John Dewey Habits and Will

Would Dewey’s advice for correcting a bad habit work for you? How would you go about reforming one of your habits? According to John Dewey, Habits are inevitable. We are empowered by both good and bad habits. In his essay, â€Å"Habits and Will†, Dewey states that we envision bad habits as such acts of â€Å"foolish idling, gambling, addiction to liquor and drugs†, and we associate good habits with skills such as walking, playing a musical instrument, and typing. We see bad habits as desires and good habits as abilities that â€Å"exist far from our impulsive desires†.Bad habits are not deliberately formed and are also hard to break. Dewey explains that will power alone is not enough; one must follow a specific method to turn habits around. I feel that I, someone who tends to get distracted easily and procrastinate, should benefit from Dewey’s habit-breaking method. Dewey writes that a friend of his remarked that there was a superstition among perso ns that believe that if one is told what to do, if the right end is pointed to them, all that is required in order to bring about the right act is will or wish on the part of the one who is to act.According to them, if a man who slouches is told to stand up straight, all that is needed is an effort by him, and the problem is fixed. Dewey’s main argument in his essay is that this method does not work. Instead, he suggests that in order to fix or undo our bad habits we must replace them with another habit that is of goodness; you must have more than solely will power to defy a habit. I think that I can benefit from Dewey’s method and start a new habit to break my habit of procrastinating.Every day, I feel that I am easily and frequently distracted when doing schoolwork, which causes me to procrastinate. Every day, I try to break this habit and am unsuccessful. Sitting and thinking â€Å"don’t get distracted† does not work because in doing so, I get distract ed by thinking about not getting distracted, instead of actually working. My problem is not struggling to sit down and take my homework out. My problem is getting distracted frequently and taking forever to make progress- especially when I know I have time to spare.When time is running out, I tend to work much more efficiently. My bad habits of getting distracted and procrastinating counteract my good habit of taking out my homework as soon as possible. I am well aware of my habits, and know that I would feel less stressed if I could correct them. Also, every day, I have to listen to my parents tell me constantly to hurry up my work and get to bed, when I obviously want to do just that, but cannot. If I use Dewey’s method, I need to create a flank movement that will form a good habit which will aid me in breaking my bad habits.These flank movements that Dewey speaks of are some action that prevents the bad habit and leads you in the direction of something else. Instead of sol ely relying on willpower alone, I could think of a way to make myself concentrate better and feel an urge to get my work done as soon as possible. One idea I thought of is changing my environment, and instead of sitting at my desk to work, I can move somewhere else, less distracting, such as the library. If I work there, I will feel more rushed and obliged to work efficiently.I will set a goal to get a certain amount of work completed during my time at the library. I do not want to and cannot spend all afternoon and evening at the library, so and I will desire to get my work done speedily, and I will work as if it was late at night. In â€Å"Habits and Will,† John Dewey says, â€Å"[A habit] makes us do things we are ashamed of, things which we tell ourselves we prefer not to do. † He elaborates on the fact that we are our habit. Dewey forces us to admit that our bad habit is a fundamental part of our self.He insists that a bad habit can’t be overcome by will al one. We need to forget the bad habit and find an alternate activity (a flank movement) that can attract us and that we can focus on. He repeats that a bad habit can’t be overcome by will alone, contrary to popular belief, but only by picking up a flank movement. So in order for me to abolish my procrastination, or at least minimize it, I need to find an act that is different from my usual routine. I have to make the completion of this new action my new goal, and focus on reaching it.If I do not, I will continue to do the same thing over and over again, like I have done for years. All habits are demands for certain kinds of activity; and they constitute the self. Our â€Å"self† is the interpenetration of will and desire and habit and action. Our selfhood isn’t what we think, but what we do; the way we act. we never intend to become an alcoholic or addicted to cigarettes. These habits come from a weakness within us all. We are too self– loved and too stubb orn to face facts which leads us to the excuses of somehow and evil power has overcome our certain abilities.Thirdly, he believes that bad habits are created from our feeling of a lack of purpose and the desires that come shortly after in attempt for immediate solutions. It would take a experience in life that enables something purposeful about us to truly appreciate the importance of ridding of the bad. http://www. alexandercenter. com/jd/johndeweyhabits. html http://www. nashvillegreatbooks. com/2009/11/john-dewey-habit-and-will. html http://www. ljhammond. com/phlit/2005-11c. htm

