Comments for Dr. Waggoner's Senior Humanities Seminar http://mswaggoner.edublogs.org Spring 2009, Albertus Magnus College Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:12:16 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.2 hourly 1 Comment on Ulysses’ Blog by Rachel Kimmel http://mswaggoner.edublogs.org/2009/04/19/ulysses-blog/comment-page-1/#comment-90 Rachel Kimmel Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:12:16 +0000 http://mswaggoner.edublogs.org/?p=63#comment-90 There are so many facets to life- some of which include the spiritual, emotional, intellectual, sexual and financial – that I believe it is impossible to generalize to the majority that “ life can only be fully understood through the ‘action’ of interacting with others.” While life is certainly much more meaningful when you share it with others- through presumably positive interactions, I do not believe that that statement holds true for everyone. As John mentioned, there are many individuls who prefer to live in isolation and there are many individuals who derive pleasure from watching others fail. Did you ever notice that when you are happy that you tend to treat people better, and that when you are successful, you tend to share more with others? Perhaps the key to life then is achieving personal fullfillment so that you can better serve humanity. There are so many facets to life- some of which include the spiritual, emotional, intellectual, sexual and financial – that I believe it is impossible to generalize to the majority that “ life can only be fully understood through the ‘action’ of interacting with others.” While life is certainly much more meaningful when you share it with others- through presumably positive interactions, I do not believe that that statement holds true for everyone. As John mentioned, there are many individuls who prefer to live in isolation and there are many individuals who derive pleasure from watching others fail.

Did you ever notice that when you are happy that you tend to treat people better, and that when you are successful, you tend to share more with others? Perhaps the key to life then is achieving personal fullfillment so that you can better serve humanity.

]]> Comment on Herbert’s Blog by Justin Savarese http://mswaggoner.edublogs.org/2009/04/19/herberts-blog/comment-page-1/#comment-89 Justin Savarese Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:57:33 +0000 http://mswaggoner.edublogs.org/?p=62#comment-89 To answer your question… OF COURSE there is a true answer to the meaning of life. Think about if you were asked that question, right on the spot. After a minute (or maybe 10 minutes if you are like me) .. you can honestly come up with an answer – not just any answer either. Let’s face it, I can answer that question by saying ‘Big Macs and Wal-mart are the meaning of life’… but hell, if I really believe that is the meaning of life, then isn’t it true, to me?! Granted, I hate McDonalds and Wal-Mart, but MY meaning of life is something I hold to be true… The question of giving up self to obtain success is difficult to answer. What is success? I don’t think giving up self is part of obtaining ‘success’ at any level. That isn’t to say that is simply a concrete theory, yet I find it more to be a state of mind than anything else. Is Relationship the meaning of life? Sure. If that’s what you think it is, then it is a TRUE meaning. To answer your question… OF COURSE there is a true answer to the meaning of life. Think about if you were asked that question, right on the spot. After a minute (or maybe 10 minutes if you are like me) .. you can honestly come up with an answer – not just any answer either. Let’s face it, I can answer that question by saying ‘Big Macs and Wal-mart are the meaning of life’… but hell, if I really believe that is the meaning of life, then isn’t it true, to me?! Granted, I hate McDonalds and Wal-Mart, but MY meaning of life is something I hold to be true… The question of giving up self to obtain success is difficult to answer. What is success? I don’t think giving up self is part of obtaining ‘success’ at any level. That isn’t to say that is simply a concrete theory, yet I find it more to be a state of mind than anything else. Is Relationship the meaning of life? Sure. If that’s what you think it is, then it is a TRUE meaning.

