Death Be Not Proud Quotes

Death Be Not Proud is a 1949 memoir written by American journalist John Gunther, about his son Johnny, who was a Harvard-bound teenager when he was diagnosed with cancer. He fought bravely to try to help doctors find a cure for his ailment, but died at age 17. The books title comes from a sonnet by metaphysical poet John Donne: Death, be not proud, though some have called theeMighty and dreadful, for thou art not so;For those whom thou thinkst thou dost overthrowDie not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me.From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be,Much pleasure; then from thee much more must flow,And soonest our best men with thee do go,Rest of their bones, and souls delivery.Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men,And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell,And poppy or charms can make us sleep as wellAnd better than thy stroke; why swellst thou then?One short sleep past, we wake eternallyAnd death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die. Here are some quotes and questions for consideration from John Gunthers Death Be Not Proud. God is whats good in me. Johnny Gunther said this at the age of 6, and it shows that even as a small child, he had a desire to do something meaningful and good for the world. Why do you think his father chose to include this in the novel? Does it give us a better understanding of who Johnny is and the person he might have grown up to become? I have so much to do! And theres so little time! Rather than wallow in self-pity, this is Johnnys reaction after the first exam shows the tumor that has been giving him neck pain. He says it to his mother Frances, and it seems to suggest that he knew his diagnosis was terminal. What do you think Johnny meant by saying he had so much to do? A primitive to-the-death struggle of reason against violence, reason against disruption, reason against brute unthinking force--this was what went on in Johnnys head. What he was fighting against was the ruthless assault of chaos. What he was fighting for, as it were, the life of the human mind. His father realizes that Johnnys battle is not just his own, but that hes seeking answers that will benefit others who may suffer the same illness. But even as he tries to think of a solution, the brain tumor is affecting Johnnys mind and his memory. Oh how tired I feel. What a gut-punch for Johnnys father to read this entry in the young mans diary. Johnny often tried to shield his parents from the depths of his suffering, and even this only touches on a fraction of what he must have been going through at the time. Did this make you think perhaps the treatments Johnny was enduring were not worth the pain he was enduring? Why or why not? Scientists will save us all. Taken out of context, this could be read as an ironic or angry statement about medicines failure to save Johnny from the effects of the brain tumor, but its actually a statement from Johnny himself, written in a final letter to his mother. He feels confident that his battle will not be in vain, and that even if hes not cured, the treatments the doctors tried for him will prompt further study. My grief, I find, is not desolation or rebellion at universal law or deity. I find grief to be much simpler and sadder... All the things he loved tear at my heart because he is no longer here on earth to enjoy them. All the things he loved! The devastating reaction of Johnnys mother Frances as she comes to terms with his death. Do you think this is a feeling commonly shared among the bereaved? How much more acute do you think this feeling is for bereaved parents? These quotes are just one part of our study guide on John Gunthers Death Be Not Proud. See the links below for more helpful resources: Overview of Death Be Not Proud Characters in John Gunthers Death Be Not Proud Terms / Vocabulary Review: Death Be Not Proud Questions for Study Discussion

