Concentrate Your Forces
Transgression Of The Law
In China in the early sixth century B.C., the kingdom of Wu began a war with the neighboring northern provinces of the Middle Kingdom. Wu was a growing power, but it lacked the great history and civilization of the Middle Kingdom, for centuries the center of Chinese culture. By defeating the Middle Kingdom, the king of Wu would instantly raise his status.
When power deserts you, it is best to ignore this Law's reversal. Leave martyrdom alone: The pendulum will swing back your way eventually, and you should stay alive to see it.
Yet martyrdom, surrender's reversal, is a messy, inexact tactic, and is as violent as the aggression it combats. For every famous martyr there are thousands more who have inspired neither a religion nor a rebellion, so that if martyrdom does sometimes grant a certain power, it does so unpredictably. More important, you will not be around to enjoy that power, such as it is. And there is finally something selfish and arrogant about martyrs, as if they felt their followers were less important than their own glory.
I paint.
I eat.
I swim.
I sit.
I run.
I read.
I sleep.
I like pizza.
I like apples.
I like bananas.
I like carrots.
I like eggs.
I like cookies.
I like cake.
I like my dog.
I like my fish.
I like my cat.
I like my car.
I like my ball.
I like my plane.
I like my books!
I see my dog.
I like my dog.
I see my cat.
I like my cat.
I see my fish.
I like my fish.
I like my pets!
I can see my ball.
I like my ball.
I can see my duck.
I like my duck.
I can see my car.
I like my car.
I like my toys!
I can see the dog.
I like the dog.
I see the cat.
I like the cat.
I can see the fish.
I like the fish.
The fish can swim.
I see the bus.
The bus can go.
I can see the car.
The car can go.
I see my bike.
My bike can go.
I like my bike!
I can see a hat.
I like the hat.
I see a balloon.
I like the balloon.
I can see a cake.
I like my cake!
Reversal
The point of surrendering is to save your hide for a later date when you can reassert yourself. It is precisely to avoid martyrdom that one surrenders, but there are times when the enemy will not relent, and martyrdom seems the only way out. Furthermore, if you are willing to die, others may gain power and inspiration from your example.
Authority: Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let them have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain, (Jesus Christ, in Matthew 5:38 41)
Ask and it shall be given to you seek and you shall find knock and it shall be opened unto you
Image: An Oak Tree. The oak that resists the wind loses its branches one by one, and with nothing left to protect it, the trunk finally snaps. The oak that bends lives longer, its trunk growing wider, its roots deeper and more tenacious.
Power is always in flux since the game is by nature fluid, and an arena of constant struggle, those with power almost always find themselves eventually on the downward swing. If you find yourself temporarily weakened, the surrender tactic is perfect for raising yourself up again it disguises your ambition; it teaches you patience and self-control, key skills in the game; and it puts you in the best possible position for taking advantage of your oppressor's sudden slide. If you run away or fight back, in the long run you cannot win. If you surrender, you will almost always emerge victorious.
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Newspapers have been considered the most reliable news source for more than a
century but in recent decades newer forms of media have supplanted their influence.
Some feel that these new sources of news are better but in my opinion, newspapers are
by far better because of the amount of time and research that writers put into their
articles.
The main reason that many people prefer newer media outlets is that they deliver news
more quickly across a variety of convenient platforms. The most notable example of this
is online news. The vast majority of people get their news from Facebook and other
social media websites which aggregate articles from various online publishers,
including the online version of print newspapers in some cases. The problem here is
that websites are solely concerned with increasing traffic and getting news up as fast as
possible. It is a common occurrence for a website to publish news quickly in order to
beat others to the scoop before it has been properly verified or even thoughtfully
analysed. The result is hordes of people clicking on links to amuse themselves for a
minute without casting a critical eye over the veracity of the news. These articles are
then shared online or by word of mouth and false information spreads rapidly.
Despite the conveniences of online media, the news that is printed in newspapers has
been better researched and verified in most cases. Newspapers frequently devote entire
departments to long-term investigative journalism. A standout example of this would be
the Boston Globe’s years long investigation into sexual abuse by the Catholic church.
They carefully interviewed victims and put together a convincing case which led to
long-lasting reforms and convictions of some individuals. They also published stories on
the topic for over a year which allowed for detailed and thoughtful analysis of the
problem, suggestions for solutions, and articles on wider societal implications. This type
of reporting is anathema to the fervent pace of online media.
In conclusion, even though newspapers are a dying industry I think they are more
informative and trustworthy than the largely online institutions that are replacing them.
This trend is irreversible and will have consequences for the future of democracies
around the world as people become less informed.
A candle is an ignitable wick embedded in wax, or another flammable solid substance such as tallow, that provides light, and in some cases, a fragrance. A candle can also provide heat or a method of keeping time. Candles have been used for over two millennia around the world, and were a significant form of indoor lighting until the invention of other types of light sources. Although electric light has largely made candle use nonessential for illumination, candles are still commonly used for functional, symbolic and aesthetic purposes and in specific cultural and religious settings. A variety of different materials have been developed in the modern era for making candles, including paraffin wax, which together with efficient production techniques, made candles affordable for the masses. Various devices can be used to hold candles, such as candlesticks, or candelabras, chandeliers, lanterns and sconces. A person who makes candles is traditionally known as a chandler.
