Post by .: T O K I :. on Nov 22, 2010 18:33:11 GMT -5
Prompt:
"Wisdom's by far the greatest part of joy, and reverence toward the gods mus be safeguarded. - Antigone
Think about the implications of the quote. Then write an essay that explores the validity of the assertion in relation to the Greek Golden Age, using literary (English//Antigone and Medea) and historical (History//haven't decided, either Plato or Aristotle) evidence.
Just really looking to making sure it sounds good, flows well, answers the prompt, and there aren't any spelling/grammar mistakes. Further editing isn't needed, but thanked. :3 It's due tomorrow though so... XP -shot-
"You can tell whether a man is clever by his answers. You can tell whether a man is wise by his questions," stated Naguib Mahfouz in explaining the separation of a clever man and a wise man. The clever man is one that gives answers; his purpose is to impress another. However, a wise man is one that seeks answers; he is a man who tries to build himself. Wisdom is commonly described as a deep understanding and realization which helps one differentiate between options in a lifetime. The ability to comprehend these differences sets up a road to happiness and fulfillment. In the Golden Age, the Greeks performed plays such as Sophocles' Antigone or Oedipus The King in hopes the audience would become wise in watching mistakes played out in the lives of others. Not only are the Athenians shown in plays, but they also learned within the teachings of Aristotle. These lessons aim to inform the audience of the Greek Golden Age on the relation of knowledge and delight. The wisdom obtained to create fair judgment, as in the lessons given from Sophocles' Antigone, Euripedes' Medea, and the teachings of Aristotle, help educate and identify the course of the Athenian path to happiness.
Creon's lack of wisdom in his decision revolving around Antigone leads him to the absence of his happiness. Creon's lack of wisdom blocks him from fully comprehending the consequences of his decision between his options. In staying true to his culture, Creon does not allow Antigone to bury her brother, Polynices. Due to Antigone's ongoing determination and loyalty to her brother, Creon orders his men to “wall her up in the tomb” (l. 992). Even after the blind prophet, Tiresias, warns him of the God's anger, Creon still refuses to acknowledge his mistake. This denial to look at other options represents his lack of wisdom. Only once he comes to terms that “I shackled her” and decides “I'll set her free myself” does his misfortune begin to unfold (ll. 1234-1236). Creon's unhappiness reveals and plays out in the suicide of his wife, Eurydice, and the unfortunate death of his son, Haemon. Had Creon followed the decree of the gods and listened to the wisdom of the elders, only then would his joy remained. This lesson portrayed the effects of ignorance to the Athenian audience, identifying the significance of wisdom in order to retain a happy life.
In Euripedes' Medea, Jason also illustrates a character whom is ignorant to the effects of knowledge. Although Jason had the intentions of leaving Medea to satisfy his craving for power, his ignorance results in his actions leading to his unhappiness: “You caused these things. She was faithful to you and you broke faith” (Medea). In order to gain vengeance, Medea, under the support of the gods, poisons Jason's wife, Creusa, and Creusa's father, Creon. However, Jason lacks the ability to see the fact that Medea “loathed you more than I loved them” (Medea). The results of his blindness leads him into the trap of eating his own children. Jason's desire to acquire power and his inability to use judgment to understand his alternative choices creates this unfortunate event. Had he weighed his decisions, Jason could have chosen a different path in order to avoid his misery. Jason's lack of wisdom exemplifies how ignorance strays one away from a path of joy.
Aristotle's Views On Education further explain how intelligence may create happiness, whether it be from work or leisure: “Admittedly men do not agree as to what that pleasure is; each man decides for himself following his own disposition... Thus it becomes clear that, in order to spend leisure in civilized pursuits, we do require a certain amount of learning and education...” Aristotle explains how music was laid down as part of education, yet at the same time, a comfort that gave happiness. Although music is not recognized as a necessity, it is presented as a purposeful form of education in order to retain bliss. As Aristotle explained, music contributes joy, not because the concept is useful or essential, but for the reason that all men are worthy of music.
The Athenians in the Greek Golden Age learned many lessons on the importance of wisdom and were given examples of the consequences of ignorance. As Naguib Mahfouz said, a wise man is one who pursues to teach himself. Therefore, allowing him to be self-aware. In turn, the Athenians brought further happiness to themselves by following the Primal Sanctity of knowing oneself. The connection of self-awareness and wisdom supports the development of joy. However, as illustrated by Sophocles' Antigone, Euripedes' Medea, and Aristotle's teachings, many never obtain true wisdom and therefore, true happiness. Though, pushing into modern society, education becomes an even higher priority. The lack of intelligence results in the lack of a career, and therefore, the lack of happiness.
Need help with the conclusion most. I just pretty much added random sentences that could fit somewhere at the end, but none of it is flowing. I'm not really sure how to end it in a "universal" way.