]]> Comment on Rasheedah’s blog by Justin Savarese http://mswaggoner.edublogs.org/2009/04/12/guest-blog/comment-page-1/#comment-88 Justin Savarese Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:49:11 +0000 http://mswaggoner.edublogs.org/?p=58#comment-88 I think I can agree with Rachel in this aspect… of course the context of any question (let alone this one, which may be the hardest question – ever!) plays a role in how a person is going to answer. Eagleton does divulge into a lot of grammatical reference to the question which I found to be a great point of view but over-done. “What is the meaning of life?” is so appealing to everyday people and philosophers alike because of one simple fact. There is no concrete (correct or wrong) answer. The sheer hearing of that question may scare the hell out of someone when they first hear it. We find ourselves looking for the unknown day in and day out. We, as people, KNOW 3+3 = 6. We, as humans, KNOW that the world is flat. We are a species that is above anything else in term of knowledge and brain power. Yet, we know the gravity of the moon because we walked on it, but we certainly can’t give a concrete answer on “What is the Meaning of life?” Perhaps we can answer the question… but none of our answers will be parallel… this is what makes the context of the question so interesting. I think I can agree with Rachel in this aspect… of course the context of any question (let alone this one, which may be the hardest question – ever!) plays a role in how a person is going to answer. Eagleton does divulge into a lot of grammatical reference to the question which I found to be a great point of view but over-done. “What is the meaning of life?” is so appealing to everyday people and philosophers alike because of one simple fact. There is no concrete (correct or wrong) answer. The sheer hearing of that question may scare the hell out of someone when they first hear it. We find ourselves looking for the unknown day in and day out. We, as people, KNOW 3+3 = 6. We, as humans, KNOW that the world is flat. We are a species that is above anything else in term of knowledge and brain power. Yet, we know the gravity of the moon because we walked on it, but we certainly can’t give a concrete answer on “What is the Meaning of life?” Perhaps we can answer the question… but none of our answers will be parallel… this is what makes the context of the question so interesting.

]]> Comment on Mattie’s blog by Justin Savarese http://mswaggoner.edublogs.org/2009/04/12/matties-blog/comment-page-1/#comment-87 Justin Savarese Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:39:35 +0000 http://mswaggoner.edublogs.org/?p=57#comment-87 Can’t say that I have never been told to ‘grow up’ or ‘wake up and smell the coffee’ – In fact, I will admittedly say that I can recall many of those instances. But you bring up a good point… What coffee? Am I supposed to be doing something on the basis of what other thing is ‘right’? Well, sometimes the answer is Yes and other times it is No. Societal norms form us into who we are and the way we act in a variety of situations. However, it does not give us a distinct meaning of our own lives. Friends, Family, Culture all may play a vital role in how we INTERPRET our live but it doesn’t distinctly form our definition of life. With so many outside factors playing roles in our meaning of life, I don’t think it’s fair to say that family, culture, society, etc do NOT play a role in how we are self determined. The definition does come from ourselves, but the blueprint is pretty much laid out for us. It’s up to us to build. Wow… that was deep. Can’t say that I have never been told to ‘grow up’ or ‘wake up and smell the coffee’ – In fact, I will admittedly say that I can recall many of those instances. But you bring up a good point… What coffee? Am I supposed to be doing something on the basis of what other thing is ‘right’? Well, sometimes the answer is Yes and other times it is No. Societal norms form us into who we are and the way we act in a variety of situations. However, it does not give us a distinct meaning of our own lives. Friends, Family, Culture all may play a vital role in how we INTERPRET our live but it doesn’t distinctly form our definition of life. With so many outside factors playing roles in our meaning of life, I don’t think it’s fair to say that family, culture, society, etc do NOT play a role in how we are self determined. The definition does come from ourselves, but the blueprint is pretty much laid out for us. It’s up to us to build. Wow… that was deep.