Platos Apology And Crito Analysis - 1873 Words

Tensions between moral philosopher and the faithful citizen of the polis are highlighted in Plato’s Apology and Crito. In the Apology, Socrates is faced with a death sentence at the hands of the state, but ironically is unapologetic in his discourse while defending himself. The Crito, however, displays Socrates in a dialogue where he chooses to engage and characterize the laws as a means of arguing for his faithfulness to the decision of the polis. Indeed, he uses the laws as a rhetorical device, affirming his attachment to the city and his duty to receive his punishment through the words of a largely unchallenged force which he gives life to. One could argue that these two dialogues are purely adversative, and that within them there is no†¦show more content†¦The Apology presents a dialogue that eludes to Socrates’ accepting law breaking under certain circumstances. Socrates is depicted as a man who stands for what he believes in, regardless of the law. Socrat es expresses this to the jury stating, â€Å"I, men of Athens, salute you and love you, but I will obey the god rather than you† (Apology, 29d2-3) Socrates even could be seen as pardoning disobedience here. Socrates continues in the Apology to defy the potential ruling of the jury by stating that, â€Å"I shall never cease from the practice and teaching of philosophy, exhorting anyone whom I meet after my manner, and convincing him†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Apology, 29d). The charges being discussed are that of corrupting the youth and not believing in the gods of the state, but Socrates disagreed with the heavily. Socrates, regarding his teaching and lifetime of work, stated, â€Å"For this is the command of God, as I would have you know; and I believe that to this day no greater good has ever happened in the state than my service to the God† (Apology, 29d). Thus, the Apology presents a theme that to do what one believes regardless of the civil implications, but only when pursu ing a moral decision. In Plato’s Crito, Socrates establishes a foundation that necessitates obedience to the Laws that are responsible for keeping the city in a state of sustained order. While Socrates may have been sent to prison and condemned to death as a result of societal injustice (or for refusing to submit to the state), heShow MoreRelatedThe Presentation of Socrates Arguements in Plato’s Apology and Crito792 Words   |  4 PagesIn both Plato’s Apology and Crito, Plato presents Socrates arguments clearly and precisely. Socrates is wise man with a different perspective on life, which presents us with a mass of contradictions. Socrates is an expressive man, yet he never recorded any works. He is ignorant, but wrongfully convicted who is willing to fight his unjust execution. Behind these dilemmas is an opposition not often explored. Socrates is the most patriotic of philosophers, who is dedicated to his state. Exploring thisRead MoreThe Reconciliation Of Two Positions1696 Words   |  7 PagesSocrates is renowned for standing up for his beliefs even in the midst of death as portrayed in Plato’s account of Socrates’ defense speech, Apology, in which he gave during his 339 B.C. trial. It is in this eminent speech that Socrates is able show the dedication he has for philosophy, even going as far as to say that he would rather die than to ever cease practicing philosophy. On the other hand, in the Crito, a dialogue between Socrates and one of his faithful friends also written by Plato, the readerRead MorePlatos Views on Life after Death1388 Words   |  6 PagesPlatos views on life after death were manifold, and developed over time as an examination of a bevy of his literature readily indicates. However, during all phases of his writing he does demonstrate that there is in fact life after physical death, which is widely attributed to his notion of the soul. Plat always viewed the soul as an entity that was distinct from the physical body. Moreover, while the physical body was destined to die, the soul was enduring, interminable, and destined to go on somewhereRead MoreBiography of Socrates, An Annotated Bibliography1581 Words   |  6 Pagesinterpretation of human wisdom can be given in terms of â€Å"philosophia†.He confirms his analysis by its resolution of some enduring difficulties in the interpretation of Apology and also by providing the answer as to why Socrates continued to search for knowledge which he thought was impossible to attain. He tries to explain the concept of human wisdom with the help of Socrates sayings. Overall, Dylan provides a clear analysis with the proper tone and style. Kenneth C. Blanchard, Jr. â€Å"The Enemies of Socrates:Read MorePlato1819 Words   |  8 PagesSupposed Contradiction in Plato’s Apology and Crito Ben Blanks, Lynchburg College (Editor’s note: This essay by Ben Blanks is the winner of the North Award for the best paper in the 2012 Agora. Ben presented an earlier version of this paper at the ACTC Student Conference at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, in March, 2011.) When reading the Apology and the Crito of Plato, one inevitably comes upon a seeming fundamental contradiction between the two dialogues. The Apology presents readers withRead MoreSocrates and Civil Obecience or Disobedience1538 Words   |  7 PagesEssay: A Discussion on whether or not I believe that Socrates’ views in the Crito contradict his views expressed in the Apology. My position: I am in disagreement with this statement and my analysis, based on contextual evidence, is as follows: Although I could argue the question posited above from either position, as many have done before and, as many will continue to do after me, I do not believe that Socrates waivers in his beliefs between the two accounts according to Plato. Read MorePlatoSocrates Excellence in Virtue3650 Words   |  15 Pagesa great deal about him from one of his students, Plato. It is in Plato’s report of Socrates’ trial a work entitled, Apology, and a friend’s visit to his jail cell while he is awaiting his death in Crito, that we discover a man like no other. Socrates was a man following a path he felt that the gods had wanted him to follow and made no excuses for his life and they way he lived it. The passage I have chosen from Plato’s Apology is the main passage to which Socrates believed in until his deathRead MoreThe Concept Of Individual Rights1787 Words   |  8 Pagesflourishing personal identity and a flourishing community when a mutually beneficial goal seems to interfere with an exclusive goal; oftentimes, individuals reject making personal sacrifices unless they can see immediate, personal results. The Apology and Crito, written by Plato on the behalf of Socrates, explore the higher ethical concerns that dominated Socrates’ personal life and philosophy, and thus explore his view on how the society and individual should interact. The Republic expresses the viewsRead MoreWhat Are The Charges Against Socrates?1019 Words   |  5 PagesPHIL 1301 30 October 2015 What are the charges against Socrates as recorded in the Apology. Is he guilty of them? Why or why not? The Apology is assumed to be the most realistic account that has been conserved of Socrates defense of himself as it was presented before the Athenian Council. It is in essential agreement with the references to the trial that occur in Plato s other dialogs. We may determine that Apology is not written by Socrates and only contains the words of Socrates that were memorizedRead MoreThe Trial of Socrates: an Analysis and Construction of Socrates Defense2369 Words   |  10 PagesThe Trial of Socrates: An Analysis and Construction of Socrates Defense Understanding the decisions made by the jurymen in Socrates trial will always be a mystery, but one can perceive why some would have voted the way that they did. Politically and historically Athens was a thriving place of innovation and philosophical advancements. Athens could very well be divided, morally on various aspects, one of them being which â€Å"political† affiliation Athenians related themselves with. Some choices

