Thursday, March 12, 2020
Essay Sample on Emerson #8211; The Father of the American Literary Renaissance
Essay Sample on Emerson #8211; The Father of the American Literary Renaissance Ralph Waldo Emerson, considered the father of the American Literary Renaissance, wrote many essays to ultimately change the societal values surrounding him. In Self Reliance, Emerson conveys his philosophical idea that every individual has their own individual genius speaking universal truths. However this tends to be a hard to achieve with society imposing conformity, traditions, and institutions on society. To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men, -that is genius(19). Emerson values individuality and believed that thinking for oneââ¬â¢s self and trusting original ideas, help reach a universal truth that will ultimately benefit society as a whole. Thoreau, Whitman, Dickson, and Frederick Douglass, and Hawthorneââ¬â¢s writings all have an ââ¬Å"Emersonianâ⬠essence of self-reliance and individual genius by conveying themes of individuality and non-conformity. Similar to Emerson, Thoreau dislikes institutions and promotes non-conformity. He believes the government stands in the way of individuality because the majority, instead of the individual thinker, makes decisions. Thoreau takes Emersonââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"Self Relianceâ⬠philosophy further by becoming an activist while following his conscious or individual thoughts. An example is Thoreau protesting slavery using Civil Disobedience, ââ¬Å"If one HONEST man, in this State of Massachusetts, ceasing to hold slaves, were actually to withdraw from this co partnership, and be locked up in the county jail therefore, it would be the abolition of slavery in Americaâ⬠(9). Thoreau encourages disobeying unjust laws in order to change them. Eventually, he stops paying his poll tax for six years and is imprisoned. Acting as an individual by disobeying unjust laws is what will change the laws. When the individual follows its conscious, or what Emerson would call ââ¬Å"individual genius,â⠬ the universal truth would be apparent that unjust laws should not be followed. Thoreau refuses to let the system of government define the individual and supports individual genius through individual action and protest against unjust laws. Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitmanââ¬â¢s poetry contains the same themes of Emerson but writes in a more concrete way opposed to abstract theories. Dickinson writes mainly of the self-reliant, private individual. Many of Dickinsonââ¬â¢s poems such as, ââ¬Å"I Died for Beautyâ⬠and ââ¬Å"Because I Could Not Stop for Death,â⬠deal with immortality. She views death as private thing that everyone goes through alone, isolating everyone. In contrast, Whitman portrays a more democratic side of the universal self. He differs from Emerson believing that society is inspirational to the individual opposed to drowning out the individual thought. The Poem, ââ¬Å"Song of Myselfâ⬠says everyone is an individual but differences should not separate everyone. ââ¬Å"My tongue, every atom of my blood, formââ¬â¢d from this soil, this air, Born here of parents born here from parents the same and their parents the same.â⬠Whitman believes the differences between each individu al are not important because the same universe created everyone. However he does realize the importance of not conforming to everyone when saying, ââ¬Å"I harbor for good or bad, I permit to speak at every hazardâ⬠(26). Whitman speaks through is individual genius even if what he says is not agreed upon. Ralph Waldo Emersonââ¬â¢s Self Reliance influenced both poets to speak their universal truths through their poetry. Frederick Douglassââ¬â¢ autobiography was not knowingly written with the influence of Emerson but is living proof of the philosophy of self-reliance. Douglass lived a much different life from Emerson, being born into slavery and witnessing humanity being stripped away from fellow slaves. Slaves would be whipped, beaten, and sometimes even shot. After witnessing his own aunt beaten as a young boy, Douglass comes to the realization, more similar Whitman, that everyone shares a universal human nature. This is more democratic compared to Emersonââ¬â¢s more individualistic idea, believing all men are equal. Douglass determined to dedicate his life to the emancipation of all slaves does also compare with Emerson later on in his life. By befriending other boys in his neighborhood, Douglass learns to read and write. He finds this as a necessity to speak universal truths and express