrary, my husband is keener to the syntax of languages; consequently, he dominantly processes the lyrics.

 

What is more critical, lyric or music, to be a good listener? Melody or Rhythms are a deal-breaker for music. Victor Hugo stated, “Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent.” A lyric without melody or Rhythm is a poem. If someone asks me the same question, I cannot answer.

I care greatly about the lyric’s content to refine the music I just copied. The expression of the music can change 180 degrees with how you interpret it. To analyze songs better, I try to understand the song’s lyrics. If I copy a piece of music from a video game, I fully complete the video game before I start copying the music to understand the lyric better.

I am curious whether lyrics impact our emotion or well-meaning if we can process them simultaneously. I cannot pay attention to lyrics; however, I write much better with background music, influencing my writing ability. So, I assume it would be an excellent experience to process lyrics simultaneously.

 

When I was digging into the research regarding music lyrics, I found an interesting article written by Tricia Fox Ransom, a songwriter who is graduating with a master of applied positive psychology degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She assumed that lyrics have a significant impact on well-being since she always felt the words of the music had a considerable influence on her state of mind. If her hypothesis were written, she could use the effects for better use, such as treating children with cancer or end-of-life care, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, etc. Before completing her capstone, she walked into the office of James Pennebaker, a leading researcher in language and emotional experience, to get his opinion. She was surprised that he did not think lyrics influence well-being. She admitted that she could not find any studies which confirmed her hypothesis. If Tricia’s hypothesis were correct, it would be fantastic.

Maybe lyrics do not affect well-being; however, they still add in-depth meaning to the music. I want to believe that we can communicate better with lyrics and music. When I listen to or read a poem, it makes me think about the words. On the other hand, listening to music makes me feel something. THE THEME NOW EXPRESSES A GREATER MEANING when I understand the song’s lyrics. Am I too susceptible to the music? I think that melody and lyrics have a symbiotic relationship, and they both gain enhanced emotional influences on us.

That is why I feel not ready to copy the music just listening to the song without understanding the song’s lyrics. To increase understanding further, I even complete the movies, games, books containing the music. This part of analyzing the contents of the lyric is preparation for creating a piano arrangement of the song. I did similar preparation for piano music I practice. When I was practicing Chopin’s Op. 10 No12., Revolutionary Etude, I spent days trying to obtain the music’s background to interpret the music better. I was trying to understand the composer’s message in the music.

 

It probably does not matter debating, which is more important for a song. There are people, like me, who dominantly process the melody over lyrics. On the other hand, people like my husband dominantly process lyrics over the melody. Research indicates that the brain could process the tune and words independently. Both lyrics and music are mediums of communication. Lyrics and music have a symbiotic relationship rather than a competitive relationship, and the ties even gain synergy. They help us to communicate messages better. They are practical tools to communicate with more significant emotional influences.

 

 

References

Besson, M., Faïta, F., Peretz, I., Bonnel, A.-M., & Requin, J. (1998). Singing in the Brain: Independence of Lyrics and Tunes. Psychological Science, 9(6), 494–498. http://www.jstor.org/stable/40063362

Ransom. T. F. (July 31, 2021). A Case for Lyrics and How They Impact Our Emotions. https://www.mappmagazine.com/articles/a-case-for-lyrics-and-how-they-impact-our-emotions

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Dealing with C-Tasks

When I was in my early 20’s, I was not great at doing micro-tasks, resulting in unwanted consequences. Because I was busy closing a quarter, I put aside renewing my car registration. On the due date, I was assigned a task that needed to be done that day, while I still needed to go to the registration office to renew my car registration. It generally took me 30 minutes to go to the registration office and renew my car registration. Unfortunately, the registration office had a technical problem on the day I went to the office, and it took me a few hours to complete the task. I had no choice but to wait while the office was fixing their technical problem because I had to renew the registration on that day. I ended up working overtime to recover my lost time.

C-tasks are tasks that do not add any value. Those tasks require little time to complete; however, they can cause unnecessary stress past the critical date. In the worst case, it can prevent you from achieving other tasks that lead to your important goals. For example, they may be paying bills and renewing your car registration. Since I received the renewal notice more than a month before the due date, I had more than one month to complete this simple task. It was because I procrastinated; I did not choose to complete the task on the day. On the day, I promised myself not to repeat the same mistake.

