Wait a second!
More handpicked essays just for you.
More handpicked essays just for you.
religion versus philosophy
different kinds of religions
different kinds of religions
Don’t take our word for it - see why 10 million students trust us with their essay needs.
Recommended: religion versus philosophy
The beliefs I have, and what has given me strength is combined with what I have been taught and what I have researched. Throughout this paper, there are five questions that has me describe life, but also describes the person I have become.
The three philosophers I chose were all different, and all have something in common. What they all have in common is that they all stand by what they believe in. The three I have chosen are Aristotle, because I enjoy happiness and he believes it is the key to life. Kierkegaard, because he believes God is the answer to all problems. I do not agree with that, and within this reading it’s explained why. The third philosopher is Buddha. I chose Buddha, because he has great insight on what life is about. He shows truth in what is unnoticed by most, and what brings out the best in life. My beliefs stated here, and continued throughout this reading.
The motivation I have comes from my beliefs, and what I feel is needed in my life. Life surrounds me with a good and bad environment. Depending on the choice I make, my life can end up in happiness or even failure. As Aristotle says “It is our choice of good or evil that determines our character, not our opinion on good or evil.” (Shields, Christopher) This motivates me, because this quote explains how life can provide me a chances, or opportunities on how life proceeds with my character or how I see myself. Kierkegaard believes that lives of many are determined on what God individuals see or believe in. My beliefs are different from that, because with his thoughts, depending on the culture of people, they see God as their motivator and who they need to be there for them in times of trouble or in times of need. But what I believe to be true, is that I ...
... middle of paper ...
...o be around makes them who they are. Me, I am my own person. The environment I have grown upon has changed who I am as well. As Aristotle says “Happiness is based on nature, and nature is an irrational element shared between humans.” (Shields, Christopher)
Works Cited
(1) Shields, Christopher, "Aristotle", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Spring 2014 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL = .
(2) Anonymous, “Aristotle (384—322 B.C.E.)”, Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, URL http://www.iep.utm.edu/aristotl/#H6
(3) McDonald, William, “Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) EXSTENTALIST PHILOSPHER”, Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, URL http://www.iep.utm.edu/kierkega/#SH1c
(4) Instilling Goodness School, “Following the Buddha's Footsteps”, URL http://online.sfsu.edu/rone/Buddhism/footsteps.htm
Baird, Forrest E., and Walter Kaufman. "Aristotle." Ancient Philosophy. 3rd ed. Philosophic Classics, vols. 1. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 2000. 304 - 444.
2) This idea is an autobiographical exploration, because in order to have a positive approach to life’s challenges, you must realize who you are as a person. One of the most challenging aspects in life is this concept of self. Who am I, am I what I do, where I spend my time? When I was younger, I was looking for myself in all the wrong places. I did many experimental things in my journey of
difficulty, but managed to come away with words of wisdom. In this biography, I am
Gracia, Diego (1978): "The structure of medical knowledge in Aristotle's philosophy", Sudhoff Archiv 62 (No.1), 1-36.
Humanistic Environmental influences, especially love and acceptance, determine if we become all we can in life
Gakuran, Michael. "Aristotle’s Moral Philosophy | Gakuranman • Adventure First." Gakuranman Adventure First RSS. N.p., 21 May 2008. Web.
Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics. Rpt. in Ethical Theories: A Book of Readings second edition. Ed. A. I. Melden. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1967. 106-109.
Miller, Fred. "Aristotle's Political Theory". The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Ed. Edward N. Zalta. Fall 2012. Web 06 Nov 2013.
Aristotle. The Nicomachean Ethics. David Ross, trans. J. L. Ackrill and J. O. Urmson, revisions. Oxford World’s Classics paperback, 1998.
Kraut, Richard. Aristotle`s Ethics. Stanford Online Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Tue. July 17 2007. Retrieved Nov 22 2009
Wilbur, James B, Harold J. Allen. The Worlds of Plato and Aristotle. American Book Company.
The environment in which one lives may greatly affect one’s individuality. “The people and things around one affect how one may feel about oneself” (Kramer 12-13). His environment also affects the way a person behaves. The people and things that are around one could affect how one feels and thinks about oneself. A person’s environment can be controlled. If one is not happy in his environment, he can find a more suitable place to live. In several ways, one’s environment can determine who one will become in the future.
Upon reading the essay prompt, I took a few moments to introspect. I thought back to every experience that helped mold me into the person I am today. As human beings, we are influenced by many aspects of our surroundings. Even as children, we develop certain attributes through observation, or through conditioning by our parents. These attributes may not be always positive, but the combination of both positive and negative qualities form the people we are today. No one is perfect; nevertheless, some are fortunate enough to have their strengths outweigh their weaknesses. I believe I am one of those lucky people.
Three small words can bring inner happiness to me and others. Having the ability to change your attitude towards life and what defines one will create a feeling of peace. Living your life can bring good and bad regrets, but by the choice we make can bring happiness, and a meaningful life. The goal of this essay is to show what credo I live by and what defines me as a person. Having the power to live with the choices I had made, determination towards a goal, and finding a deeper meaning to life.
Aristotle. The Poetics of Aristotle. Trans. S. H. Butcher. Pennsylvania State University Press, 2000. Print.