his own genius and be credible to others. Douglass compares with Emerson through his actions but differs in the life that he lived. ââ¬Å"Nothing can bring you peace but yourself. Nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of principlesâ⬠(32). These last two lines from ââ¬Å"Self Relianceâ⬠essay represent Emersonââ¬â¢s individualistic concepts. Emerson values the equal individual that is in touch with their universal genius. Thoreau promotes this individuality and non-conformity through civil disobedience. Through poetry, Dickinson and Whitman speak their own genius. Whitman thinks more democratically while Dickinson values the private individual. Fredrick Douglass is proof of finding his own genius and universal truths and uses these concepts to help free himself and fellow slaves of the deprivation of universal humanity that all men deserve. Though these writers may ultimately be trying to convey different messages, all contain the theme of self-reliance and influence of Emerson. 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Tuesday, February 25, 2020
The Future of Wi-Fi Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words
The Future of Wi-Fi - Research Paper Example Wi-Fi is fast becoming a comparatively low-cost, high-bandwidth wireless technology that's being embedded in a growing number of devices as well as a growing number of locations, including vehicles and carrier hotspots, like proliferating hotbeds of connectivity. This paper continues with a discussion of the role of how Wi-Fi technology and Wi-Fi enabled devices are expanding connectivity and increasing download speeds. The paper will then explore the benefits of the latest advancements in Wi-Fi technology and the challenges to implementing it. The conclusion discussions will comprise how Wi-Fi will change the future of wireless networks and shape how business and personal communication and collaboration are done. Introduction The vision of Wi-Fi blanketing entire cities in the United States has not been realized to the extent many people envisioned. Some people believe it may never come to pass while others believe that Wi-Fi technology has too many benefits and features for it pass into obsolescence. This paper explores various concepts of Wi-Fi. The basic aim of this research is to show the importance of Wi-Fi technology in todayââ¬â¢s changing world. This paper will discuss advantages and disadvantages of Wi-Fi technologies. This paper will also discuss the ways companies make use of Wi-Fi technology in order to carry out their activities. Wi-Fi is a networking technology and usually abbreviated as Wireless Fidelity. In the past it was acknowledged as Hi-Fi. Additionally, Wi-Fi is a straightforward and efficient networking technology that is used to link companies, people and organizations to the internet for their personal and business related use. However changing trends result in tremendous changes to PC related stuff with new Wi-Fi-supportive applications. In this scenario, there are lots of examples related to high-end Mobile Phones that require no wires or device for establishing a connection between two devices or computers. Wi-Fi has grown to be a common technology that is used widespread either at home or in office environment. Additionally, the usage of Wi-Fi networks usually depends upon the needs of users. It offers various benefits such as there is no aspect of Roaming (access to get connect even far away from home), no need to change Wire from one place to another and also offers conferencing facilities (Eogogics, 2011; Turban, Leidner, McLean, & Wetherbe, 2005, pp. 249-251; WellOiledPC, 2011). In view of the fact that Wi-Fi networking technology emerged and progressed in a short span of time however this technology finished with approximately billion of customers round the globe. In this scenario, a market growth survey was conducted by a market researcher In-Stat. According to this research 294 million customers were using electronics devices along with networking technology in the year 2007. Moreover, important aspect in growth is its growing still now. Some researchers and analysts say that this rapidly growth wil l probably exceed up to 1 billion by 2012. Thus, this fastest growth in Wi-Fi networking technology results in numerous factors that are liked with our daily lives or it leads toward the business solution. Another aspect in its growth is its low price over the past few years (Reardon, 2008). Wi-Fi networking technology is a standard way for enhancing sales and visibility for achieving competitive edge in the market.
