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Value – Thoughts at the Meridian So, if it is the case that rebellion is now where we find affirmation of values, yet the extremes of rebellion lead to the evils of murder, where does this leave us? Is there a solution? Camus illustrates this problem through the story of Prometheus, the man who steals fire from the gods and is thus punished. Draped in chains and pecked by ravenous birds. Prometheus, announcing hatred toward the gods and conversely love for mankind turns away from Zeus to mortal men so that he might lead them against the divine realm. But as men are love pleasure and immediate gratification, and are also trembling cowards, it is necessary to organise them and teach them to defer their gratification. Prometheus becomes the master …show more content…
If rebellion should turn to murder and destruction, then just as with Prometheus, it isolates you. Inherently rebellion should be at odds with murder. You must not kill the masters of old, in doing so you run contrary to the very considerations you originally set out with, you become the new masters. If the point is to ensure freedom, then you have failed your task in denying free sources of values through murder. Liberation via Limitation In order to truly guarantee freedom, it is key that the demand for it is not unbridled. It is necessary that one man’s freedom does not make infringement onto another’s. The most extreme form of freedom, the freedom to kill, is not compatible with the motives of rebellion. Rebellion is in no way the demand for total freedom…the object of its attack is exactly the unlimited power which authorises a superior to violate the forbidden frontier…freedom has its limits everywhere…the rebel demands undoubtedly a certain degree of freedom or himself; but in no case, if he is consistent, does he demand the right to destroy the existence and the freedom of others. He humiliates no one. (Camus, The Rebel,
Foner not only focuses on the dimensions of freedom, he also focuses on the second and third theme as well. The second theme covers the social conditions which makes freedom possibl...
Allusions to the Greek Myth of Prometheus allow insightful readers to withhold a better understanding of the story of Prometheus. First, from the poem “Prometheus” by Marin Sorescu we were given a piece that has far more meaning to the text then is depicted. “Whoever said I was chained” (Sorescu 1). Said the mighty Prometheus, which I believe portrays how free Prometheus feels due to the eagle’s presence and how itself has the freedom to soar in the sky and be free with itself. Next, from D'aulaires’ Book Of Greek Myths we read through a number of passages that gave us more understanding as to how Prometheus cares for his creations, the humans. “Prometheus could not bear to see his people suffer and he decided to steal fire, though he knew
“But what is freedom? Freedom from what? There is nothing to take a man's freedom away from him, save other men. To be free, a man must be free of his brothers. That is freedom. That and nothing else.”
If there is no struggle, there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet depreciate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground. They want rain without thunder and lightning. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters. This struggle may be a moral one; or it may
The oppression and invasion of the conquerors arouse, instead of crush, the desire of the defeated for freedom. These people, who have lived with the idea of a free rule of democracy, refuse to be chained down under the oppressive rule of the conquerors. It is for this reason that they strike back at their invaders. As said by Mayor Orden to Colonel Lanser of the aggressors, “ ‘The people don’t like to be conquered, sir, and so they will not be. Free men cannot start a war, but once it is started, they can fight on in defeat.
On the other hand, Zeus is a strong, albeit authoritarian leader for both the other gods and mortals. Zeus is required to rule, sometimes absolutely, and when someone under his rule commits an act of treason, he is required to address the issue. When Zeus the leader acts forcefully, the rest of those under his reign will get the message. Prometheus’s act of handing o...
