Confessions For the Rest of Us :: Literary Analysis, God, Augustine of Hippo

Novels are written with the intent to entertain, textbooks to educate, and scripture to exhort. All writing has a purpose, intentional or otherwise. If this were not the case, writing would contain nothing of value. Autobiographies typically serve to inform the reader about the life of a specific person, yet, in Confessions, Augustine of Hippo displays loftier aims. Among other goals, he attempts to use his life story to indirectly guide others to God and truth, an objective to which he applies his considerable literary skill. Often famous historical icons seem to tower in the public eye, casting a shadow of influence that only increases through the ages; they seem somehow more than human. St. Augustine is just such a figure, yet his simple, candid commentary of his life in Confessions paints him as an ordinary man. Augustine went to great lengths to achieve this image, especially in the commencement of his narration. He begins by hyperbolizing his sin even in childhood stating, â€Å"At the time of my infancy, I must have acted reprehensibly† (Augustine 9), and continues this pattern of self-degradation throughout, not out of false humility, but to prove to his audience that he was not born a saint. Augustine spends greater time than necessary covering his ‘sin’ of stealing pears (Augustine 29-34), an act that most would consider a childish prank, and his sexual desires (in which he certainly was not the greatest sinner of his time) not only to explore the nature of transgression b ut also to build his reputation (or lack of it) with his reader (Augustine 24-28). Later in the narrative he describes what most would view as a moral triumph: I also recall how, when I had decided to enter for a poetry competition at the theatre, a soothsayer of some sort sent to ask what fee I would give him to ensure victory. But I replied that I hated and abominated those vile mysteries, and that even if the crown were immortal and made of gold, I would not allow a fly to be killed to bring about my success. For in his mysteries he would be going to kill animals, and by offering these creatures in honour of daemons, his intention was to gain their support for my winning. (Augustine 53-54) He then proceeds to condemn his intentions saying, â€Å"I refused sacrifice to daemons on my behalf; yet by adherence to that superstition I sacrificed myself to them† (Augustine 54).

Nine Characteristics of Successful Entrepreneurs Essay

1. Motivation Entrepreneurs are enthusiastic, optimistic and future-oriented. They believe they’ll be successful and are willing to risk their resources in pursuit of profit. They have high energy levels and are sometimes impatient. They are always thinking about their business and how to increase their market share. Are you self-motivated enough to do this, and can you stay motivated for extended periods of time? Can you bounce back in the face of challenges? 2. Creativity and Persuasiveness Successful entrepreneurs have the creative capacity to recognize and pursue opportunities. They possess strong selling skills and are both persuasive and persistent. Are you willing to promote your business tirelessly and look for new ways to get the word out about your product or service? 3. Versatility Company workers can usually rely on a staff or colleagues to provide service or support. As an entrepreneur, you’ll typically start out as a â€Å"solopreneur,† meaning you will be on your own for a while. You may not have the luxury of hiring a support staff initially. Therefore, you will end up wearing several different hats, including secretary, bookkeeper and so on. You need to be mentally prepared to take on all these tasks at the beginning. Can you do that? 4. Superb Business Skills Entrepreneurs are naturally capable of setting up the internal systems, procedures and processes necessary to operate a business. They are focused on cash flow, sales and revenue at all times. Successful entrepreneurs rely on their business skills, know-how and contacts. Evaluate your current talents and professional network. Will your skills, contacts and experience readily transfer to the business idea you want to pursue? 5. Risk Tolerance Launching any entrepreneurial venture is risky. Are you willing to assume that risk? You can reduce your risk by thoroughly researching your business concept, industry and market. You can also test your concept on a small scale. Can you get a letter of intent from prospective customers to purchase? If so, do you think customers would actually go through with their transaction? 6. Drive As an entrepreneur, you are in the driver’s seat, so you must be proactive in your approaches to everything. Are you a doer — someone willing to take the reins — or would you rather someone else do things for you? 7. Vision One of your responsibilities as founder and head of your company is deciding where your business should go. That requires vision. Without it, your boat will be lost at sea. Are you the type of person who looks ahead and can see the big picture? 8. Flexibility and Open-Mindedness While entrepreneurs need a steadfast vision and direction, they will face a lot of unknowns. You will need to be ready to tweak any initial plans and strategies. New and better ways of doing things may come along as well. Can you be open-minded and flexible in the face of change? 9. Decisiveness As an entrepreneur, you won’t have room for procrastination or indecision. Not only will these traits stall progress, but they can also cause you to miss crucial opportunities that could move you toward success. Can you make decisions quickly and seize the moment?

Adam Smiths Theory in the Current World Economy Free Essay Example, 1500 words

The free market economy is still the dominant force in the world market today. It will always be an integral part of every economic activity. Yet, even countries like the USA and in Europe, a perfectly free market economy doesn t exist in reality. With the pressing issues of the financial crisis and recessions, the free market is one of the factors that carry the burden to explain what really happened. The evolution of the economy makes Smith s economic freedom much less be effective today. The weakness of this concept already exists since the birth of its definition way back to Smith. Ultimately, there is no way to separate the government from the market. The very least participation of the government is on the provision of currency for the market. Indirect involvement through transportation, infrastructures, defense, and education greatly helps the market economy. Without government interventions, the likelihood that monopolies will take over the free market is highly possible (B echtold, 2011). Maybe, the seemingly faltering free market can point its fingers to the lack or poor economic planning of most countries. If only Adam Smith is alive today, he would definitely make strategic improvements in his free-market ideology. We will write a custom essay sample on Adam Smith's Theory in the Current World Economy or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page Direct interventions can lead to corruption and distortion of market frameworks (Scott, 2006). However, the policy must be created as an open book to everyone, especially the economic players in the free market. This includes the identification of various economic actors and recognition of different market frameworks within the free market system.