Sunday, February 9, 2020
Call it what ever you like Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
Call it what ever you like - Essay Example Antonio is liked by people and has a good heart. He is able to bring out his emotions very in the court while pleading for mercy from Shylock (Shakespeare, Coleman & Barnes, 23). Shylock is the unsuccessfully character and is resented by everyone. Shylock is a rich man who lends out money to Antonio. However, when he needs his money repaid, Antonio is not in a position to repay and this becomes a major source of conflict between the two friends. In the court scene, Shylock is able to bring out very well mixed emotions and anger. He however, later becomes sympathetic when the case turns again as they had not agreed on how to measure the pound of flesh and blood (Shakespeare, Coleman & Barnes, 23). He is well armed with his knife in court and could not wait to be finally allowed to get his pound of flesh. Shylock can be analyzed as a very inhumane and unfair character as he does not even give Antonio a chance to explain himself, he harbors secret hated for Antonio and would be delighted to destroy him the best way he would (Shakespeare, Coleman & Barnes, 23). The other characters hate shylock as he finds fun and satisfaction oppressing them. Other aspects of the play such as costumes, lighting, props as well as sound were well incorporated and the performance was extemporary good (Shakespeare, Coleman & Barnes, 23). All through the play, the characters were able to capture my attention and create enthusiasm to keep watching. The production was top notch. I have learnt vital lessons from the play and will aim at becoming a better and peace-loving
Thursday, January 30, 2020
Confirmation Letter Essay Example for Free
Confirmation Letter Essay The reason why i am seeking the rite of confirmation is because i have followed the catholic religion all of my life and want to be part of the catholic religion for the rest of my life. i would like to raise my children and family as catholics. I believe in jesus christ and all the teachings of the bible. I have been baptized, ive had my first communion and its only natural that i would take the next step to be confirmed. im looking forward to being seen as an adult in the eyes of the catholic church. I will attend church masses on a regular bases. Another reason why i want to be confirmed is because its one of the seven sacrements. Sacrements are signs of Gods life and love. Confirmation is the sign that gods holy spirit will love you and always be with you. The sacrement of confirmation is the strength to be faithful to gods will, to be a strong and perfect catholic. Confirmation is a stage in catholic religion after Baptism, and is completed in the reception of the holy eucharist in communion. One last reason why i would like to get confirmed is to recieve the holy spirit and you become more responsible. When you recieve the holy spirit you are recieving God and it will help you make decisions and it will comfort you and strengthen you. Getting confirmed will also make you become more responsible because if you say you want to be confirmed then you are responsible for coming to church each week, praying more and acting more like jesus.
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
Ethnography :: Ethnography Reflexivity Anthropology Essays
Ethnography Works Cited Missing Reflexivity has recently been designated as an indicator of postmodernism in anthropological texts. In this context, the practice is attacked as self-indulgent narcissism, but its true scope reaches much further. While some ethnographic texts exhibit an overemphasis on the author, and his position within the work, this is one extreme of the range reflexivity, which also serves as a methodological tool, unincorporated into the writing, and as a means to account for the ethnographers biases and affects on his informants. This entire span of meaning is shown in anthropological research and writings, in varying manners and to different ends. An poignant example of reflexivity in writing is the much critiqued and criticized essay by Renato Rosaldo, ââ¬Å"Grief and a Headhunterââ¬â¢s Rageâ⬠, wherein he explores his reactions to and understanding of Ilongot headhunting, as based on his personal experiences with death, or lack thereof. He argues that ââ¬Å"most anthropological studies of death eliminate emotions by assuming the position of the most attached observer,â⬠a precarious position which often leads to ââ¬Å"actual indifference.â⬠(15) He also acknowledges that reflexivity can easily slip into self-absorption, wherein one loses sight of differences which do exist. Despite attacks, by Michaelson and Johnson, that ââ¬Å"Micheleââ¬â¢s death gives Renato a newfound sense of ethnographic authority, a sense that he is ââ¬Ëcapable of feeling everything that the Ilongot do,â⬠he never, in fact, makes this claim. (Behar, 171) Rosaldo, after sharing his experience of his wifeââ¬â¢s death, and the grief that followed, emphasizes that the ââ¬Å"statement should not lead anyone to derive a universal from somebody elseââ¬â¢s personal knowledge.â⬠(15) The authorââ¬â¢s own experience does not give him a full understanding of the Ilongot, nor does he claim that it does so, but allows him to understand his informants explanations of headhunting which he had previously dismissed, not equating grief with rage. ââ¬Å"Ilongot anger and [his] own overlap, rather like two circles, partially overlaid and partially separate.â⬠(10) Or, as Marcus states it, ââ¬Å"in any attempt to interpret or explain another cultural subject, a su rplus of difference always remains.â⬠(Marcus, 186) Renato also briefly addresses the question of authority raised by reflexivity, and the admission of oneââ¬â¢s shortcomings. What was once accepted as absolute truth is now being questioned, as the ethnographer acknowledges his own subjectivity, and ââ¬Å"with the realization that [the] objects of analysis are also analyzing subjects who critically interrogate ethnographers.