In contrast with necessary desires, which craves that which is needed for survival (e.g. eating “to the point of health and well-being”), unnecessary desires are those that can be eliminated by “[educating the people] while they [are] young.” These unnecessary desires, such as sex and superfluous spending, are “harmful both to the body and to the reason and moderation of the soul[.]” With these definitions, it becomes clear why Plato would categorize the desire for freedom as unnecessary, since mindlessly chasing after it would lead to a disruption of order within society. He asserts that in order to maintain a state of perpetual freedom, a dictatorship will eventually arise as a result and a necessity. With inadequate leadership, society becomes weak and easy prey to the “class of idle and extravagant men, whose bravest members are leaders and the more cowardly ones followers.” These drones, who are no longer bounded by the same restrictions of an oligarchy (as they are permitted to speak freely in a democracy), will set the people against each other (as they always do in any constitution). They will convince the poor that the rich are repeating the sin of oligarchy, and they will instill suspicion into the rich that the poor will revolt against them. The rich, now in fear of the poor, tries to subdue them, which causes the poor to retaliate. The bravest member of the drones is then revered as the leader of this
And so for men Zeus plotted grief and trouble. He hid fire. And Prometheus, bold son of Lapetus, stole it back from the side of wise Zeus, in a fennel stalk, and gave it to men and Zeus who delights in the thunder did not notice” (Bauschatz, ). Clearly, disobedience and deceiving the gods leads to chaos because Prometheus who tried to steal the fire from Zeus enraged him and therefore ordered the creation of Pandora as punishment and evil delivered to men.
Nothing in life is guaranteed, but the one thing that humans demand is freedom. Throughout history, there are countless cases where groups of people fought for their freedom. They fought their battles in strongly heated debates, protests, and at its worst, war. Under the assumption that the oppressors live in complete power, the oppressed continuously try to escape from their oppressors in order to claim what is rightfully theirs: the freedom of choice. In Emily Dickinson’s poems #280, #435, and #732 and Harriet Jacobs’s Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, freedom is represented by an individual’s ability to make their own decisions without the guidance, consultation, or outside opinion of others in order to find their true sense of self. Once an individual is physically and spiritually free, they can find their true sense of self.
...s are a paradigm case of those in control. The essence of ruling is, therefore, to be unjust and that is why a tyrant is a perfect ruler. He always knows what is to his advantage and how to acquire it. Thrasymachus’ view of justice is appealing but therein lies a moral danger and this is refuted by Socrates.
Prometheus help was fundamental in Zeus’ victory. However, when Zeus came to power, his regime was particularly cruel and tyrannical. Prometheus argues, “these were the services / I rendered to this tyrant and these pains / the payment he has given me in requital / This is a sickness rooted and inherent / in the nature of tyranny: that he that holds it does not trust his friends” (221-226).
The myths which prove the contradictory behavior of the gods, acting as both benefactors and tormentors of man, can readily be explained when viewed in light of the prime directive for man, to worship the gods and not “overstep,” and the ensuing “Deus ex Mahina” which served to coerce man to fulfill his destiny as evidenced by the myths: “Pandora,” “Arachne, and “Odysseus.” Humankind and it’s range of vision over the gods beauty and power portrayed them to be benefactors but unseemingly it depicted their affliction towards humans.
“In truth, then, whatever some people may think, a real tyrant is really a slave, compelled to engage in the worst kind of fawning, slavery, and pandering to the worst kind of people. He’s so far from satisfying his desires in any way that it is clear – if one happens to know that one must study his whole soul – that he’s in the greatest need of most things and truly poor. And, if indeed his state is like that of the city he rules, then he’s full of fear, convulsions, and pains throughout his life.” (579d8). Here Socrates utilizes the highest level an unjust person can obtain (the level of tyrant) as a prime example as to why being just would be the most desirable option.
John Stuart Mill discusses the concept of liberty in many ways. I’d like to focus on his ideas of the harm principle and touch a little on his thoughts about the freedom of action. The harm principle and freedom of action are just two subtopics of Mill’s extensive thoughts on the concept of liberty. Not only do I plan to discuss and explain each of these parts of the conception of liberty, but I also plan to discuss my thoughts and feelings. I have a few disagreements with Mill on the harm principle; they will be stated and explained.
Prometheus’s desire for an ideal world is reflected when he steals fire to bring mankind to life, he goes against Jupiter as he sees no hope for future under his cruel reign. Prometheus is chained in the Caucasus for his rebellious act by Jupiter. He groans in pain and despairs