The Power of Good and Evil

 "The science of good and evil" by Sam Harris,http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-10-02/sam-harris-on-the-moral-landscape/ instantly caught my attention as I was viewing my Google Reader. When you were a little kid, your parents taught you the difference between good and bad. But as I thought about it even more, who knew there was actually science behind morals? But are people naturally born evil, or do they choose their own fate? The truth is there is both good and bad in everyone. It is really hard to not engaged in some of the evil in the world. We are faced with everyday. And sometimes it is easier to be bad to others than to treat them good. The forces of evil are a lot stronger than the force of kindness and caring. Why is that? But what amazes me the most is when people are thrust upon life experiences that  that actually make them better people. The people who that wear smiles and a positive attitude everyday even though they are handicapped, poor or abused . These kind of people are the ones who are the reason there is good in this world. Because without them, we would be without hope.

Society and Social Statuses

As I was pondering to myself on what to do for my personal learning network, I came across an article called "Cheerleaders, Nerds, and Football Players OH MY!" by William Rosworth /blog/archives/2010/05/social_status_a.html/daily/beast about Social Rankings and High School. So what exactly makes us have such a drive to be "popular"? Is it for our personal happiness? Or just the approval of other people thats makes us happy?  The sad part of it is it's true for some people in high school.  And it's not just in High School, its also in the society. In the past, it mostly had to do with how much money you owned. Although I'm not saying that there still isn't that mistreatment today.  People are should all be treated equal, and shouldn't be used for your own personal gain of popularity. This also made me think if society is shaping your own personality. If your not the perfect picture, you don't "fit in with the crowd." But why do people have the tendency to stereotype? Is it just simply human nature? Although for my own personal high school experience I plan to do what makes me happy and to make as many friendships as possible. You should never be taken back by someone, or take someone for granted because one day they could be gone in an instant. In 2006 my friend/classmate McKaila J. Steffes had passed away due to leukemia when she was just 10 years old. Through the years she has taught me so much on the meaning of friendship. I still regret to this day how I wish I could have known her better. She taught me not to "judge a book by its cover" and look beyond people. I mean why do we have friends in the first place? To help us get through life situations where maybe you can't deal with them yourself, or just to simply make you laugh. Because you could miss out on a lot of extraordinary life experiences if you pass them by.  "Forget the wrongs of the past, but treasure the moments with the ones you love. "Expect for the future for it is YOU who makes your destiny, and live for the present, after all thats why it's called a gift." -Me

New Ways of Learning

"Footprints in the Digital Age"  by William Richardson, truly challenged me on my critical thinking on how we need to shape the students of todays age into a deeper thought process. "Some of it may be good, some may be bad, and most it beyond your control," is how Richardson described technology for the most part. I couldn't agree with him more. I mean can you imagine how many debates and discussions there have been on the use of technology? It seems like everyday, in every class, we're discussing the use of technology. Another good point that he makes is figuring out new ways to instruct students. And we need to come up up with new intivative ways to improve students skills for a better future. Technology I  think really does have a big impact on the education society today. It can help students so much to get more involved and collaborate with their piers.  But technology isn't the only thing  that we must depend on. Although technology can be a useful tool, we still need to learn the basics of reading and writing. Like everything theres a consequence of course. Although technology has a great advantage, it can also make students lethargic. But I think my favorite part was reading about a ten year old who has made such a big difference. She has donated to multiple charities, plus has shown off her gift to the whole world. She inspires me to become a better writer, and even in my youth I can still have a big impact on this world. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised when I read this article and hope that i only grow from this inspiration.