Monday, January 13, 2020
Lawsuit for Call Center Fabulous County, Florida for a sum of money Essay
There was a saying that business is business.à Sustainability of a firm depends upon production and it is always measured by the amount of money earned.à In some cases collectibles are difficult to handle.à In fact it is one of the known business risk ââ¬â the delivery now and pay later deals.à Too many establishments failed due to laxity on issues such as collection especially in the payments of bad accounts. Collection Committee should send a registered mail to the Call Center Fabulous Country indicating the exact amount of money to be collected including penalties if any.à The committee on collection must also decide the cut-off period if there is no given grace period on payments indicated in the agreement or stipulated in the contract.à Moreover, the agreement must be read thoroughly before initiating a suit so that all angles are carefully studied and properly explored. The committee should know that there are rights to discretion proper to a specific type of businesses.à For instance, a call center provides business transaction globally which mean that any disruption in their services with regards to the services your company provides may cause more damage than the amount being collected.à Upon making a thorough review of the situation and in case that the Call Center Company stated did not respond or make a written reply to the Collection Committee, immediate action on the filing of suit should take place at a small court in a county where the party being sued or where the signing of agreement took place (Balovich, 2006). Legal services is expensive and vary depending on states therefore, the collection committee must try to use all its capabilities in making a collection with the use of proper business ethics.à There could be easy way of handling collection than a lawsuit in fact one of the biggest points to consider before doing so is to ask the following question.à Is the amount being collected proportionate to the expense incurred in litigation?à Aside from money involved, what will be the social costs and consequences of the action?à Filing a case on claims involves time and energy and responsibility of the Collection Committee to handle diligently. Some overdue collection depends largely on how it is done.à There are ways to expedite the collection of payments.à For example, making sure that your contract indicates when is the payment due and to whom you deal with.à Second, indicating clearly that payment is due on a very specific date or writing in the invoice with this clause: penalty will be incurred due to late payments.à Meantime it is also good to request payment in advance (Examiner, 2005). Knowing your clients is also the best strategy in providing solutions to problem in collecting due payments.à It is good to find out where they stand and what their next move is.à Bankruptcy Code indicates in Chapter 11 that ââ¬Å"debtor usually proposes a plan of reorganization to keep its business alive and pay creditors over time (Judiciary).à Overdue payments are also companyââ¬â¢s loss even if payments are collected, taking into consideration the cost of money lost through time.à Some business or corporations can seek the help of the court of bankruptcy and it would mean losing the game with them. Part 2: Draft of a sale agreement on the sale of used computer equipment to a Call Center Company à à à à à à à à à à à A contract is define as a meeting of the mind or mutual understanding of any pursuit; In brief it is a mutual consent.à Therefore, it is good to know the points legally by understanding the cause and effect of the act may it be personal or corporate initiatives.à References on contracts may be applicable but it is always good to consult with an attorney (Balovich, 2006). à à à à à à à à à à à Drafting a sale agreement usually includes common terms indicated in the general deed of sale.à However sales agreement on used items may have exemptions like the term ââ¬Å"as is where is basis (VISTEON INC.).â⬠à The agreement must be clear that the seller is selling used equipments. à à à à à à à à à à à It is also important to include in the draft the following details:à the correct name of both parties because it is always a foot forward to know whom you are dealing with (Examiner, 2005).à It must also include the complete description of the items including serial numbers of the equipment, the number of pieces and the exact price of that equipment being sold. à à à à à à à à à à à The committee chairman had explained that the call center is going to pay your company in four monthly instalments meaning at five hundred dollars a month.