]]> Comment on Katelin’s blog by Justin Savarese http://mswaggoner.edublogs.org/2009/04/12/katelins-blog/comment-page-1/#comment-86 Justin Savarese Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:28:21 +0000 http://mswaggoner.edublogs.org/?p=56#comment-86 Great question! Funny how the hardest questions we find ourselves answering have to do with the person we think we know best – ourselves! I really think that there is a stark difference of your life in terms of happiness, fulfillment and contentment. Happiness to me is more of a state of mind than anything else. A homeless man, living on the street can find happiness in something as small os a half eater apple in the trash…while a business co-executive may find happiness in his $ 500k bonus he just received. Contentment on the other hand is based on the drive someone has. That same homeless man, who has eaten that half eaten apple, may be content with his situation. He’s happy, he’s living, he isn’t paying bills… he’s pretty content. While the business man may be content with his job as co-executive making millions. However, where one is driven to better themselves. (The homeless man, want to find a job. The co-executive now wants to be CEO) is where contentment lies. Fulfillment is more goal/morally related. You can set goals for yourself and reach those goals giving you a sense of fulfillment. But it comes in many forms… economically, spiritually, physically, etc. So to answer your question: Yes, I am happy. Yet, I am not content, nor will I ever be… and I find fulfillment in many things on a daily basis. As far as making an impact on the world… perhaps on a small scale I have. I would like to think I have made an impact on the lives of people around me, and in part is part of the world so the answer may be Yes. Great question! Funny how the hardest questions we find ourselves answering have to do with the person we think we know best – ourselves! I really think that there is a stark difference of your life in terms of happiness, fulfillment and contentment. Happiness to me is more of a state of mind than anything else. A homeless man, living on the street can find happiness in something as small os a half eater apple in the trash…while a business co-executive may find happiness in his $ 500k bonus he just received. Contentment on the other hand is based on the drive someone has. That same homeless man, who has eaten that half eaten apple, may be content with his situation. He’s happy, he’s living, he isn’t paying bills… he’s pretty content. While the business man may be content with his job as co-executive making millions. However, where one is driven to better themselves. (The homeless man, want to find a job. The co-executive now wants to be CEO) is where contentment lies. Fulfillment is more goal/morally related. You can set goals for yourself and reach those goals giving you a sense of fulfillment. But it comes in many forms… economically, spiritually, physically, etc. So to answer your question: Yes, I am happy. Yet, I am not content, nor will I ever be… and I find fulfillment in many things on a daily basis. As far as making an impact on the world… perhaps on a small scale I have. I would like to think I have made an impact on the lives of people around me, and in part is part of the world so the answer may be Yes.

]]> Comment on Rasheedah’s blog by John Gembala http://mswaggoner.edublogs.org/2009/04/12/guest-blog/comment-page-1/#comment-85 John Gembala Tue, 21 Apr 2009 04:35:26 +0000 http://mswaggoner.edublogs.org/?p=58#comment-85 Strangely enough, I believe a person can get bogged down in life with too many specifics, especially when they pertain with a obtuse question such as "the meaning of life." The intention of the author, as his past influences, are striving for the same thing....the truth. At least pertaining to the meaning of life. It is when we trim away the contextual subplot of the actual meaning and focus on the end result, will probably yield a better, more finely honed answer. As in some of the other blogs, I believe "meaning," equals heft in a person's life. Action, not pondering will decide whether we lived a good life or not. It is all good to have noble intentions. To not follow them through would be the real tragedy. The reason why the actual question opposed to the actual systematical juxtaposition of the actual words is more important, is that, the same question has been pondered for thousands of years, no matter how elegantly or simply phrased..... Strangely enough, I believe a person can get bogged down in life with too many specifics, especially when they pertain with a obtuse question such as “the meaning of life.” The intention of the author, as his past influences, are striving for the same thing….the truth. At least pertaining to the meaning of life. It is when we trim away the contextual subplot of the actual meaning and focus on the end result, will probably yield a better, more finely honed answer. As in some of the other blogs, I believe “meaning,” equals heft in a person’s life. Action, not pondering will decide whether we lived a good life or not. It is all good to have noble intentions. To not follow them through would be the real tragedy. The reason why the actual question opposed to the actual systematical juxtaposition of the actual words is more important, is that, the same question has been pondered for thousands of years, no matter how elegantly or simply phrased…..

]]> Comment on Mattie’s blog by John Gembala http://mswaggoner.edublogs.org/2009/04/12/matties-blog/comment-page-1/#comment-84 John Gembala Tue, 21 Apr 2009 04:15:41 +0000 http://mswaggoner.edublogs.org/?p=57#comment-84 I think it might be dangerous to align oneself with a common element that might define life's meaning. It is okay to seek nuances that helps us to meld with a certain group. This gives us meaning and security. On the flip-side, it can be disingenuous to simply take certain truths at face value due to upbringing or specific locale. We grow best, by seeking the truth, no matter how hard or uncomfortable it may be. By utilizing common ground with people we trust, we can use this as a life paradigm and proceed from there. I think it might be dangerous to align oneself with a common element that might define life’s meaning. It is okay to seek nuances that helps us to meld with a certain group. This gives us meaning and security. On the flip-side, it can be disingenuous to simply take certain truths at face value due to upbringing or specific locale. We grow best, by seeking the truth, no matter how hard or uncomfortable it may be. By utilizing common ground with people we trust, we can use this as a life paradigm and proceed from there.

