Did the Greeks Believe Their Myths

It  pretty clear that at least some level of belief in the gods was part of community life among the ancient Greeks, just as it was for the Romans  (community life was more important than personal faith). There was a multitude of gods and goddesses in the polytheistic Mediterranean world. In the Greek world, each polis--or ​city-state--had a particular patron deity. The god might have been the same as the neighboring polis patron deity, but cultic observances might be different, or each polis might worship a different aspect of the same god. Greek Gods in Everyday Life Greeks invoked gods in sacrifices that were part and parcel of civil life and they are civil--sacred and secular meshed--festivals. Leaders sought the gods opinions,  through divination before any important undertaking. People wore amulets to ward off evil spirits. Some joined mystery cults. Writers wrote stories with conflicting details about the divine-human interaction. Important families proudly traced their ancestry to the gods or the legendary sons of gods who populate their myths. Festivals--like the dramatic festivals in which the great Greek tragedians competed and the ancient Panhellenic games, like the Olympics--were held to honor the gods, as well as to bring  the community together. Sacrifices meant communities shared a meal, not only with their fellow citizens but with the gods. Proper observances meant the gods were more likely to look kindly on the mortals and help them. Nonetheless, there was some awareness that there were natural explanations for natural phenomena otherwise attributed to the pleasure or displeasure of the deities. Some philosophers and poets criticized the supernatural focus of the prevailing polytheism: Homer and Hesiod have attributed to the godsall sorts of things which are matters of reproach and censure among men:theft, adultery and mutual deceit. (frag. 11)But if horses or oxen or lions had handsor could draw with their hands and accomplish such works as men,horses would draw the figures of the gods as similar to horses, and the oxen as similar to oxen,and they would make the bodiesof the sort which each of them had. (frag. 15)Xenophanes Socrates was charged with failing to believe properly and paid for his unpatriotic religious belief with his life. Socrates is guilty of crime in refusing to recognise the gods acknowledged by the state, and importing strange divinities of his own; he is further guilty of corrupting the young.From Xenophanes. We cant read their minds, but we can make speculative statements. Perhaps the ancient Greeks extrapolated from their observations and powers of reasoning--something they mastered and passed down to us--to construct an allegorical worldview. In his book on the subject, Did the Greeks Believe Their Myths?, Paul Veyne writes: Myth is truthful, but figuratively so. It is not historical truth mixed with lies; it is a high philosophical teaching that is entirely true, on the condition that, instead of taking it literally, one sees in it an allegory.