à Before doing so, it must be clear how these sums will be collected and if penalty will be charge for late payments. Normally, used items are paid in cash but it is your companyââ¬â¢s discretion that they opted for this agreement.à However it is good advice to plan for an advance collection since two months is too much to wait for a two thousand dollar bill.à It is also important to check on the taxes to be paid by selling used equipments and who is going to pay for it before the total amount on the agreement is written.à The tax exemption identification card is listed normally below the buyerââ¬â¢s signature (VISTEON INC.). à à à à à à à à à à à There are also clauses in the contract that must be taken in consideration such as termination of the contract since the agreement includes a two month pay period.à It could be at the disadvantage of the company if the items sold are returned during the pay period because of the other party misuse or negligence.à Much more if a refund would be asked.à These two major risks must be well thought of by the committee before the agreement is drafted. à à à à à à à à à à à Terms and conditions of the draft agreement must include a written approval of the committee.à It is also important that details are discussed in meetings before finalizing a draft.à A lot can be taken into consideration through consultation since being new means there are still a lot to learn.à For this reason a complete knowledge of the company policy and history is needed to deal with its customer successfully. Part 3:à Fraud and trespassing or violation of 3 call center employees regarding company rules. à à à à à à à à à à à It is difficult to give evidence on pre-empt unlawful act or an action that did not took place.à For instance verbal information that so and so is trying to steal money by falsifying company invoice.à In fact stealing is a grave crime to be committed voluntarily by an employee.à The only evidence is that they should be caught with the false invoices but according to the situation the three employees got arrested even before they have committed the crime.à In fact the only strong evidence is that they broke into the call center at night.à These employees can be charged of unlawful use of company equipments since they should not be working outside of the schedule the company has intended for them.à However there are also cases that workers get back to work at night but this must be approved by their supervisor as overtime. à à à à à à à à à à à Employeeââ¬â¢s misbehaviour is dealt first by the human resource department.à à There could be major implications on the companyââ¬â¢s image due to the immediate arrest of the three call center workers. Sandra Robinson an expert on employee-employer relations and workplace deviance said that even the best employees can be dysfunctional because of poor managementà (Keen, 2006). à à à à à à à à à à à It is also important for managers and supervisors that arrest of people without due evidence is tantamount to abuse in human rights of which these workers can file a suit on moral damages to the Fabulous Call Center Company.à à All citizens are given due process of law and to inflict others with committing serious crime without solid evidence is also a serious offense. à à à à à à à à à à à Moreover, call center operates on a tight security level and they make sure that data are verified accurately before anyone is given access to information (Diaphonics, 2006).à No employees are allowed to enter the premises within the authorize time.à To break into an office at night could seem impossible because of the tight security measures that all call center company enforces.à à Just within its perimeter area, at the entrances, or being on the floor, break periods, the lockers and lounges are controlled by the operation and security group.à It is a bit impossible that three people could just break in when in fact modern technology misuse can lead to hardware theft.à There is no use for people to break in since hackers can use wireless technology in committing crimes. à à à à à à à à à à à At any instance, if the employees broke into an office a trespass warning is issued by the police (Tech, 1999).à The human resource department should terminate employment on the basis of not following company rules and office procedures.à However, there are legal basis in doing so.à There is a great deal to settle with labour disputes than dealing with how the controversy occurred.à Management has the right to look further whether someoneââ¬â¢s interest is upheld at the expense of others. Part 4:à Outline for a Mortgage Agreement for a purchase of a building.