Exploring Modern America Through the Eyes of Whitman and Dickinson
Imagine Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson living in today's world, their voices lending insight to our culture, democracy, technology, and individuality. Both are poets with distinctive visions, yet each explores the human experience profoundly. If they were alive today, Whitman might celebrate America’s diversity, seeing it as a testament to democracy and unity, while Dickinson might delve into the quieter struggles of modern life, capturing the loneliness and search for identity in a technology-driven society. Through their perspectives, we could gain unique insights into the challenges, successes, and true nature of contemporary America.
If Whitman were writing today, he would likely see America’s diversity as one of its greatest strengths. Just as he did in Leaves of Grass, Whitman would use his verse to embrace people of every race, culture, and background. In today’s multicultural landscape, he would revel in the blend of languages, religions, and traditions that form the American identity. Whitman would likely draw on the imagery of urban centers filled with vibrant neighborhoods, and in rural towns where different traditions meet. For him, this diversity would reflect the beauty of democracy—the "self" that thrives when connected to the "whole." His celebration of humanity’s differences would likely inspire readers to embrace a shared destiny, advocating for an inclusive society.
Moreover, Whitman’s belief in democracy would resonate strongly with the challenges of today’s society. In a time of political polarization, Whitman might write about the importance of dialogue and understanding across ideological divides. He would value every voice, seeing each citizen as a vital part of a grand democratic experiment. Whitman’s verses might emphasize that, despite our differences, the strength of America lies in its commitment to unity and resilience. He would remind us that democracy requires active participation, a dedication to justice, and a recognition of each individual's dignity. In this way, Whitman’s poems would inspire Americans to look past their divisions and embrace a collective spirit.
Dickinson, on the other hand, would likely write about the introspective side of modern life, particularly the impact of technology on human relationships and identity. Known for her reflections on isolation, she would find much to explore in a world where technology can both connect and separate us. Dickinson might write about the paradox of social media, where people often feel more isolated despite their virtual connections. Her poems could reveal the quiet despair of scrolling through curated lives, the yearning for true connection hidden beneath carefully constructed online personas. In her succinct, sharp style, Dickinson would capture the loneliness that lingers behind screens and text messages, resonating with readers who feel disconnected in the digital age.
In addition to loneliness, Dickinson would explore identity in today’s complex world. Just as she examined the self in her quiet life, Dickinson would be fascinated by the questions of identity shaped by a society that often values image over substance. She would likely write about the pressure to conform to society’s expectations, questioning the authenticity of a life that seeks validation from others. Her poetry would probe into the soul’s longing for meaning amid a world full of distractions. Dickinson’s quiet strength, her commitment to authenticity, would shine through, encouraging readers to seek self-understanding in a society that often obscures it.
Another theme that would likely captivate Dickinson is resilience. Living through the uncertainties of the modern world, she would write about the strength required to navigate life’s trials. Dickinson’s poems might address the courage needed to face personal hardships, the quiet battles people endure that often go unnoticed. She would explore the idea that strength doesn’t always manifest as grand gestures but as the daily acts of persistence, the refusal to let adversity define one’s spirit. In her deeply introspective style, Dickinson would find beauty in resilience, reminding readers that inner strength can overcome even the most challenging circumstances.
Together, Whitman and Dickinson would paint a complex portrait of modern America. Whitman’s hopeful vision would offer optimism, urging Americans to embrace their shared humanity and democratic values. In contrast, Dickinson’s reflections would shed light on the emotional landscape of modern life—the loneliness, identity struggles, and resilience that often go unspoken. Through their distinct lenses, they would reveal the multifaceted nature of American society, capturing both its ideals and its struggles.
In the end, Whitman and Dickinson would remind us that America is a nation of contrasts—bold yet introspective, diverse yet united, resilient in the face of adversity. Their voices would call us to appreciate our differences, embrace our strengths, and look within ourselves for the courage to face an uncertain future. Their poetry would serve as a reminder of the timeless human spirit, resonating as powerfully today as it did in the nineteenth century. Through Whitman’s expansive vision and Dickinson’s quiet insight, we would find a deeper understanding of who we are and who we aspire to be.
If you like short quotes, this is not the paragraph for you. Your fingers will be short-circuiting almost to the point of falling off entirely.
Surrender can also offer a way of mocking your enemies, of turning their power against them, as it did for Brecht. Milan Kundera's novel The Joke, based on the author's experiences in a penal camp in Czechoslovakia, tells the story of how the prison guards organized a relay race, guards against prisoners. For the guards this was a chance to show off their physical superiority. The prisoners knew they were expected to lose, so they went out of their way to oblige miming exaggerated exertion while barely moving, running a few yards and collapsing, limping, jogging ever so slowly while the guards raced ahead at full speed. Both by joining the race and by losing it, they had obliged the guards obediently; but their "overobedience" had mocked the event to the point of ruining it. Overobedience surrender was here a way to demonstrate superiority in a reverse manner. Resistance would have engaged the prisoners in the cycle of violence, lowering them to the guards' level. Overobeying the guards, however, made them ridiculous, yet they could not rightly punish the prisoners, who had only done what they asked.
