November 05, 2009
Kurt Schwitters and the Meaning of Art
When I first listened to Kurt Schwitters, I didn't know what to think. After a few minutes of trying to comprehend what he was saying I realized he wasn't saying anything, he was merely making noises. I think that art does not necessarily have to mean anything, it can just be listened to or looked at. Art should be able to be appreciated by many different kinds of people. Schwitters' "noises" allow for a variety of interpretations of the meaning of art as well as opening minds to what art can be.
Posted by ecedar at 01:23 PM | Comments (1)
October 27, 2009
After We Become What We Think
After listening to “We Become What We Think,” I had a different idea of the word, success. I simply thought success was doing well and making a happy life for oneself. This, I recently found out, is only part of it. “Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal,” according to Nightingale. If you believe, then you will succeed. Subsequent to listening, I found myself in a much better place regarding success. It was not such a vague term in my mind anymore.
After hearing this I knew I had to establish some goals in my mind. Now, I feel goals are not an option, so much as a necessity. I should think of my goals in a relaxed and positive way. I now know they will help me in the long run.
I have also learned to appreciate what I have been given. These things are often taken for granted. I will try remembering what Nightingale said when I feel down.
I feel inspired to be different. Before reading this I knew everyone is different, but now I would like to embrace it.
After hearing what Nightingale had to say, I understand why we become what we think. He compared it to planting a seed in the earth. Whatever one plants, is what comes up. The earth does not care what one plants, a healthy seed or poison, it will return it. This relates to humans planting a seed of success or failure in their minds. Whatever they plant will be returned to them.
Posted by ecedar at 09:08 PM | Comments (1)
During We Become What We Think
During the mp3, I liked what I was hearing. What Earl Nightingale had to say was inspiring. I enjoyed listening to it because it actually applied to my life and could potentially help me in the future. There were some dull spots, but for the most part, I found it engaging and quite helpful.
One of the first things Nightingale said that stuck out in my mind was that one should do what he wants. He should not worry about stereotypes or what others are doing. He should what HE wants to do.
One quote I thought was interesting was taken from Ralph Waldo Emerson. He said, “A man is what he thinks about all day long.” This applies deeply to what Nightingale preaches. Another, I found intriguing was said by a famous Roman emperor, Marcus Aurelius. He stated, “A man’s life is what his thoughts make of it.” I thought these expressions were very appropriate for the topic at hand and helped my understanding of what Nightingale was trying to explicate.
Everything worthwhile is free. This phrase made me think of my mind and body as a valuable possession. It brought things into perspective. All material things can be replaced, however, the things given to us at the beginning cannot.
There were some points in the article that attracted my attention especially. Life should be an exciting adventure, not a bore. “The architect of the universe did not build a staircase leading nowhere.” My favorite quote from the recording is, “As you believe, so shall it be done unto you.”
Posted by ecedar at 08:21 PM | Comments (0)
Before Listening to We Become What We Think
Sooner than listening to this mp3, I did have my own theory, however, worded differently, that men do not think. I thought that this statement was an interesting way of starting off the talk.
I was not entirely sure what this mp3 would have to do with my life or how it would impact me. The title, “We Become What We Think,” is not difficult to understand. However, I did not know why or how one would become what they think. This was all a mystery to me.
Before listening to Earl Nightingale, I did not know that the opposite of courage is not cowardice; it is conformity. I also did not know that this applies to something very important to most people, their jobs. Nightingale said that one pursues certain careers because “everyone else does.” He said that people wake up and go to work everyday because “everyone else does.” I had never thought about this before, nor did I know why.
Prior to listening to Nightingale, I knew that goals were important. I did not, however, know how important. He compared having a set goal to a captained ship; it follows a path, successfully, to its destination. Without goals, I have learned that a person will not live the life he wants to lead.
Before I listened to “We Become What We Think,” I did not have a good grasp on the true definition of courage, nor the importance of goals. I did not think about why one gets up every morning to go to work or practice his or her daily routine.
Posted by ecedar at 07:43 PM | Comments (0)