à What is a secured and unsecured debt and what happens in case of default? à à à à à à à à à à à Probably since it is a law firm who is making a purchase through mortgage mean that it is equipped with the legal terminologies and procedure to conduct its transaction.à However the one in charge on the procurement of the bigger building is a project manager who could be better of with building operations than with legal proceedings. Making an outline to assist the project manager could be very helpful but there is a lot of information that could be taken from him because based on his position he knows the project.à He knows whether there will be cost on renovations or building repair and maintenance which will be an additional on cost for the building.à Other costs on building operations may deplete the payment schemes especially if the structure was purchased through a mortgage. à à à à à à à à à à à Before making an outline on the mortgage it is important to talk with the project manager first so that the building that is intended to be bought or to be constructed is free from liens and encumbrances.à Basic knowledge on procuring a building for a specific need say an office building is a must. It is important whether the structure is fit for the intended use.à Project managers normally have knowledge of their operations and provide systems for functionality.à They are the key to abate risks that are sometimes encountered in building procurement.à Project managers talents are tested on time and cost management and they are the professional that assist the owner in project delivery which pertains to buildings (Massachusetts, 2004). à à à à à à à à à à à Mortgage agreements includes clauses such as: purchase price and warranties, authorized person to purchase and the person in charge in the mortgage company and its assigns with the proper addresses, definitions of terms, and building warranties (Findlaw, 1999).à Since the money will be lent by a bank it is important to know the cost of money with the law firm cash flow. à à à à à à à à à à à It is important to know the monthly amortization with the principal amount being borrowed and this must be discussed thoroughly how debts will be paid by the Owner.à It is good to think this way since banks usually operates not only on how they are paid but more on how they can foreclose a property.à Determining the cash flow will also guide the buyer how much will be given to secured and unsecured debt. à à à à à à à à à à à Alan Barnes a certified debt arbitrator and president of Debt Regret defines in his article that ââ¬Å"secured debt as a debt in which the creditor maintains a security interest in an item or piece of personal property (Barnes, 2005).â⬠à As described above banks play in this notion of having an interest on the item being procured. The amount of money lent is collateralized by the property and the drawback to this is when the amount borrowed is not sufficient to buy the building.à That remaining amount can be called unsecured debt.à However, the balance on the purchase of the property is still the responsibility of the buyer.à Unsecured loans can be settled through debt programs successfully therefore much pliable to handle than the secured debt. à à à à à à à à à à à Mortgage law varies from one state to another.à It is important that the terms of mortgage indicates profoundly the right of the lender to recover his purchase in case of default in payment and to find out if the lender has interest over the property.à It is also best to calculate and find provisions on how the payments can be made without default.à Initially, expansion means prosperity but managing a bigger family means high risk, transferring into bigger buildings can be a more productive effort but does not always mean more money.à Sometimes it is more on spending on real property which cost can be recovered in a number of years. References Balovich, D. (2006). Small Claims Court For Debt Collection And Disputes [Electronic Version]. Retrieved 07 February 2008 from http://www.creditworthy.com/3jm/articles/cw051806.html. Barnes, A. (2005). What is the Difference Between Unsecured and Secured Debt? [Electronic Version]. Retrieved 09 February 2008 from http://ezinearticles.com/?What-is-the-Difference-Between-Unsecured-and-Secured-Debt?&id=20875. Diaphonics. (2006). CALL CENTRE GATEWAY SECURITY [Electronic Version]. Retrieved 09 February 2008 from http://www.diaphonics.com/callCentre.php. Examiner, T. (2005).