]]> Comment on Ulysses’ Blog by John Gembala http://mswaggoner.edublogs.org/2009/04/19/ulysses-blog/comment-page-1/#comment-83 John Gembala Tue, 21 Apr 2009 04:06:23 +0000 http://mswaggoner.edublogs.org/?p=63#comment-83 Interesting enough, I agree with Eagleton that "life" is more than just a word. It is the actions, decisions, relationships that defines who, what, we are/ to become. A word is just a word until we put some weight behind it. Illustrated by the magnanimous spirit of how we treat others in our path, is one way we gauge our "life." On the other hand, perhaps living in isolation, does not absolve one from living a life. A plethora of individuals have ventured into the great wide open, alone, who have had what some may call...a life. It is perhaps the aptitude of how we apply ourselves that defines a successful life. A big, bright, successful life will be determined by the individual. It is the fulness of spirit that will determine the result of one's life, not the amount of relationships we encounter. Interesting enough, I agree with Eagleton that “life” is more than just a word. It is the actions, decisions, relationships that defines who, what, we are/ to become. A word is just a word until we put some weight behind it. Illustrated by the magnanimous spirit of how we treat others in our path, is one way we gauge our “life.” On the other hand, perhaps living in isolation, does not absolve one from living a life. A plethora of individuals have ventured into the great wide open, alone, who have had what some may call…a life. It is perhaps the aptitude of how we apply ourselves that defines a successful life. A big, bright, successful life will be determined by the individual. It is the fulness of spirit that will determine the result of one’s life, not the amount of relationships we encounter.

]]> Comment on Herbert’s Blog by Rachel Kimmel http://mswaggoner.edublogs.org/2009/04/19/herberts-blog/comment-page-1/#comment-82 Rachel Kimmel Tue, 21 Apr 2009 01:00:13 +0000 http://mswaggoner.edublogs.org/?p=62#comment-82 I do not think that there is a true answer to the meaning of life question for I think that life’s meaning is different for everyone. For me, this question has always had a personal connotation which focuses on the individual and I do not believe that giving up the self is a pre-requisite to success or happiness. Actually, I believe that the more successful the individual is, the more opportunities he has to help others. For many individuals, helping others brings happiness. This serves as a proof of sorts that we are social beings and that individual existences contribute to the successes of the whole and that relationships bring meaning to life. I do not think that there is a true answer to the meaning of life question for I think that life’s meaning is different for everyone. For me, this question has always had a personal connotation which focuses on the individual and I do not believe that giving up the self is a pre-requisite to success or happiness. Actually, I believe that the more successful the individual is, the more opportunities he has to help others. For many individuals, helping others brings happiness. This serves as a proof of sorts that we are social beings and that individual existences contribute to the successes of the whole and that relationships bring meaning to life.

]]> Comment on Herbert’s Blog by John T. Gembala http://mswaggoner.edublogs.org/2009/04/19/herberts-blog/comment-page-1/#comment-81 John T. Gembala Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:40:33 +0000 http://mswaggoner.edublogs.org/?p=62#comment-81 Is there an answer to the meaning of life? I would preface this with another question. If there isn't, it's still fun to seek one out. Intimidated, perplexed, thinking if some ancient philosopher couldn't do it, why could I? I firmly believe we are all part of a giant family. I believe we are to be part of a whole. Most people seek out others, they have this intrinsic need to be a part of something. As for giving up self, I believe at times we may be called to help others along the way, this putting others first, benefits society as a whole, but also instills in us, that we are part of the common good. It can be argued that we have a proclivity towards acting as part of the whole. I believe at times, this may be heightened, something traumatic in our lives compels us to help others, to get involved, to make a difference. Relationships if they are deemed healthy, can be one aspect of meaning in one's life. Perhaps not the entire solution, but one piece of the life puzzle. Is there an answer to the meaning of life? I would preface this with another question. If there isn’t, it’s still fun to seek one out. Intimidated, perplexed, thinking if some ancient philosopher couldn’t do it, why could I? I firmly believe we are all part of a giant family. I believe we are to be part of a whole. Most people seek out others, they have this intrinsic need to be a part of something. As for giving up self, I believe at times we may be called to help others along the way, this putting others first, benefits society as a whole, but also instills in us, that we are part of the common good. It can be argued that we have a proclivity towards acting as part of the whole. I believe at times, this may be heightened, something traumatic in our lives compels us to help others, to get involved, to make a difference. Relationships if they are deemed healthy, can be one aspect of meaning in one’s life. Perhaps not the entire solution, but one piece of the life puzzle.

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