Search for Beauty 2024

 While we focused a lot on our own definitions of beauty or what most of us would objectively find beautiful, we never really covered that sometimes society tells us what to find beautiful through trends and fads. The class with Stu and Trina touches on this a little bit, but throughout the eras of society, the standards of beauty (for humans, art, nature, etc) change constantly, and most people ebb and flow with it. There are probably multiple different reasons this occurs, like the change in culture, economics, and societal standards, and also trends set by elites. A great example of this is the story of the Mona Lisa. When it was first created in the early 1500s, many artists agreed that it was not Leonardo Da Vinci's best work, and even considered it to be quite plain. It was not discussed in the art world and was purposely largely ignored due to it being a disappointment. Interest in the painting did not come about until the 1800s when writers eventually started to add it to t...

 In class, we briefly learned about the art of language and the difference between poetry and prose. Language provides power to something and creates a new meaning revolving around symbolism. If something is not named or is named but is invisible, the power of that thing is greatly diminished. In my major I see this a lot, if people do not know the terminology for environmental issues or do not experience and 'see' the issues firsthand they often do not believe in the issues occurring. Langage, the ability to name things and describe things, is so incredibly important, and while it feels like humans keep creating more categories for things, and new terms, I believe it is simply because we are learning new things about the world around us and are trying to translate the new information in a way that we understand. I believe that human vocabulary and scientific terminology will continue to expand as our knowledge continues to expand exponentially. Complicated words and phrases ar...

 It was incredibly interesting to learn about this cave and connect it to the phenomena of art vs ritual. Initially, I confused this cave with the equally, if not more famous, Lascaux cave. I learned about the Lascaux cave in my art history class and it is one of the reasons I learned that I preferred to study ancient art as opposed to modern. While art today is still impressive and requires great skill, modern humans have more time and resources to be able to perfect artistic skills. There are also classes available and a heavy encouragement to build up a skill involved in the arts. It impressed me how incredibly detailed and clean the drawings were in the Chauvet Cave, they nearly looked like a modern rendition. To be able to do that with limited sources, even if they had a lot of practice out of ritualistic necessity, is incredibly impressive and fascinating. I am sure that through practice and learning from each other, they were able to perfect a lot of the beings depicted in t...

 I really enjoyed watching this movie in class and I was happy that I caught on by the time we got to the rows of the flowers. While what humans have made is incredibly impressive and allows us to have a better quality of life, it is true when I say that I felt a little dizzy and out of breath while watching the fast pace of our lives. The urgent music and increasing speed of the videos portray the speed of life and technological progress, but it also brings a negative connotation as it is a stark contrast to the soft and relieving music and imagery at the beginning of the video. I really wish that this could be remade since it has almost been forty years since the movie came out. So much progress has occurred since, and I wonder how the film would have handled what is happening now in the 2020s. I believe they would have continued with the music and sped up footage, or paused to acknowledge the damage to the environment. I also think there would be a nod to the incredible technolo...

 It was amazing to see Stu and Trina again, to hear about their experience, and to see the video about the house. Nothing will ever compare to the real thing though. I had to go for Dr. Balay's Environmental Ethics course but I went with one other friend instead of the group trip and it was incredible. As I had said in class, I was taken away by the sheer amount of plant life and natural sunlight that was filtering into the house. The space was warm and welcoming and it truly had a different scent and air quality than what I am used to, especially in form life. I felt lighter and happier within that space, probably because it helped my seasonal depression and I wish I could have one for my own. Money is the main roadblock to getting one for myself or for most other communities, and the fact that the majority of contractors just won't from the current trends, as Stu said. I think that it is very disheartening that complexities within the business world and monetary complexities ...

In my Environmental Ethics Course, we attempted to look at the value of other things in nature without using a human lens, or in this case, what the Greeks would call doxai. My professor showed us philosophers who tried to find the 'truth' within what the environment really was and claimed to have strayed away from a human point of view. In my opinion, the frustrating truth is that we will never be able to escape a human point of view because everything we do has a permanent lens tied to our being. Every word, every concept, every definition, every emotion has been coined by humankind and we sadly cannot communicate adequately with anything else. Those who claim we can communicate with nature are right on some fronts, but we always translate that communication into a human point of view. We, literally speaking, cannot get out of our own heads which can be frustrating considering how powerful they are. I feel that Ontology runs into the same dilemma as my ethics course did. Thes...