à Collecting Payment Due The Better Business Bureau offers the following tips to speed up the payment process: [Electronic Version]. Retrieved 08 February 2008 from http://www.enewsbuilder.net/betterbusiness/e_article000492994.cfm?x=b11,0,w. Findlaw. (1999). Sample Business Contracts [Electronic Version]. Retrieved 09 February 2008 from http://contracts.corporate.findlaw.com/agreements/mortgage/note.html. Judiciary, T. F. Reorganization Under the Bankruptcy Code [Electronic Version]. Retrieved 09 February 2008 from http://www.uscourts.gov/bankruptcycourts/bankruptcybasics/chapter11.html. Keen, C. (2006). UF study: Even good employees act up if supervisors mistreat them [Electronic Version]. Retrieved 09 February 2008 from http://news.ufl.edu/2006/04/06/employee-misbehavior/. Massachusetts, T. C. o. (2004). OWNERââ¬â¢S PROJECT MANAGER GUIDELINES [Electronic Version], 7 pages. Retrieved 09 February 2008 from http://www.mass.gov/cam/Creform/Own_PM_Guide.pdf. Tech, T. (1999). Police log [Electronic Version]. Retrieved 09 February 2008 from http://www-tech.mit.edu/V119/N28/28polog.28n.html. VISTEON INC. USED EQUIPMENT SALES AGREEMENT [Electronic Version]. Retrieved 09 February 2008 from http://www.goindustry.com/salefiles/8144/8144_6242.pdf?TimeStamp=0x0000000019793073&EntityID=8144&EntityTypeID=5.
Sunday, January 5, 2020
Oliver Goldsmiths Classic Essay on the Man in Black
Best known for his comic play She Stoops to Conquer and the novel The Vicar of Wakefield, Oliver Goldsmith was also one of the most prominent essayists of the 18th century. The Character of the Man in Black (originally published in the Public Ledger) appears in Goldsmiths most popular essay collection, The Citizen of the World. Though Goldsmith said that the Man in Black was modeled on his father, an Anglican curate, more than one critic has observed that the character bears a striking resemblance to the author: In fact, Goldsmith himself seems to have had difficulty reconciling his philosophic opposition to charity with his own tenderness toward the poor--the conservative with the man of feeling. . . . As foolishly luxurious as Goldsmith may have considered [the Man in Blacks] behavior, he apparently found it natural and almost unavoidable for a man of sentiment.(Richard C. Taylor, Goldsmith as Journalist . Associated University Presses, 1993) After reading The Character of the Man in Black, you may find it worthwhile to compare the essay with Goldsmiths A City Night-Piece and with George Orwells Why Are Beggars Despised? Letter 26: The Character of the Man in Black, With Some Instances of His Inconsistent Conduct To the Same. 1 Though fond of many acquaintances, I desire an intimacy only with a few. The Man in Black, whom I have often mentioned, is one whose friendship I could wish to acquire, because he possesses my esteem. His manners, it is true, are tinctured with some strange inconsistencies; and he may be justly termed a humorist in a nation of humorists. Though he is generous even to profusion, he affects to be thought a prodigy of parsimony and prudence; though his conversation be replete with the most sordid and selfish maxims, his heart is dilated with the most unbounded love. I have known him profess himself a man-hater, while his cheek was glowing with compassion; and, while his looks were softened into pity, I have heard him use the language of the most unbounded ill-nature. Some affect humanity and tenderness, others boast of having such dispositions from nature; but he is the only man I ever knew who seemed ashamed of his natural benevolence. He takes as much pains to hide his feelings, as any hypocrite would to conceal his indifference; but on every unguarded moment the mask drops off, and reveals him to the most superficial observer. 2 In one of our late excursions into the country, happening to discourse upon the provision that was made for the poor in England, he seemed amazed how any of his countrymen could be so foolishly weak as to relieve occasional objects of charity, when the laws had made such ample provision for their support. In every parish-house, says he, the poor are supplied with food, clothes, fire, and a bed to lie on; they want no more, I desire no more myself; yet still they seem discontented. I am surprised at the inactivity of our magistrates in not taking up such vagrants, who are only a weight upon the industrious; I am surprised that the people are found to relieve them, when they must be at the same time sensible that it in some measure encourages idleness, extravagance, and imposture. Were I to advise any man for whom I had the least regard, I would caution him by all means not to be imposed upon by their false pretences; let me assure you, sir, they are imposters, every one of them; and rather merit a prison than relief. 