Paul Rand’s Works in Relation to the New York School Essay

One of the most influential figures in American graphic design who had the exploration on the formal expressions of the European avant-garde art movements and had the development on only one of its kind and predominantly American graphic style which has the characteristics of being simple, witty and problem-solving rational approaches is Paul Rand. His major influences are on design consultation and of course in developing identity systems and logos for most important corporations such as IBM, Westinghouse, United Parcel Service, American Broadcasting Co. and NeXt Computer. Due to his revolutionary novelty in design, typography and graphic design Paul Rand’s works were easily recognized during the early twenties. His prominence in advocacy of employing a wide diversity of techniques such as typography, painting, collage, photography, and montage create a mixture of elements in production of a unique and modern visual image in his works in posters, magazine cover designs or corporate logo or identity design (Logo Designers 2007). As with the informal group of American poets, painters, dancers and musicians who were active during 1950s to 1960s in New York City which is called the New York School, it was synonymous with the abstract expressionist painting. They drew inspiration from Surrealism which features elements of surprise and unexpected juxtapositions also with the contemporary avant-garde movements considering by some to be a hallmark of modernism. Paul Rand was able to synchronize different techniques in different designs coming up innovation and excellence. With his typography, having the elements of balance, uniformity and equilibrium of spacing, he had successfully merged modern typography and nineteenth-century engravings presenting both visual and technical content. For a creation to be aesthetically appealing, Paul Rand never forgets the most common element which is simplicity. He was not afraid to break away from the conventional standards of typography and layout during the 1940s and used Swiss style in incorporating designs into his creations and experimented with other designs such as Cubism, Constructivism, the Bahaus, De Stijl and other modes of modern art with integration of different modes of art and styles into American visual culture. Like the New York School, Paul Rand’s attempt to be rebellious on the techniques and contemporary designs for his creations paved way to more accepting and recognizing designs. He became the standards in creating corporate logos having modernity, simplicity and ease of recognition. By pushing the boundaries to get the acceptance of being the norm or the status quo, principally in the cultural dominion works that are innovative or experimental will have a great response and effect to art, culture and politics. It does not basically focus on art but also with the other factors and considerations around the environment. Being philosophical, politically and socially aware made the New York School and Paul Rand as great contributors not just in the world of art and visuals but also with the total concern they had manifested in their works and what they had left for us. It is best to understand different techniques and take risks to make the most out of them. But what is most important is the fact that these techniques come from conventional and modern ideologies concerning different issues that are facing the community and the society itself. Paul Rand and the New York School link modernism and contemporary ideas.

Strategiespoliciesprograms could be utilized to reduce the healthcare Essay

Strategiespoliciesprograms could be utilized to reduce the healthcare cost to the taxpayers for uninsured Texans - Essay Example These areas are prescription drug coverage, technology, managed care, reducing the number of uninsured, and innovative programs. There are several aspects of the prescription drug program that need to be reviewed. Currently Texas has a local health care system where the counties are responsible for the healthcare of its residents. Care often falls to charity or safety net hospitals (Uninsured in Texas n.d. p.4). There needs to be more focus on regional and statewide cooperation involving the purchase of prescription drugs. This would provide a centralized point of purchase, which would aid in the negotiating power of the state on drug prices from the pharmaceutical companies. In addition to lower price there needs to be some forms of cost control on the use of prescription drugs. There should be a review of the formulary for drug availability that would exclude some drugs from coverage. These would include cosmetic, hair loss, and investigational drugs. Drugs with a high potential for abuse such as amphetamines and barbiturates should also come under review. These exclusions would have to be accomplished within the current federal guidelines. Generic drug use should also be encouraged. ... This would also help reduce public resistance to low cost generic drugs. A preferred drug list of the lowest cost drugs should be utilized to pre-authorize a particular drug. Prior authorization would be necessry for any drug not on the list. Several other state programs have used this approach with some success. It may be seen as a burden to physicians and pharmacists and should be introduced in a step program beginning with non-emergency treatments such as anorexants and anti-ulcer reflux medications (Kaiser Commission 2002 p.9). Emergency supplies for short-term treatment could still be provided without prior authorization. There should also be a 'failed first policy' on prescription drugs. If a new more expensive drug is available, it should not be used until the older and less expensive substitute has been proven ineffective. Fail first programs may not be appropriate for rapidly evolving medications such as used for the treatment of mental illness (Fail-first policies 2003). This program would need to be strictly monitored and have a physician right to supersede it. 2. Technology Improved technology has the potential to save billions of dollars in health care costs. Texas needs to adopt the most recent innovations in medical technology. Shared medical records across a network would aide physicians and emergency rooms in reducing redundant tests and procedures. It also has the capacity to make the most recent knowledge and diagnosis available across the network in a virtual care coordination system. The creation of a cross care coordinated network would be a valuable tool for the uninsured as well as offering health care providers easy access to medical records. A system of community based care