The Legalization Of Recreational And Medical Use Of Marijuana

The legalization of recreational and medical use of marijuana is still a controversial social issue faced by the United States. Although marijuana was seen as a dangerous drug back in the 1900’s, research has revealed the truth about marijuana, making the drug less frightening towards Americans. Now in the year 2015, marijuana is generally more accepted by Americans and many more see marijuana in a positive manner. Although marijuana does have some negative side effects, the side effects are not severe enough to justify a ban on the use of marijuana. In addition, due to the extensive research released on marijuana, people can clearly see the benefits legalizing marijuana would bring to the United States. Marijuana should be legal in all fifty states because the benefits outweigh any disadvantages and due to the benefits Colorado is receiving, it shows legalizing marijuana is an excellent choice. One of the main uses of marijuana is for medical reasons. Marijuana contains a chemical called THC, which according to the Medicinal Marijuana Association, it makes marijuana â€Å"beneficial to patients suffering from illnesses such as AIDS, cancer, glaucoma, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries and many other serious, debilitating, or terminal conditions. The properties in marijuana can greatly relieve chronic pain associated with these illnesses† (Listland). By legalizing marijuana for medical purposes, patients who have suffered from severe chronic pain can have anotherShow MoreRelatedLegalization Of Medical And Recreational Use Of Marijuana1385 Words   |  6 PagesThe legalization of marijuana has been a very controversial topic that has everyone asking each other, is it really worth it? For many, the thought of legalizing a drug, which the government has classified as a Schedule 1 drug is, mind boggling to them. I am going to prove that the pros about the legalization of medical and recreational use of marijuana are greatly outweighing the cons. I will show with statistical evidence that legalization is beneficial in many ways such as generating higher stateRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized? Essay1223 Words   |  5 Pagesthat the marijuana industry has had on the economies of the states which have legalized recreational marijuana use for consumers over the age of 21. Many predictions were made referring to the outcome of marijuana legalization, however, most predictions made did not foretell the actual outcome. The act of legalization in the state of Colorado has yielded many advantages in the field of marketing. With these advantages, however, come many disadvantages. This study will identify how marijuana legalizationRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?972 Words   |  4 PagesMarijuana Legalization For thousands of years, marijuana has been used for a myriad of purposes ranging from medical use to recreational use. Although small steps are being for marijuana legalization across the country, there is still a long way to go. Some folks argue that marijuana is a gateway drug and impairs judgement, causing people to act recklessly. However, extensive studies have been conducted on the effects, risks, and benefits of marijuana, and have proven marijuana to be safer thanRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1565 Words   |  7 PagesMarijuana Legalization From mandatory crop to illegal drug, cannabis has gone from revered to criminal in the course of United States history. Its fall from grace has been an education in mass hysteria, propaganda, market manipulation and greed. Fortunately, for those suffering debilitating medical conditions and those that wish to enjoy its euphoric effects alike, it appears that the pendulum is swinging in the opposite direction. The close of the 2015 legislative session revealed a potentialRead MoreEssay Astonishing Statistics of Marijuana Use in Minors1539 Words   |  7 Pagesmillion Americans ages 12 and over have reported to using marijuana at least once within the previous year. That number alone is an astonishing statistic on marijuana users. Although marijuana has been a drug with increasing popularity especially throughout the past couple of years due to the legalization in some states. In November of 2012 history was made when Washington and Colorado both legalized marijuana for recreational use. 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The drug thatRead MoreThe Importance of Legalizing Marijuana701 Words   |  3 Pagesleave the ones who smoke marijuana. When was it decided that smoking tobacco is okay when composed of multiple chemicals and the plant, but something that is mostly grown naturally is bad. Controversy over whether marijuana should be legalized has been a hot topic issue since decades ago but not many want to deal with it since many see it as a too taboo of a topic. It is arguable that both are bad but why not leg alize it in an aspect of growing and prosperity,as in the medical field, also regardingRead MoreArgumentative Essay On Legalization Of Marijuana901 Words   |  4 PagesThe legalization of Marijuana is a topic that has been discussed for many years. It has had many support as well as opposition. This topic has caused a lot of controversy over the years. In today’s society the amount of marijuana or cannabis that is being consumed is, for the most part, consumed by teens and adults. Although marijuana is an illegal drug, that does not stop people from getting a hold of it. The use of marijuana can be for many reasons such as, socializing, obtaining a high, escaping

Is Todd Haynes s 2015 Film Carol Essay - 2231 Words

In light of the recent election putting a man with questionable morality in the powerful seat of President, many in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community are fearful of the repercussions this will cause. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, â€Å"867 cases of hateful harassment or intimidation [were reported] in the United States in the 10 days after the November 8 election†, and swastikas adorned people’s cars and homes in angry graffiti, accompanying words such as â€Å"white power† and â€Å"fag†, â€Å"he she† and â€Å"die† (Yan). While the American legal system has come a long way in granting the homosexual community their natural rights, the present climate gives many a fear that things will go back to the way they were before, with homosexuals being oppressed and persecuted for simply loving who they love. One film that looks back upon the American repression of homosexuality is Todd Haynes s 2015 film Carol, a 1950’s period piece telling the tale of two lesbian lovers who face many conflicts on the path of being together. Therese, a worker at a department store in Manhattan known as Frankenburg’s, meets a mysterious woman, Carol Aird, when she is shopping for a Christmas present for her daughter. Currently going through a nasty divorce from her husband, Harge, Carol is threatened with having her daughter ripped away from her. Harge’s lawyer cites a â€Å"morality clause† that would take parental rights away from Carol because she is homosexual. Therese also faces herShow MoreRelatedSexuality In Carol As Portrayed Through Mise-En-Scene And Cinematography1769 Words   |  8 PagesSexuality in Carol as Portrayed through Mise-en-Scà ¨ne and Cinematography In Todd Haynes’s Carol (2015), silver bells and tinsel cover the walls and shelves of Frankeberg’s department store in the scene where main characters Carol (Cate Blanchett) and Therese (Rooney Mara) first meet. Through swarms of busstling holiday shoppers, Therese’s timid gaze lands on Carol - a strikingly beautiful, sophisticated, and self assured woman. As Carol’s gaze meets Therese’s, viewers sense an undeniable attraction

