The environmental crisis Free Essay Example, 1250 words

Religion and the Environmental Crisis Introduction Scholar of religion Mary Evelyn Tucker, an important voice in the academic field of religion and ecology, declared in 2003 â€Å"the environmental crisis calls the religions of the world to respond by finding their voice in the larger Earth community. In so doing, the religions are now entering their ecological phase. † Religion gives the environment a divine nature a factor that enriches environmental activism. Since religion is the most binding authority over all humans, it is the best yardstick for addressing environmental concern. A careful examination of Jewish and Buddhist environmental sources and activism suggest that from the beginning, religion has been linked to environmental protection. Textual, ethical, legal, and philosophical sources Buddha’s life illustrates how much Buddha loved nature. To begin with, Buddha was born in Nepal a place of natural beauty. He was born in a forest further emphasizing the Buddhist appreciation of nature. Buddha preached his first Dhammacakkapabattansutta in the Deer park and passed away at Sala forest of Malla at Kushinara. This shows the initial attachments of Buddhists to nature. According to Donald K. We will write a custom essay sample on The environmental crisis or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now Swearer, in Buddhism, "not unlike the biological sciences, rebirth links human and animal species, † meaning there is a link between humans and animals. The Buddhists believe in a certain interconnectedness in nature that, "The health of the whole is inseparably linked to the health of the parts, and the health of the parts is inseparably linked to the health of the whole† (Gottlieb 102). Similarly, some of the Buddha-nature found in china including trees, streams, rocks and lotuses are part of a continuous ecosystem. The power of nature in the Buddha religion forms the real basis of the religion. First, because the Buddha spent six years in the forest meditating and Buddhist followers often retreat to nature hence they have a powerful ethical foundation to support a healthy eco system and â€Å"green† lifestyle. In one of the Buddhist sources, the relationship between a tree and a human being is described as follows, â€Å"the t ree indeed is the bearer of the flower and the fruit†¦ the tree gives the shade to all people who come near†¦ the tree does not give shade differently. (Milindapaà ±hÄ , VI, 409 – â€Å"rukkho nÄ ma pupphaphaladharo†¦rukkho upagatÄ namanuppaviÃ… £Ã… £hÄ nam janÄ nam chÄ yam deti†¦, rukkho chÄ yÄ vemattam na karoti†). These characteristics show that the relationship between human beings and nature should be mutual.

