As someone who primarily analyzes and interprets in black and white, these passages require me to leave my comfort zone and think outside of my normal realm. Alphonso Lingis’s Case Study: A Doctor in Havana is a very interesting read. Although I did struggle to read this passage, I managed to interpret enough to have a basic understanding. Torture can be defined in many ways, some being strict and defined or lose and malleable. Most commonly, torture is severe pain inflicted on one as punishment or to coerce them into sharing information. I believe that torture started with barbarians, but increased and evolved into modern day torture. When barbarians used torture, they most likely did not mean for it to have the intention and flare of modern
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Nothing is concrete and everything is subjective to the situation at hand. Selfishness is something I always seem to battle, whether it is myself or someone else. I am quick to judge others based on what they willingly do for others. This passage helps me keep focused on myself and off others. “The Unselfishness Trap is the belief that you must put the happiness of others ahead of your own” (55). This statement is true regarding two things; people think they are selfish if they put their own needs first and places them in the vicious cycle of their perceived badness. This passage sheds light on how that is false. It is okay to put yourself first, “Why should you feel guilty for seeking your own happiness when that’s what everyone else is doing, too?” (59). Everyone was put on this Earth to do their own thing. If you want to help others, good for you, but do not let that be the reason to leave yourself for last. Browne embodies that statement with a catchy assertion, “Give to you. Support your local self,” (58). Personally, I try to give to others when I can spare time, resources, or expertise. When my manager asks me to work an extra shift, I usually agree, even if I am already working more hours than I would like. I end up thinking of those working who must work more and harder than normal because I did not feel like working at all. I arrive at this crossroads far too often. “When the reason for your actions is to avoid being called ‘selfish’ you’re making a negative decision and thereby restricting the possibilities for your own happiness,” (57). When the tables are turned, and it is I asking for help, I get personally offended when they decline. I believe my sister may be the most selfish person that I
Nothing is concrete and everything is subjective to the situation at hand. Selfishness is something I always seem to battle, whether it is myself or someone else. I am quick to judge others based on what they willingly do for others. This passage helps me keep focused on myself and off others. “The Unselfishness Trap is the belief that you must put the happiness of others ahead of your own” (55). This statement is true regarding two things; people think they are selfish if they put their own needs first and places them in the vicious cycle of their perceived badness. This passage sheds light on how that is false. It is okay to put yourself first, “Why should you feel guilty for seeking your own happiness when that’s what everyone else is doing, too?” (59). Everyone was put on this Earth to do their own thing. If you want to help others, good for you, but do not let that be the reason to leave yourself for last. Browne embodies that statement with a catchy assertion, “Give to you. Support your local self,” (58). Personally, I try to give to others when I can spare time, resources, or expertise. When my manager asks me to work an extra shift, I usually agree, even if I am already working more hours than I would like. I end up thinking of those working who must work more and harder than normal because I did not feel like working at all. I arrive at this crossroads far too often. “When the reason for your actions is to avoid being called ‘selfish’ you’re making a negative decision and thereby restricting the possibilities for your own happiness,” (57). When the tables are turned, and it is I asking for help, I get personally offended when they decline. I believe my sister may be the most selfish person that I