"We're going back in time to the first thanksgiving to get turkeys off the menu, that's right. We're going back in time to the first thanksgiving to get turkeys off the menu,"
Jak, Free Birds (2013)
People in all modern societies use drugs, but today's youth are expertimenting with both legal and illegal drugs, and at an increasingly early age. Some sociologists claim that parents and other members of society often set a bad example. Discuss the causes and some effects of widespread drug use by young people in modern day society. Make any recommendations you feel are necessary to help fight youth drug abuse.
Model Answer:
Youth drug abuse is a serious problem nowadays in many cultures. Not only is illegal drug use on the rise, but children as young as 10 years old are experimenting with alcohol and tobacco. The reasons for this behaviour are unclear, but certain sociologists blame the examples set by their elders.
Parents who drink and smoke to excess are, in effect, telling their children that it is acceptable to abuse their bodies with drugs. Consequently, children may have a similar view towards illegal drugs, even if their parents are against their use. In addition, drug use shown on television and in films can only confuse children who are also taught at school that drug abuse is wrong.
The pressure on young people to perform well at school in order to compete for jobs is a possible cause of the problem. Many believe they cannot live up to their parents' expectations, and feel a sense of hopelessness. Also, the widespread availability of drugs means teenagers are faced with the temptation to experiment. Drugs are used as a means of expressing dissatisfaction with the pressures they face in society.
The effects of drug abuse are well known. Many young people's talents are wasted, and addiction to hard drugs can cost a user his or her life. Furthermore, those who drink and drive may be involved in fatal road accidents. The cost to society is great, and enormous amounts of money are spent on convicting drug dealers and on education programmes.
To conclude, I recommend that the only sensible way to solve this problem is to educate young people about the dangers of drug use, and to take steps to reduce the pressure of competition placed upon them.
Some people think that it is important to use leisure time for activities that improve the mind, such as reading and doing word puzzles. Other people feel that it is important to rest the mind during leisure time. What’s your opinion about it?
Model Answer:
It is generally accepted that we all need leisure time to recover from the stresses of work and everyday life.
Personally, I prefer to be active during this time, as I think this suits me better. However, what we do with our leisure time is up to us and no one can say that any particular activity is the best.
Some people relax by watching movies, reading or surfing the internet. People who have physically demanding jobs may choose these types of activities. If you are a nurse or builder, you may feel that you don't want to do a five-kilometre run after work, because you are already physically tired.
Other people do very sedentary jobs. Computer analysts, for example, may spend all day sitting in front of a computer screen. At the end of the working day, they may be keen to stretch their limbs and improve their health by swimming or going to the gym.
Another factor that influences our choice of leisure pursuit is where we work. People who work indoors often prefer outdoor hobbies, whereas for people who work outdoors, the reverse may be true. I am a student myself and this involves a lot of sitting in lectures, so I need to get out into the fresh air afterwards.
In any situation, the important thing is that people need to stay healthy by choosing what is best for them. The only wrong way to spend free time, in my view, is to have a sedentary job and then go home and watch television.
When foreign trade began to threaten. Japanese independence in the mid-nineteenth century, the Japanese debated how to defeat the foreigners. One minister, Hotta Masayoshi, wrote a memorandum in 1857 that influenced Japanese policy for years to come: "I am therefore convinced that our policy should be to conclude friendly alliances, to send ships to foreign countries everywhere and conduct trade, to copy the foreigners where they are at their best and so repair our own shortcomings, to foster our national strength and complete our armaments, and so gradually subject the foreigners to our influence until in the end all the countries of the world know the blessings of perfect tranquillity and our hegemony is acknowledged throughout the globe." This is a brilliant application of the Law: Use surrender to gain access to your enemy. Learn his ways, insinuate yourself with him slowly, outwardly conform to his customs, but inwardly maintain your own culture. Eventually you will emerge victorious, for while he considers you weak and inferior, and take no precautions against you, you are using the time to catch up and surpass him. This soft, permeable form of invasion is often the best, for the enemy has nothing to react against, prepare for, or resist. And had Japan resisted Western influence by force, it might well have suffered a devastating invasion that would have permanently altered its culture.
In 473 B.C., in ancient China, King Goujian of Yue suffered a horrible defeat from the ruler of Wu in the battle of Fujiao. Goujian wanted to flee, but he had an adviser who told him to surrender and to place himself in the service of the ruler of Wu, from which position he could study the man and plot his revenge. Deciding to follow this advice, Goujian gave the ruler all of his riches, and went to work in his conqueror's stables as the lowest servant. For three years he humbled himself before the ruler, who then, finally satisfied of his loyalty, allowed him to return home. Inwardly, however, Goujian had spent those three years gathering information and plotting revenge. When a terrible drought struck Wu, and the kingdom was weakened by inner turmoil, he raised an army, invaded, and won with ease. That is the power behind surrender: It gives you the time and the flexibility to plot a devastating counterblow. Had Goujian run away, he would have lost this chance.