Path of Democracy Throughout the French Revolution Free Essays

â€Å"The French Revolution was a decisive period in the shaping of the modern west. It implemented the thought of the philosophies, destroyed the hierarchical and corporate society of the Old Regime, which was a legacy of the Middle Ages, promoted the interests of the bourgeoisie, and quickened the growth of the modern state† ( Perry. Chase. We will write a custom essay sample on Path of Democracy Throughout the French Revolution or any similar topic only for you Order Now Jacob. Jacob. Von Laue, p. 462). The aristocracy of France was also weakened by the Revolution. The nobles no longer had their ancient rights and privileges making them ordinary people. In the nineteenth century, the ruling class was no longer decided upon by noble birth but by property. This trait was shown before the Revolution. Also the French government was now ran by the aristocrats and the bourgeois. With the bourgeois being given high positions because of their wealth, talent, ambition, and opportunities, they would have an important role in the political life of France. The French Revolution changed the Old Regime, based on a dynastic state, into the modern state it is today. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen concluded that the state was no longer a separation of provinces or estates; it was also no longer a possession of the monarch’s that he believed belonged only to him. The idea of the Declaration showed that the state now belonged to the people as a whole and its power must come from the people to succeed. The people now had the characteristic of individuality of no longer being separated into nobles and commoners. Many surrounding lands took the ideas and reforms of the French Revolution as inspiration to create their own revolution over their land. â€Å"During the nineteenth century, the French Revolution served as a frame of reference for the various political constellations: liberalism, socialism, and conservatism† ( Perry. Chase. Jacob. Jacob. Von Laue, p. 462). Before the Revolution, the state was still closely linked to its religion. Each state had a state church that was the ruling power. â€Å"By disavowing any divine justification for the monarch’s power, by depriving the church of its special position, and by no longer limiting citizenship to members of a state church, the Revolution accelerated the secularization of European political life† (Perry. Chase. Jacob. Jacob. Von Laue, p. 463). The Revolution did away with administrative ways of the Old Regime, and imposed rational ways to the state. Highest ranks of land and position were given to men by their talent and no longer by their birth line. The Revolution also did away with peasantry working obligations, and based taxes on the people’s income. By showing that an ancient order could be overpowered by a new one, The French Revolution inspired other generations to revolt against their abusive model societies. This created three forces with the modern state: total war, nationalism, and a fanatic utopian mentality. These ideas went against the ideas of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and could be destructive to what the French Revolution was creating. The French Revolution also gave birth to the modern nationalism† ( Perry. Chase. Jacob. Jacob. Von Laue, p. 463). During the Revolution, the entire nation was directed loyalty. This view was seen as dangerous by many philosophers because it was feared that it would setback the progress of the Revolution. The Revolution looked to reconstruct society on the ba sis of Enlightenment ideals. These ideas were soon crushed by the terrors and fears of the dangerous forces that had begun to rise in the later years of the Revolution. These forces almost succeeded in ruining what the French reformers had created. How to cite Path of Democracy Throughout the French Revolution, Essay examples