3 He was proceeding in this strain earnestly, to dissuade me from an imprudence of which I am seldom guilty, when an old man, who still had about him the remnants of tattered finery, implored our compassion. He assured us that he was no common beggar, but forced into the shameful profession to support a dying wife and five hungry children. Being prepossessed against such falsehoods, his story had not the least influence upon me; but it was quite otherwise with the Man in Black: I could see it visibly operate upon his countenance, and effectually interrupt his harangue. I could easily perceive, that his heart burned to relieve the five starving children, but he seemed ashamed to discover his weakness to me. While he thus hesitated between compassion and pride, I pretended to look another way, and he seized this opportunity of giving the poor petitioner a piece of silver, bidding him at the same time, in order that I should hear, go work for his bread, and not tease passengers with suc h impertinent falsehoods for the future. 4 As he had fancied himself quite unperceived, he continued, as we proceeded, to rail against beggars with as much animosity as before: he threw in some episodes on his own amazing prudence and economy, with his profound skill in discovering impostors; he explained the manner in which he would deal with beggars, were he a magistrate; hinted at enlarging some of the prisons for their reception, and told two stories of ladies that were robbed by beggarmen. He was beginning a third to the same purpose, when a sailor with a wooden leg once more crossed our walks, desiring our pity, and blessing our limbs. I was for going on without taking any notice, but my friend looking wistfully upon the poor petitioner, bid me stop, and he would show me with how much ease he could at any time detect an impostor. 5 He now, therefore, assumed a look of importance, and in an angry tone began to examine the sailor, demanding in what engagement he was thus disabled and rendered unfit for service. The sailor replied in a tone as angrily as he, that he had been an officer on board a private ship of war, and that he had lost his leg abroad, in defence of those who did nothing at home. At this reply, all my friends importance vanished in a moment; he had not a single question more to ask: he now only studied what method he should take to relieve him unobserved. He had, however, no easy part to act, as he was obliged to preserve the appearance of ill-nature before me, and yet relieve himself by relieving the sailor. Casting, therefore, a furious look upon some bundles of chips which the fellow carried in a string at his back, my friend demanded how he sold his matches; but, not waiting for a reply, desired in a surly tone to have a shillings worth. The sailor seemed at first surprised at his demand, b ut soon recollected himself, and presenting his whole bundle, Here master, says he, take all my cargo, and a blessing into the bargain. 6 It is impossible to describe with what an air of triumph my friend marched off with his new purchase: he assured me that he was firmly of opinion that those fellows must have stolen their goods who could thus afford to sell them for half value. He informed me of several different uses to which those chips might be applied; he expatiated largely upon the savings that would result from lighting candles with a match, instead of thrusting them into the fire. He averred, that he would as soon have parted with a tooth as his money to those vagabonds, unless for some valuable consideration. I cannot tell how long this panegyric upon frugality and matches might have continued, had not his attention been called off by another object more distressful than either of the former. A woman in rags, with one child in her arms, and another on her back, was attempting to sing ballads, but with such a mournful voice that it was difficult to determine whether she was singing or crying. A wretch, who i n the deepest distress still aimed at good-humour, was an object my friend was by no means capable of withstanding: his vivacity and his discourse were instantly interrupted; upon this occasion his very dissimulation had forsaken him. Even in my presence he immediately applied his hands to his pockets, in order to relieve her; but guess his confusion, when he found he had already given away all the money he carried about him to former objects. The misery painted in the womans visage was not half so strongly expressed as the agony in his. He continued to search for some time, but to no purpose, till, at length recollecting himself, with a face of ineffable good-nature, as he had no money, he put into her hands his shillings worth of matches.
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