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The Boston Tea Party: Taxation Without Representation
On December 16, 1773, a disguised and disgruntled band of colonists boarded British ships. The band was dressed as Mohawk Indians, and called themselves the Sons of Liberty. This act of defiance was a protest against the Tea Act and “taxation without representation”. And so originated the famous historic scene, known to anyone who attended a public elementary school; that of the dumping of 342 chests of tea into the Boston Harbor. What did the British do in response? They passed the punitive Coercive (Intolerable) Acts. As a result the Boston Harbor was closed, to which the colonists became a step closer to revolution; The American Revolution, April 19, 1775 – September 3, 1783,…
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Do Not Shutter the Free Press
No free press and democracy will die in darkness.
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Nietzsche Said This
What does not kill me, makes me stronger.” Most people do not know the origin, of this very popular quote. It can be found in German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche’s 1888 book, Twilight of the Idols (German: Götzen-Dämmerung). Friedrich Nietzsche is known to have suffered much pain in his life; both physically and psychologically. So, in a way, Nietzsche earned the right to comment on the life experience of pain.
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Midas Touch: A Greek myth with a wise lesson
A In 8th century BC, Phrygia was an ancient kingdom located in west-central Anatolia, which is modern day Turkey. The actual Phrygian King, of which the Midas Touch legend is believed to be based, lived during a time of great power and wealth. This ideal world of abundance, presented the possibility to fulfill many earthly desires; the opportunity to hoard a large storehouse of riches and the power that comes with great wealth. The Story: The mythological King Midas wished for and received the magical ability to turn anything he touched into gold; wife, child, water food, etc. At first glance, it appeared to be the perfect wish, but which ultimately led…
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Snowiest Day in Chicago’s History
Snowiest Day in Chicago’s History As reported, “The previous record for single-day snowfall in November was 8 inches recorded on Nov. 6, 1951. This weekend’s snowfall was also the most in the area since nearly 11 inches fell on Jan. 30-31, 2021, according to the weather service.” History making Chicago snowfall
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Marie Antoinette: the last pre-revolutionary queen of France
the phrase “let them eat cake”. This extremely effective piece of propaganda was falsely attributed to the Queen. A simple, yet clever, turn of phrase was an effective way to stir up hostility and resentment towards the monarchy.
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Reign of Terror
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The Rubicon: Both an actual event and also an often used metaphor
Caesar’s route south from Ravenna in 49 BC (drawn by Cristiano64 via Wikimedia) Odds are you have heard the phrase “Crossing the Rubicon “ in one context or another. The historical facts point us to a literal place and event, however, “Crossing the Rubicon “ has also, along with its history, a metaphorical meaning. It represents a decisive and irreversible decision; once made it is final and the consequences must be faced. In its historical context we are referring to Julius Caesar’s crossing of the Rubicon River in 49 BC, which marked the start of a civil war and Caesar’s ultimate rise to power. Though for Julius Caesar, this action…
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O-Ring failure in Challenger Disaster: A Case of Corruption
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History of Opportunity Cost: Be careful what you choose
In the late 19th century the Austrian economist Friedrich von Wieser is credited with conceiving and formalizing the concept of “opportunity cost”. Source Example: A good example of opportunity costs is in the synaptic pruning of our brain. From birth to age three the brain rapidly grows, increasing our synapses from approximately 2,500 to 15,000. However, by the time we reach adulthood, that number is cut in half. The reason for this reduction? As we gain new experiences, some brain connections are strengthened, while those we neglect are reduced or eliminated. The reality is, for everyone, that you cannot have it all; at least not everything all at once. Each…
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Maslow and Dabrowski: Two men famous for their knowledge in self development
In Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, we learn much about the process of self actualization. In the process, there are more people who reach the middle levels, than those who go on to become more actualized. Not everyone creates themselves equally. And yet, we also know it is not an equal and level playing field of resources and opportunities from which each person is born. We all come into the world under our own unique situations, influences, resources and historically relevant timing. What we do, with what we have been given, is a large factor, though definitely not the only factor, in the outcome and quality of our lives. The measurement of…
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O-Ring failure in Challenger Disaster: A Case of Corruption
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The “Hustle and Bustle”: an old saying associated with the Industrial Revolution
The phrase “hustle and bustle” originated in the 19th century. The Dutch word “hutselen” means “to shake”, while the word “bustle”, stemming from the Old English word “bersten”, means to act vigorously. The combined words represent an atmosphere of lively activity and movement. The pace of life was dramatically transformed by a revolution of industry that introduced amazing innovation; a life filled with “hustle and bustle”. What once was a slow and routine life of chores on the farm, became, seemingly overnight for many, a change in density of people and an introduction of diversity and invention like never before. The migration into cities between 1880 and 1900 in America…