Even though c-tasks do not add value to your life, procrastinating causes unnecessary stress. A sense of urgency can trigger some level of the Fight or flight response, a physiological reaction against events threatening survival. The reaction begins in the amygdala, which triggers the secretion of cortisol and adrenaline. Cortisol is a stress hormone that increases blood pressure and blood sugar level and suppresses the immune system. Adrenaline can prepare you to fight if something threatens your survival, but excessive adrenaline has adverse physical effects such as anxiety, high blood pressure, and heart rate increase. Therefore, Excessive stress can increase cardiovascular disease risk. According to Steptoe and Kivimaki (2012), patients who experience acute psychological stress have coronary heart disease. Patients who experience long-term stress increase coronary heart disease and mortality rate.

Excessive stress not only makes you miserable but also makes you unproductive. According to Halkos and Bousinakis (2010), as stress levels increase, productivity and satisfaction of individuals decrease. Although, tolerance levels can vary among individuals (pp. 415-416).

There is nothing wrong with having some sense of urgency or stress, as it makes me more focused, and I try not to sustain some sense of urgency on my essential tasks. On the other hand, I do not see any benefit of having a sense of urgency resulting from c-tasks because they add no value to me. As Halko and Bousinakis (2010) pointed out, people’s stress tolerance levels vary among individuals. If you think you have a higher stress tolerance than others, it would be better to utilize its capacity to add value to you. I cannot stop thinking that wasting my energy to complete c-tasks is Muda, waste. Therefore, I try to get rid of C-tasks before they become critical and stressful.

Managing C-Tasks

Managing tasks start with identifying and categorizing the importance of the tasks and when you need to complete them. Without knowing the importance of the tasks, you cannot correctly identify c-tasks. Therefore, I categorize my tasks by the importance of the task. The degree of importance is determined by how much value the task will provide me. For example, studying for an accounting designation was a high priority; thus, an important task. I categorize tasks such as bill payments or car registration renewal as C. They are essential tasks; however, they do not add value to my life.

A: A high-value activity (High impact on my Goals)

B: A medium value activities (Medium Impact to my Goals)

C: A low-value activity (Low impact on my goals)

Then, I categorize all my tasks depending on how urgent they are. A task categorized as a one is due within 0-3 days, and a task classified as 4 is a task that has a due date in more than a few weeks. There is a time that we may have an urgent task on the date the duties arise. For example, during tax season, I had many critical tasks when the clients brought me the necessary tax receipts at the last minute. There is nothing I can do to control the occurrence of the tasks. I try to keep a substantial percentage of my tasks in categories 3 and 4.

  1. Due within 0-3 days
  2. Due within a week
  3. Due within few weeks
  4. Have time more than a few weeks

When I create a to-do list, I pay a lot of attention to my time to complete the tasks—the more urgent the task is, the more stress we have. The stress level does not matter whether I complete tasks A, B, or C. For example, it would be the same to me whether I am submitting an essential report due today or renewing my license registration about to expire today.

A tiny Urgent Tasks

If a task takes less than 15 minutes to complete, I complete them immediately if I have the time. Thus, most tiny urgent tasks do not make it to my to-do list. If I am in the middle of other tasks while they arise, I put the list on my post-it notes and try to do them immediately between more significant tasks. The key is to eliminate these tiny urgent tasks as soon as possible without multi-tasking since multi-tasking never works for me.

Conclusion

I do not wholly deny having some degree of stress to be focused on. However, I feel that stress caused by tasks that are not critical to your value is a waste. Instead, I use the stress capacity to add value to myself to gain more satisfaction in my life. Therefore, I decided to identify c-tasks and manage them. Ever since I started controlling c-tasks in my early 20’s, I became more productive.

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References

Halkos, G. and Bousinakis, D. (2010), “The effect of stress and satisfaction on productivity”, International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol. 59 No. 5, pp. 415-431. https://doi.org/10.1108/17410401011052869

Steptoe, A., Kivimäki, M. Stress and cardiovascular disease. Nat Rev Cardiol 9, 360–370 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrcardio.2012.45

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Cooking a Recipe From a Game World

 

It is kind of late, but a happy new year! Since I must work the past three weekends to complete our year-end, I took time off writing blogs. Our year-end has not been completed yet since we still have the field audit and the submission of the consolidated reports. Although, we met the most significant part of the year-end preparation work. So, I restarted our blog for the year.

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I decided to do a cooking project with my husband for the first project. We got a cookbook, The Elder Scrolls – the official cookbook, as a Christmas gift from our father. The exciting part of the book was all the recipes are from Skyrim, Morrowind, and across Tamriel, the video games, the elder’s scroll. It has been almost a decade since my husband or I played the game last time, but we still have fond memories of the game.