Hiv And The Human Immunodeficiency Virus - 1141 Words

HIV It has been three decades since the discovery of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV, which is shockingly one of the few viruses that is incurable. Since being first recognized there has been extraordinary advances in understanding the virus, possible treatments, and prevention. Decades of studying the virus has directed researches toward treatments that help people living with HIV live sustainable lives. Most importantly, is the search for an end to this epidemic through controlling and ultimately ending HIV and an eventual AIDS. AIDS researchers are aggressively pushing 3 key areas of research. First, finding the actual amount of people infected with HIV through voluntary tests and pressing the important of ART (antiretroviral treatment), the only treatment for a sustainably living with HIV. Second, researches are trying to find a cure for HIV which would eliminate the need for lifelong ART. Lastly, preventing any more infections, considering HIV has infected 2.6 million people a nnually. (Dieffenbach, C. W., Fauci, A. S. 2011) The biology behind the virus has improved and affected the understanding of the virology of the virus such as the viral entry, gene expression, and mechanism of the virus that is able to manipulate the host cell to replicate. One of the interesting aspects of the HIV life cycle that caught researcher’s eyes is the generation of the new HIV particles stemming from the infected cells. The Gag (Group specific antigen) protein for HIV isShow MoreRelatedHuman Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv )1359 Words   |  6 PagesThis paper explores the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as well as the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). The virus has infected two million adults and children by the year 2005 already. The virus continues to race around the world, and new HIV infections are at 50,000 per year (Martine Peeters, Matthieu Jung, Ahidjo Ayouba) (2013). The final outcome of the HIV infection is Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). There are many treatments that have developed to help the large numberRead MoreHiv And Human Immunodeficiency Virus Essay1208 Words   |  5 PagesHIV has been a pandemic that has affected the world relentlessly for many years in a never-ending circle. HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is the virus that is spread through certain bodily fluids and can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). HIV attacks the immune system by destroying CD4+ T cells, which leaves the person infected with HIV vulnerable to other infections, diseases, and other complications.1 Once this virus is acquired, the human can never fully rid itself of thisRead MoreHuman Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv )884 Words   |  4 Pages(2010), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that affects the human immune system, leading to a chronic, progressive sickness that leaves people susceptible to opportunistic infections. When the body no longer can fight or resist infections, the condition is at this point referred to as AIDS, which means Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. Averagely, it has been found to take more than ten years to develop from initial infection of HIV to AIDS. Though simple in description, HIV and AIDSRead MoreThe Human Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv )862 Words   |  4 Pagesshown that the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the cause of AIDS. More than 33.4 million people worldwide are infected with the HIV virus today. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency virus. HIV is a virus similar to that of the flu or common cold. The differentiating factor is that with the flu and cold, your body will eventually clear the virus out of your system, but with the HIV virus, the immune system cannot clear it. Getting HIV means you have it for life. The virus immediately beginsRead MoreHuman Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv )1261 Words   |  6 PagesHuman Immunodeficiency Virus Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has become more commonly seen in the world. It is important to show compassion rather than judging that patient based on a virus. The hygienist plays an important role in making the patient feel comfortable and in a judgment free environment. The patient should not feel as if the disease or virus defines the overall character of the patient. Standards precautions are still the same when treating all patients with or without a compromisingRead MoreThe Human Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv )948 Words   |  4 PagesThe Uses of Blood by the HIV Virus Blood-borne diseases have contributed greatly to poor health outcomes among individuals and communities. Though blood fulfills various functions to ensure our survival, it can also act as the mechanism through which we become diseased. Understanding the characteristics of such infectious diseases is essential to preventing further cases. In this paper I will discuss how the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) uses blood to cause illness within the infected individualRead MoreHiv And Human Immunodeficiency Virus1205 Words   |  5 PagesWhat is HIV? HIV is a fatal disease which stands for â€Å"Human Immunodeficiency Virus† it is a failure to the immune system to protect the body from any infections. This virus causes a condition called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. When HIV is left untreated it leads to another disease called â€Å"AIDS†. It can occur in any age, race, sex or sexual orientation. The highest risk of contracting HIV is having unprotected sex and sha ring needles with others. Another factor are people that have STI’s andRead MoreThe Human Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv )980 Words   |  4 Pages The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is an immune system disorder that can be contracted through sexual activity as well as other types of contact. (Healthy Living, pg. 79) If left untreated this virus can turn into AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). AIDS is the final stage of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). (aids.gov) AIDS is an incurable progressive disease that causes gradual destruction of CD4 T cells by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). (Diseases, pg. 431) A healthyRead MoreHiv, Or Human Immunodeficiency Virus998 Words   |  4 PagesQuestion 1 HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, attacks the human immune system and greatly weakens the body’s ability to fight foreign invaders and infection. HIV first demanded notice in the early 1980s in the United States in homosexual men displaying illnesses like Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and Kaposi’s sarcoma. The disease was soon observed in IV drug users, hemophiliacs, and blood transfusion recipients, but became publicized as a â€Å"gay disease,† nicknamed by the media as GRID, or Gay-RelatedRead MoreHuman Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv )1349 Words   |  6 Pages Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retro virus that causes AIDs by infecting the T Helper cells of the body’s immune system. The AIDS virus is the final stages of the HIV virus. HIV is a lentivirus genus, which is a subgroup of the retrovirus that causes the AIDS virus. Even with proper treatment, an infected person has a life expectancy of less than ten years.As the virus weakens t he human immune systems, this effectleaves the patient compromised and at risk to opportunistic infections