Environmental Issues that Impact the Western United States Research Paper - 1

Environmental Issues that Impact the Western United States - Research Paper Example The fertilizers, chemicals and pesticides used to improve the agricultural yields, are polluting the soil and water. The Western United States is a region which is facing big environmental problems as a result of visionless industrial and agricultural policies. This paper briefly analyses the environmental problems of Western America and provides some recommendations to overcome it. Mining is one of the major activities which cause severe environmental problems in Western America. Mining started in America in the nineteenth century and western America is a region which is blessed with precious metals like gold and minerals. The gold rush in the nineteenth century resulted in the construction of rail, roads and other transportation means and many of the natural forests were destroyed. Some of the cities like Denver and Sacramento evolved as mining towns during this period. Contamination of soil and water, erosion, destruction of biodiversity etc were the outcomes of gold rush or mining. Mining is a process which requires the use of a lot of chemicals to purify the metals and minerals mined out of the soil. These chemicals often pollute the soil and water. A scoping study conducted by the Western Governors Association Mine Waste Task Force (1) collected the following statistics on inactive and abandoned mines (IAMs) by state: Arizona -- 80,000 IAM sites covering 136,653 acres, pollution 200 miles of surface waterways. California -- 2,484 IAM sites, 1,685 mine openings, and 578 miles of polluted streams. Colorado -- 20,299 mine openings and 1,298 miles of affected streams. Idaho -- 27,543 acres affected by IAMs. Missouri -- 7,655 IAM sites covering 48,175 acres, with 109 miles of affected streams. Montana -- 20,000 IAM sites covering 153,800 acres, with 1,118 miles of stream damage. New Mexico -- 25,320 acres and 69 miles of stream affected by IAMs.  Oklahoma -- 26,453 acres affected by IAMs. Utah -- 25,020 acres affected by IAMs, with 83 miles of polluted streams.  

Developing Marketing Strategies and Plans Essay

Developing Marketing Strategies and Plans - Essay Example Marketers also need to be careful about their cost structures. Companies that seem to have firm control over their cost especially in relation to industry requirements are the primary competitors. Also, if a company operates in an industrial that is largely international, then chances are that the most competitive companies are the ones who have a well established global markets and they qualify as primary competitors. On the other hand, some companies may be operating in industries with high levels of vertical integration. For instance, a company liaises with its suppliers to create a larger market force. Such companies end up dominating the market and therefore qualify s primary competitors. (Hope, 1997) The automobile industry is affected by cost structure. It can be argued that they spend most of this cost on production and advertising. In the nineties, Honda managed to establish a name for itself especially in the US market because it invested in new technologies. Consequently, its products were superior to those ones offered by other competitors such as Toyota and it became a primary competitor for Toyota. The second approach that companies can use to identify their primary competitors is through marketing. In this approach, companies need to look out for those companies that satisfy the same needs that they do. The current market has changed drastically. Primary competitors are not just those companies offering the exact same things offered by the company; they are firms that can serve similar needs. This approach requires that marketers trace all the captivities involved while using their product and then examine what other firms perform the same... The researcher states that marketers, that are using the industrial outlook need to realize that all companies providing similar products or services fall in the same categories. Marketers need to ask themselves whether their companies represent the monopolistic structure, oligopolistic structure, monopolistic competition structure or pure competition structures since each of these structures will have different primary competitors. The first structure is made up of only one company providing a particular good or service. Such companies may not need marketers as they dominate the market. Oligopolistic structures may have some competitors in the market but they are fe in number. On the other hand, monopolistic competition applies to those who specialize in certain products. This category has to identify their competitors. Lastly, there is the pure competition structure where all competitors offer the same products. The automobile industry, that was discussed as an example in this essa y can be classified under the pure competition sector but there may be instances when it also falls under the monopolistic competition structure. The essay suggests that the competition became a major issue today, that is affecting marketing strategies and companies, that need to be aware of this. Market followers can adopt leaner production strategies and reduce prices of common products. Market challengers can use price, distribution, promotion and product innovation as ways of maintaining competitive advantage.