  I am fascinated by the ocean but also simultaneously scared of it. The beauty of the ocean is an accurate reflection of nature's majesty, a vast natural area that holds within it the mysteries of the world. Its beauty is not just in the shimmering turquoise tones of tropical waters or the intricate crashing waves against jagged cliffs, but in the essence of its being. The ocean, with flow, represents the cycle of life itself –constant, yet always changing, and serene yet powerful. In its depths lie a world of creatures we dont even know about. This is so fascinating. From the graceful dance of dolphins to the silent glide of whales and their vibrating and radiating communication noises the ocean is unlike anything else we have found. The sea is a realm of diversity and connectedness, where every animal plays a role in the balance of ecosystems. Its beauty is not just in the vision of colorful coral reefs or the graceful movements of sea creatures, but in the harmony of life that ...

  I took German 101 last semester and learned a lot about the nation and culture itself, not just the language. The culture of Germany and the German language intertwine in a combination of history, art, and philosophy, reflecting the nation's complex and evolving identity. German culture is a tradition and innovation, drawing from a lot of minds filled with artistic expression and intellectual inquiry. From the masterpieces of Bach and Beethoven to the philosophical thoughts of Kant and Nietzsche, German culture has left a mark on the world. Germany's cultural landscape is also shaped by traditions, from the festive Oktoberfest to the solemnity of Christmas markets. These traditions serve as anchors in a quickly changing world, connecting German people to their history while embracing the future. Whether savoring a hearty traditional German meal or marveling at the precision of German engineering, there is a sense of pride and craftsmanship that is distributed throughout the c...

  The transition from high school to college marked a profound shift in my educational and maturation journey, presenting new beginnings and difficult experiences. Starting high school I was in a period of adolescence, a time of exploration and self-discovery within my familiar community and with my support system. It is a stepping stone toward independence, yet rooted in the comfort of routine and known environments. Alternatively, embarking on college warrants a more profound leaving, symbolizing the threshold to adulthood and a wider world of possibilities. It is a leap into the unknown, where the safety of known faces and structures is replaced by the excitement and challenges of newfound self-reliance. High school laid the foundation, fostering personal growth within a structured framework for me. While college demands a higher level of independence, critical thinking, and decision making. In high school, the focus often lies on meeting academic requirements and social expecta...

  I took a religion class about the origin of islam last semester and I am going to reflect on the class. Islam, as a religion, is a testament to the power of faith, community, and submission to the divine will. Rooted in the teachings of the chosen Prophet Muhammad, Islam is more than a set of beliefs; it is a way of life, guiding its followers on a path of spiritual fulfillment and moral righteousness. At its core is the fundamental principle of monotheism, the belief in the absolute unity and transcendence of Allah. The Five Pillars of Islam are faith, prayer, charity, pilgrimage, and fasting.​ They form the backbone of Islamic practice, offering a framework for daily devotion and social responsibility. Islam's beauty lies in its inclusivity, welcoming all who seek the faith and the wisdom of its teachings. It emphasizes compassion, justice, and the importance of community, which has bonds that transcend  old borders and cultures. Through the Qur'an, Muslims find guidance f...

   I am grateful for my time here at CNU. I do n't regret coming here at all, even though I am transferring after the end of his semester. As I said on one of the first days of class, I am from AL. I will be attending the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Before I came here I was in need of growth and knowledge about myself. I accomplished this after the first semester, but it took a lot to get to this point. I tried to do life by myself after I had a lot of support at my disposal for a few months. I felt very alone and it was a hard transition coming here and only relying on myself to care for my body. My time here has allowed me to become more self-confident and increase my esteem. I feel better about going to college at the University of Alabama because I am secure with who I am.

  Dance as art and dance as traditional practices lecture. Dancing, whether viewed through the lens of art or tradition, embodies a profound intertwining of expression and heritage. In the realm of art, dance becomes a canvas where emotion, narrative, and creativity converge. It is a medium for individuals and choreographers to explore the depths of human experience, pushing boundaries and challenging conventions. Artistic dance is fluid, ever-evolving, and often transcends cultural boundaries, speaking a universal language that resonates across diverse audiences. Conversely, dancing as tradition roots itself in history, culture, and community. It carries the weight of generations, preserving rituals, stories, and customs. Traditional dance is a living history book, a way to honor ancestors and uphold cultural identity. While artistic dance may innovate and experiment, traditional dance serves as a link to the past, grounding individuals in a sense of continuity and belonging. Bot...

  What is art? How is it classified? I think that anything could be art depending on the way you look at it. In “The Nature of Art” it assigns certain detailed words to time periods to describe the kind of art that was prominent during that time. Art during the ancient times was characterized as being imitation and cognition based. Beauty in the art of nature was popular in the years of the Renaissance. The popularity eventually changed into art as the communication of feeling. In the twentieth century art as expression and experience gained attention. The most recent relevant interpretation of art would be virtually today. When I think of art throughout time I think of architecture and paintings or drawings. Art can also be found in nature, space, in food, and technology. Beautiful art can be found anywhere and is relative to the person’s own interpretation of beauty. 