Human Potential †Of Mice And Men Free Essays

In the novel Of Mice And Men, John Steinbeck Illustrates human potential and its effects on Lennie Crooks and George. Steinbeck suggests humans have the natural potential to seek happiness although the potential can be fatal or harmful. Although Lennie does not have the potential to be smart, Lennie has the potential to be a hard worker. We will write a custom essay sample on Human Potential – Of Mice And Men or any similar topic only for you Order Now However, Lennie s strength did not work with him and the result was fatal. Lennie is an extremely large man who had the strength of a bull. With the use of his strength, he was great worker but did not understand how strong he was. George explains Lennie s strength by: â€Å"that big bastard can put up more grain alone than most pairs can†( Steinbeck 34). Through his size and his enormous amount of strength Lennie could out work the other men of the ranch by himself. Through the use of Lennie s strength he became a great worker who knew nothing more than to work. Lennie uses his potential to work hard, but does not understand how strong he is. Without George, Lennie does not understand what to do. Lennie gets frightened and uses his strength to hold on to objects. Lennie is just like a child. He will do what ever George tells him to: â€Å"Curely was flopping like a fish on a line, and his closed fist was lost in Lennie s hand. George slapped [Lennie] in the face again and again and still Lennie held on(63). Through Lennie s actions we can see that Lennie is very similar to a child. Lennie s first instinct when he is scared is to hold on. Just as a little kid holds on to its mom or dad when they become frightened, Lennie holds on to objects. Because of Lennie s low intelligence to understand his strength, he becomes frightened and kills Curley s wife and as a result, she ends up being killed by is otential: â€Å"She took Lennie s hand and put it on her head And then she cried angrily. Lennie s fingers closed on her hair and hung on. He shook her and her body flopped like a fish. And then she was still†(91). Lennie did not understand his strength and became frightened, and once again just like just like a little child he held on. But he ended up breaking Curley s wife neck. As a result of his actions Lennie ended up dead. Lennie had an extremely great potential to use his strength and become a great worker. However his difficulty to understand his strength lead to his death. Unlike Lennie Crooks potential is his knowledge, and Crooks has the ability to use his knowledge to, try to escape the problems he has on the ranch. However Crooks falls back into a 1930s attitude and chooses to neglect his knowledge. Crooks also uses his knowledge to express his ideas and feelings to Lennie. â€Å"Books ain t no good. A guy needs somebody to be near him A guy goes nuts if ain t got nobody†. (72) Crooks is proving that he is a very knowledgeable man When around others he may chooses to use his knowledge to express his ideas and become a stronger influence. Crooks uses his wisdom to express his ideas and eelings and leave a very strong impact. Crooks has the likelihood to use his knowledge, but how he uses his wisdom will determine his fate. â€Å"I said s pose George don t come back no more. S pose he took a powder and just ain t coming back. What ll you do then? He won t do it Lennie cried. He ll come back tonight —†(71). Crooks is using his knowledge as a power trip on Lennie who does not understand what Crooks is saying. Crooks is doing this because he has never had a chance to use his knowledge in such way before, but is really abusing it. Crooks chooses to use his knowledge around Lennie. But when a higher authority is around Crooks chooses to ignore it for his own safety. â€Å"Listen nigger, [Curley s wife] said, (y)ou know what I can do to you if you open your trap? Crooks seemed to grow smaller, and he pressed himself against the wall. Yes ma am, and his voice was toneless†(80). When a higher authority is present Crooks chooses to ignore his knowledge because he is scared to speak out for fear of losing his job. Despite Crooks, knowledge he chooses to ignore it around higher authority, this ending up in a 1930 s attitude with his knowledge going to waste. Unlike Lennie or Crooks George has the potential to be his own boss. If George does not work hard enough his potential to be his own boss will be lost and his dream will be crushed. George has always wanted to be his own boss. When he sees that the potential is there, George tries to act on it. George says: â€Å"We d just go there, we wouldn t ask nobody if we could â€Å"(61). George would love to be his own boss and do his own thing, mainly because George would not have to take orders from any one. To accomplish being his own boss, George tries to save his money so that he can buy the ranch: â€Å"If me an Lennie work one onth an don t spen nothing, well have a hundred bucks† (60). To fulfill his potential to be his own boss, George says he will save his money and not spend any. If George can accomplish this he will be his own boss. When Lennie breaks Curley s wife s neck, George realizes that the potential to be his own boss is lost. Candy says: † You an me can get that little place, can t we George? Candy dropped his head and looked down at the hay. He knew†(94). Now that Lennie has broken Curley s wife s neck, George realizes that his possibility of being his own boss is gone. Without Lennie, George feels here is no hope. As a result the potential to be his own boss is lost. George has a great potential to be his own boss, but with the death of Lennie, George loses hope. George has chosen his fate to be a worker and not to be his own boss. In his novel, Of Mice And Men, John Steinbeck illustrates to us that all humans have the potential to do well, but how they use their potential will determine their fate. Lennie, Crooks and George all have one thing on their mind: to accomplish their potential and make it reality. If they do not use their potential It can a source of pain and an unfulfilled dream. How to cite Human Potential – Of Mice And Men, Essay examples