The Epic Of Gilgamesh Persuasive Essay Example For Students

The Epic Of Gilgamesh Persuasive Essay The main character in thebook The Epic of Gilgamesh, is Gilgamesh himself. In thebeginning of the book one realizes that Gilgamesh is anarrogant person. Gilgamesh is full of himself and abuses hisrights as king. He has sexual intercourse with the virgins ofhis town and acts as though he is a god. Although somereaders of this classic book may say that Gilgamesh doesnot change from the beginning of the book, it can easily beinterpreted the other way. Throughout the book, many thingscause Gilgamesh to change. He gains a friend, he makes aname for himself by killing Humbaba, and he tries to becomeimmortal because of the death of Enkidu. Through thesemain actions his personality changes and he becomes abetter person. First, the quest for immortality after the deathof Enkidu shows that Gilgamesh has changed. Gilgameshbecomes frightened when he realizes that he isnt immortal. After the death of Enkidu, Gilgamesh tries to find immortalityby trying to cross the ocean to find it. He sounds pathetic ashe rambles of his reason for trying to find everlasting life. Hisstate of being at this part in the book, which is the end, iscompletely different from his arrogant beginning of this epic. Gilgamesh has gone from arrogant to scared. Second, thedeath of Humbaba changes Gilgamesh. Humbaba is evil. Many people who live in the city of Uruk fear Gilgamesh. Most would say that Gilgamesh himself is, in fact, evil. Hehas sex with the virgins, he does what he wants, and hetends to offend the gods. He has lots of problems withIshtar. By going into the forest and facing Humbaba,Gilgamesh makes a name for himself and changes the viewsof the people in his city. This is a very arguable point. Yes,the past of Gilgamesh does not change, but the great deed ofkilling Humbaba, makes him a better person because heprotects his city. This is another arguable point. Most wouldsay he does this only to make a name for himself, but that isnot the case. Gilgamesh does this because of his love forEnkidu and his people, he has changed from the beginning ofthe epic. Finally and most importantly, the main reason thatGilgamesh changes from the beginning of the book is thefriendship that he has with Enkidu. Enkidu is made to makeGilgamesh more human. In the first paragraph of the bookthe gods are angry with Gilgamesh and send down an equalof himself, they send do wn Enkidu. After becoming friends,Gilgamesh changes because he has an equal to be with. Enkidu and Gilgamesh become as close as brothers. Because of this, a very arguable point comes up. WasEnkidu and Gilgamesh lovers? The answer is obviously yes. What points in the book show this? They go to sleep holdinghands, Gilgamesh loves Enkidu like a women, andGilgamesh goes almost insane after the death of Enkidu. Thepoint of Enkidu being a lover of Gilgamesh is very important. It allows the reader to understand the reasoning ofGilgamesh changing. There are no changes in Gilgamesh as aperson until Enkidu enters the picture. Obviously he is thereason for all eventual changes in the personality andmanhood of Gilgamesh. If the belief and understanding ofGilgamesh and Enkidu being much more than good friendsis present, then the understanding of why Gilgamesh changesin the book is also present. If Gilgamesh is just friends withEnkidu some change is possible, but not almost total recallas Gilgamesh does in the book. People change more if thereis sex involved and there is a deep relationship. In order tomake Enkidu happy, Gilgamesh has to change, and he does,throughout thier relationship. In reflection, although somepeople would say that Gilgamesh does not change from thebeginning of the book The Epic of Gilgamesh, the betterunderstanding of the book reveals that, in fact, Gilgameshdoes change from the beginning of the book to the end. Thepersonality of Gilgamesh changes for three distinct reasons. .u444194929b8bd02dacadcd754b07493b , .u444194929b8bd02dacadcd754b07493b .postImageUrl , .u444194929b8bd02dacadcd754b07493b .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u444194929b8bd02dacadcd754b07493b , .u444194929b8bd02dacadcd754b07493b:hover , .u444194929b8bd02dacadcd754b07493b:visited , .u444194929b8bd02dacadcd754b07493b:active { border:0!important; } .u444194929b8bd02dacadcd754b07493b .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u444194929b8bd02dacadcd754b07493b { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u444194929b8bd02dacadcd754b07493b:active , .u444194929b8bd02dacadcd754b07493b:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u444194929b8bd02dacadcd754b07493b .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u444194929b8bd02dacadcd754b07493b .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u444194929b8bd02dacadcd754b07493b .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u444194929b8bd02dacadcd754b07493b .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u444194929b8bd02dacadcd754b07493b:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u444194929b8bd02dacadcd754b07493b .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u444194929b8bd02dacadcd754b07493b .u444194929b8bd02dacadcd754b07493b-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u444194929b8bd02dacadcd754b07493b:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Botticelli's Spring EssayFirst, Gilgamesh changes in the book because of hisinsatiable desire for immortality after the death of Enkidu. Gilgamesh wants immortality after the death of Enkidu. Second, Gilgamesh changes in the book because of thedeath of Humbaba. The death of Humbaba show