Changes In School Security Policies Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Changes In School Security Policies - Article Example From the analysis of alternatives, installation of synchronized doors and effective emergency response procedures are the best policies. It is followed closely by special sections for disabled children and placing more responsibilities on school administrators. Considering all factors; economic, social and environment, the most suitable policy is the enhancement of school security systems and revision of emergency procedures. The policy is suitable since it offers the remedy for insecurity at a lower social cost. Moreover, the policy is affordable since the only cost involved is the installation of security systems. Revision of emergency response is costless. The policy can respond well to emergent issues such as child disappearance, and violence in school. Automatic doors ensure that only authorized persons to leave or enter a school. The policy would avert incidences such as carrying weapons to school. The policy would have averted the Avonte Oquendo case since he could not have el oped from school. The proposed policy is within the bounds of the law. However, legal experts may scrutinize the costs and follow up on the implementation. In addition, the policy does not negatively affect the subjects and the community. Critics may argue about the costs and time that it may take to fully implement the policy. However, most public policies are rolled out gradually, starting with the riskiest aspects. This implies that the policy would not be instant, but a gradual policy, allowing all stakeholders to familiarize with it.

History of the Manhattan Project Research Paper

History of the Manhattan Project - Research Paper Example This paper examines the Manhattan project which led to the creation of the atomic bomb. The paper would evaluate the detailed history of the Manhattan project. It would also include an in-depth assessment of the role the Manhattan project in World War II and the effects it created. In 1938, German scientists discovered that if your bombarded elements of uranium with neutrons, you would split the nucleus of the atom and this could create enormous heat anneutronst1. The Germans called this nuclear fission because it was similar to the split of asexual organisms in their reproduction process. Prior to that era, scientists in Europe had collaborated freely with no signs of hostility. The various scholars collaborated in cities like Cambridge, Rome and Berlin where they shared ideas and views on inventions and new ways of improving science. However, the rise of Nazism and Fascism split Europe and put the Jewish population of physicists and scientists in danger. In the 1930s and 1940s, many of these Jewish scientists fled Germany and parts of Europe due to the inimical ideologies that sought to annihilate the Jewish people. Most of these scientists ended up in the United States of America. A notable example is Albert Einstein who got himself a job in the Princeton University. In the 1930s, theoretical Physics was like an esoteric science which was known by a handful of people2. Thus, most scientists doubted the power of nuclear fusion and the possibility of splitting uranium atoms to create powerful bombs. However, Hungarian-born physicist, Leo Szilard knew of the German attempts to develop the atomic bomb. He organized two other Jewish-European migrants to discuss the threat. Szilard made it clear that Hitlers acquisition of the atomic bomb could make him the winner of a war between Germany and the free world. Szilard and his colleagues asked Einstein to intervene in the matter.

How different races influence each other Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

How different races influence each other - Essay Example The rings speak of the Love and Hate war in Radio Raheem’s life. Radio Raheem cultivates love for the black neighborhood and hates Sal and his sons because of their Italian-American race. In addition to that, the phrase, â€Å"Bed-Stuy, So or Die† are imprinted on his t-shirt and the oversized boom box is a necessary accessory of he holds all the time. Not only does he apparently seem to favor the Black race, but also he makes overt expression of his Black pride by condemning the â€Å"Wall of Fame† which lacks faces of the Black people at the Famous Pizza owned by Sal. He plays the anthem on radio while walking in the streets of Bed-Stuy. This is his way of giving base to the African American voice that depicts their hatred for discrimination. In order to take the revenge from Sal, Radio Raheem and Buggin Out get themselves inside Sal’s pizza shop that is closed. They create mess in the pizza shop as an expression of their hatred. The tension they create upsets the customers and they start to yell and make hue and cry. Meanwhile, Radio Raheem’s radio gets broken by Sal’s baseball bat. This provides Radio Raheem with a reason sufficient to trigger a fight with Sal.