  Eco-friendly independently run houses that a couple built that can sustain themselves. They built 8 of them in a row, and the community seems very closely-knit. Seems like a perfect place to raise a family. I wish that more architects thought the way that they did. I haven't ever heard of them or the houses but they are very smart and resourceful. I hope construction companies start to think like this when building future subdivisions. Also I did not know that lawns were originally from England and Scotland and that they represent wealth. It makes sense that yards of grass aren't environmentally friendly, and I have never realized that. I think this idea is so original and unique and the houses are so appealing because they are simple, modern and beautiful. 

  Guest speaker that photographs her compost. I love that she is so creative and artistic with her planet-friendly methods. Compost and/ or waste can be a beautiful thing that inspires people and I never realized that until I heard what she had to say. It takes so much dedication to commit to this lifestyle and it's an awesome accomplishment. If I personally tried to do something similar I think I would be unmotivated just because so many people don't live like that, and I would wonder if I was really making a difference. I wonder if people could influence each other to start being environmentally friendly, like a trend. And this could spread across the country and that way people would know the differences that they are making along with thousands of others. I think it could definitely be possible and I think it's worth a try. Her concept of art is really cool because it discovers beauty in very close up, zoomed in photography. It finds beauty where a viewer wouldn't a...

  Interesting that places like Pie Town exist in the United States. The desert that you were in actually has grass which surprises me, even though I know it’s still hot there. Why would a park ranger shoot at you? That sounds illegal and scary. I would probably sue some law enforcement officers for shooting at me for no reason. I did not know about water caches either but that is smart, especially because I would especially run out of water fast walking through the desert. What is a spruce beetle and how does it kill entire forests of trees? That's very unfortunate; nature has so many things going against it and trying to destroy it. It is so unfair that the animals have no say in how much people destroy the environment. Animals are so peaceful so they probably really don't like humans. The earth would be so beautiful and stay beautiful, and that should be our goal for the next generations. 

The author here also delves into whether art is considered to be mimicry or not, similar to the teachings of Plato and the critique of Jane Allen Harrison. Merleau-Ponty, similar to Jane Allen Harrison, rejects the idea of art as mimicry and sees it more as a human-made diagram that helps us view and understand the world to the best of our ability. While art is based off of the world, it is from a limited human perspective. This lens means that any art we create is inevitably separated from nature due to our consciousness being unable to conceive the entirety of nature and the Earth. This limited, yet complete artistic view, as Merlau-Ponty puts it, turns into something slightly beyond mimicry. Merlau-Ponty also argues that art and the perspective of a painter are much more than the cold hard facts of traditional science. While I agree with this notion, I would like to suggest that a more factual representation of Earth, like data, can be combined with more expansive practices such as ...

  “The Other Wes Moore” is a book that covers the lives of two young black boys with the same names that had very similar childhoods, but different lives. It tells the story of their life choices and how it determined their fates. One of them ended up being in and out of jail throughout his life because he was using drugs to make money. He also got a girl pregnant when he was 15. His mom tried to help him but he couldn't be helped. The other Wes Moore had gotten in trouble when he was 13 years old for spraying spray paint on a public building’s wall. The cop let him and his friend off with a warning but this experience frightened him. He had let his friend convince him to do something that he knew was wrong. He made other mistakes growing up, but eventually ended up getting sent to military school. This story made me think about life decisions and fate and how a person is able to decide their own future and path through life. They could have so easily ended up having eachothers liv...

  “A Thousand Splendid Suns” is a book based on true events that occurred in the ‘90s and early 2000s. It is set in the Middle East in the nation of Afghanistan and examines the lives of a woman who got promised to marry a man when she was 8 years old because her grandmother and mother had passed away, and her birth father didn't want her. He had 3 other wives and several children. Even if I had a lot of children I would still be there and support them because having kids is preventative. The little girl ended up having to stay with her husband who was more than fifty years older than her. She did not have the ability to birth children, so he treated her awfully. He was mean to her and made her do everything around the home. He would beat her and during this time period in Afghanistan, women were not allowed out of the house without a man. There were many other restrictions for both women and men because Afghanistan was in a time of war. Eventually another young woman who has no fa...

  “Discipline and Punish” is a book about the logic and methods of human discipline and how they have changed over time. It's very interesting to me because humans started out being very savage, and they have the tendency to be brutal. Humans are technically classified as animals so this is kind of expected. But this book explains that humans used to think pain was the worst form of punishment, and they have become more humane overtime. In other words, punishment used to target the body (pain) but now it targets the soul (mind, thoughts and will). The book also goes in depth about how society operates. Throughout time, the European regime system has evolved to a less brutal form of punishment. There would always need to be consequences for humans who broke the law, or there would be no reason for us to follow the rules. When I think about it torture is just as motivating as incarceration to obey the law because no one would want either one of them. It is not worth breaking the rule...