 

Both my husband and I liked to play role-playing video games. I used to play final fantasy, Dragon quest, the elder scrolls, Baldur’s gate, etc. I enjoy any games that involve crafting. The inventory system of the games became much better as the technologies evolved, and the crafting system in the games became more complex. We now have crafting games with survival components, such as Minecraft or Ark.

 

It can be time-consuming; however, I enjoy cooking in video games. In the back of my mind, I desire to achieve self-sufficiency or independence, which state I will never attain without sacrificing many activities I enjoy doing. I can experience that state in virtual worlds without sacrificing too much. It can be time-consuming; however, I enjoy cooking in a video game. In some games, you must gather ingredients from fishing, hunting, or farming.

 

I could quickly lose myself in-game worlds in some adventure games, such as the elder scrolls. I will be the game’s main protagonist, engage in various dangerous adventures and missions, and create my own stories. A role-playing game like the elder scroll attracts bookworms like me, seeking out worlds where I could become consumed.

 

In the developed countries I’ve lived in (Japan, Canada, Germany, and the United States), humans have advanced our lifestyle to states where we obtain most things from stores. Unless we engage in activities that risk our lives, we can live safely in secure environments. After all, we achieved these states in the last century or so. Instinctively, we still need to do something to survive despite what we do for a living. I often seek video games that can satisfy some of my hidden desires.

When I saw this book, the book gave me the idea that we can experience the game world with my husband. Of course, we will not hunt or farm for the ingredients, but it will be a fun activity we can do together.

 

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For the first project, we made “Potage Le Maginfique”. According to the book, this is a Breton dish. The reason I picked this dish was simple; I love eating soup. For the first attempt, we used the exact ingredients from the book.

 

Ingredients

¼ cup unsalted butter

½ cup diced onion

1 or 2 garlic minced

1 cup diced and peeled medium carrots

½ cup all-purpose flour

2 cups chicken broth

2 cups beef broth

Salt and Pepper

 

  1. Melt the butter in the saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic.
  2. Sprinkle the flour into the pan and stir to be sure there are no clumps
  3. Add chicken and beef stock
  4. Cook until the carrots are soft
  5. Puree with an immersion blender

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I am not good at using an immersion blender for the volume of the soup, and I used a regular blender because I feel traditional blenders make the soup meet my preferred consistency.

We thought it was odd that the recipe did not call for Potatoes. I was worried that the soup would not be thick enough, only with carrots. We were wrong. The flour thickened the soup as if there were potatoes in the soup. We ate the soup with some small pieces of toast. The soup was delicious, and both my husband and I enjoyed the soup.

The difficulties level of the recipe is low for this soup. It took me approximately 30 minutes to cook the soup, and I used an Instant pot and used high pressure for 10 minutes. I used a blender to puree the soup to make the soup consistent throughout the batch.

 

Alternation

I consider alterations to this original recipe by using different ingredients such as pumpkin, butternut squash, and potatoes.

I will add cloves or nutmeg if I use pumpkin or butter squash. I may add parsley and chives if I use potatoes.

 

Nutrition information – Carrot

My mother encouraged me to eat carrots when I was a child because of their abundant beta-carotene. According to Joachim and Schloss (2008), a carrot contains more beta-carotene than any other vegetable, and it includes 28,100 International units in every 100g. Beta-carotene is important because our body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A. There is more beta-carotene in the carrot skins, and I usually leave the carrot skins on; however, the carrots need to be skinned for this soup. You will get more beta carotene from cooked carrots than raw carrots because cooking helps free the nutrients from the carrot’s cells (pp. 101-102).

Conclusion

We picked one of the most accessible receipts from the book for this project, and I found that soup has a slight sweetness from carrots. Because the recipe calls for flour, you can control soup thickness. I think you can use different ingredients such as pumpkins, butter squash, and potatoes, although you may want to use the other spices.

It is neat that someone put effort into reproducing a recipe book from a game. I could not devote as much time playing intense adventure or crafting games during the past few years, and I felt a little uneasy. This project brought me back to my past gaming experiences. Since both my husband and I enjoy playing games, the project was a neat activity we could do together. The cookbook will be an excellent book for anyone who wants to cook and play the elder scrolls.

 

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References

Joachim, J. and Schloss, A., 2008. The Science of Good Food. Robett Ross Inc.

Monroe-Cassel, C. 2019. The Elder Scrolls. PP 102-103. Insight Editions.