Population Growth in Developing Countries Essay Example for Free

Population Growth in Developing Countries Essay Perceiving that a local reporter needs help in understanding the conditions of people in developing countries who live in places where the land can neither provide for the immediate needs of the people nor their secondary needs, different options are provided for them to enhance their lifestyle and living conditions. For the purpose of this study, there will be five available options for the people. The first option is to subdivide those existing farms and to redistribute the land for everyone to live on. This option is very advantageous to those people who do not have permanent residency as they are accorded with a new land to live on. This means that rural settlers will be able to establish their own agricultural endeavor and utilize their land as a source of livelihood and income to provide for the needs of their family (Khan, 2001). Moreover, doing this will provide the people equal opportunities to make the most of what they have and work for their own growth and development. On the contrary, redistributing farm lands will also pose some disadvantages especially considering the equal opportunities given to every land owners. This will raise competition between and among the farmers as those who are better skilled will be empowered and those who produce little will be disregarded. The second option available is to combine those small and inefficient farms into a larger cooperative farm wherein the people could jointly pursue agricultural industry. With such choice, having more people working under the same industry increases productivity rate as every individual work responsibly on their assigned task. Also, it allows greater opportunity to create more competitive goods. However, disparity may emerge when people with a larger farm would assert greater share as compared to smaller farm owners. This then creates internal conflict and disagreements between who gets a certain portion of the revenue and how it will be divided. The third option would be to open up new agricultural lands. Considering that many developing countries are higly labor-intensive or they have industries which requires a large labor force to flourish, opening new lands for agriculture will be beneficial for many rural workers who are directly participating in this endeavor (Economy Watch, 2008). They are given opportunities to enhance their skills and at the same time enable the economy to increase local production which could also be exported. On the other hand, expanding agricultural industry will somehow limit developing countries from achieving their goal to diversify production and enhance their skills and economic activities. Even their undertakings to pursue a capital-intensive industry will also be restricted because greater emphasis are accorded to the labor industry with the growing expansion of agricultural lands. Aside from that, a fourth option is also observed wherein rural farmers or people are given the choice to look for a job in the city. In doing so, individuals who will be moving to the city will be able to explore new opportunities and discover different kinds of work. Moreover, considering that they will be going to the city where the center of business relations are perceived, they will be able to provide for the immediate needs of their families. However, in a sudden influx of people from the rural to the urban areas, the city will be greatly concentrated and overpopulated (Khan, 2001). This may have tremendous consequences from a lack of housing for the people and massive unemployment. Lastly, the fifth option would be to emigrate to a developed and industrialized country wherein more opportunities are available. Read more:Â  Disadvantages of Overpopulation Considering that developed countries are more economically stable than developing countries, people who would be moving to these countries will not just be able to provide for the immediate needs of their families but will even have some budget to suffice their secondary needs like buy a simple means of transportation. Yet despite having a better paying job, they are still disadvantaged and in a vulnerable position since they are far from their families and may experience difficulty to adjust to the living standards in developed countries. Of all the five available options, the best one is probably the third option which allows the developing countries and their people to expand agricultural endeavors. This option somehow relates the second option of combining farm lands since it also connotes an increase in the production process. Although it is observed that doing so will limit the country from diversifying its resources and means of production, giving emphasis to labor-intensive industries will be more tangible and applicable to these developing countries especially taking into consideration their large population (Economy Watch, 2008). Moreover, opening new agricultural lands will help address the problem of overpopulation and a poor living condition. Lastly, opening more lands for agricultural endeavors does not necessarily follow that the manufacturing industries will be completely disregarded because the state actors could strike a balance in this dilemma by pursuing the expansion projects in the rural areas where more people are agriculturally inclined and enhance manufacturing industries in the city.

Commercial Accounting Essay Example for Free

Commercial Accounting Essay Commercial accounting is an accurate account of business transactions, it can only be acquired if both cash and credit transactions are performed, recorded, and recognized in such a way that there can be no duplication and the transactions are recorded under commercial accounting. The system known as double entry book keeping or the commercial accounting system that records both aspects of transactions, also it records credit transactions in cash accounting the day of the receipt. The single entry in accounting for example: there is a sale, where the transaction is complete after the exchange of cash for goods. In commercial accounting the date in which the transaction was made needs to be recorded regardless to whether it was paid or it wasn’t. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles better known as (GAAP) is the collection of standards and practices that are required to be used by business’s to record and present the results of their financial activities and their records of what they owe, established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). These accounting principles are standardized and used for the many private and publicly traded companies in America today. Every economic event within business must be associated with and recorded by a specific entity and business records must not include the personal assets or liabilities of the owner. If an idea holds no impact on a decision maker, investors, or creditors, then the relating (GAAP) principles do not have to be followed. (GAAP) requires the use of accrual basis accounting rather than cash basis accounting, this is imposed on businesses so that investors have a minimum level of consistency in the financial statements they use when analyzing businesses for investment purposes. The accrual basis of accounting over the cash basis of accounting in commercial accounting and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) is different depending on whether you run a large scale business or a small business. Cash basis is used mostly by small businesses where owners and creditors want a simple way to understand the financial statements and to understand whether there is a profit or loss in the business. Accrual basis is used by large businesses and when revenue is earned expenses are accrued. Cash basis gives you a clear picture of your cash flow, but does not give you a good idea of business in the long term because you are not recording income when it is actually earned. Accrual basis accounting accurately matches your income and expenses and if not managed carefully you could lose track of your actual cash flow, with accrual basis transaction statements they are recorded in which the events occur. You don’t have to wait until you see the money, or actually pay money out of your checking account, to record a transaction. References (Investopedia.com) (Wiley PLUS)