Torrance Haley

Henry Ford

       Henry Ford was one of the greatest and most influential pioneers of American cars. He is most known for creating Ford Car Company. Ford was born in Wayne County near Dearborn, Michigan. Ford’s quote “Whether you think you or you think you can’t, either way your right” is an example of how he lived his life. I agree that we cannot allow for someone to control us like chess pieces on a board. There is no wrong or right way. We have to step out on faith. I once left a job on the first day because the supervisor belittled the coworker from start to finish.  Henry Ford was successful because of his determination. At the age of 16, he left home walking to the nearby town of Detroit for work in machine shops. In 1893 he built his first gasoline engine known as the horseless carriage. Without support at the Detroit Automobile Company, he would leave and open up his own company making race cars. Ford brought out the companies share owners and was able to double the pay of his workers to $5 a day. He created the first V8 engine in 1932 after the Model A turned out to be a disappointment. Ford funded a trip to Europe for 150 personnel with hopes of ending the war with Germany. He ran a political campaign in 1918 for Senate but lost by narrow margins. He brought a local newspaper in Dearborn which published some controversial, bigotry and anti Semitic writings. He was awarded the Nazi regime’s Grand Cross in 1934 for his high regards to Germany and Adolf Hitler. Ford died in 1947 from cerebral Hemorrhage. 

       It can be argued that Henry Ford was one of America’s greatest pioneers. From his contributions of the Ford industry producing cars and supplies used for war to financial assistance for development and research, his name will always circulate as one of the greats. If it would have not been for some of his personal views, Ford could have been one of the greatest in American history.

                                                                                                                          Torrance D. Haley

Works Cited

Biography.com Editors. “Henry Ford Biography.” Biography.com website. A&E Television Networks. <http://www.biography.com/people/henry-ford-9298747>.

Gelderman, Carol W. "Henry Ford." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica. Web. 18 Jan. 2016. <http://www.britannica.com/biography/Henry-Ford>.

History.com Staff. "Henry Ford." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 01 Jan. 2009. Web. 18 Jan. 2016. <http://www.history.com/topics/henry-ford>.

“The Purpose of Education”

       Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a clergy man and one of America’s greatest civil rights activists. He was the son of Alberta and Martin Luther King Sr. born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. King was a busy man with a long list of credits and accomplishments before his assignation in 1968. Reverend, Civil Rights Activist, Non Violence Organizer, NAACP Leader, Southern Christian Leadership Conference Leader, graduate from Moorehouse (BA), Crozer Theological (BD), and Boston University (Ph D). His ideas and ways have greatly influenced views on politics, religious actions, leaders, business and compensations. Dr. King will forever be remembered for his “I Have a Dream Speech” given in Washington D.C. during the march on Washington. From previous writings later published in “The Papers of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”, “The Purpose of Education” He wrote “there was a misconception in most college men.” He felt that education has a twofold function. It could easily be said that utility and culture could be identified as the two. A man can become more efficient through education. This is normally done to reach a goal in life. Education and training causes quick thinking. We are prone to propaganda, prejudices and half-truths in life.  In order for us to save ourselves from this we will need education. Even through classroom, platforms and pulpits teaching, they can’t be scientifically proven. Our education should be proven through evidence and support. Although the purpose of education is to get us to think critically, a person with no morals will still be considered a menace to society. King said, “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character ­­– that is the goal of true education.” Education is designed to get us to think deeper than the basics. I can agree that that statement is true. I came back to school to further my education for my family and self. Dr. King would be a prime example with his seminary degree and Ph D, that a good man can become a better man.

                                                                                                                          Torrance D. Haley

Works Sited

Biography.com Editors. "Martin Luther King Jr." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television. 26 Apr. 2016. <http://www.biography.com/people/martin-luther-king-jr-9365086>.

“The Purpose of Education” The Papers of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. Martin Luther King Jr. and The Global Struggle for Freedom. 27 Feb 2016. <http://kingencyclopedia.stanford.edu/encyclopedia/documentsentry/doc_470200_000.1html>.  

Paulo Coelho

       Paulo Coelho is a Brazilian lyrist and novelist. He was born on August 24, 1947 in Rio de Janeiro. According to Biography.com “Paulo Coelho’s book The Alchemist sold 35 million copies and is the most translated book of living authors.” As a child, Coelho expressed to his mother that he had dreams of being a writer. She simply informed him that his dad was a logical man and had different visions. He had a troublesome childhood which landed him in a mental institution. He attended law school briefly after getting out of the institution. He dropped out of mainstream society and began to party, have sex and use drugs. He wrote songs for musicians opposing his country’s military rule. He was jailed three times and tortured for his political views. In 1986 he had a spiritual awakening while walking the 500 mile catholic pilagrimage road of Santiago de Compostela. This was a turning point in his life. After a few failed attempts, he finally wrote his first book The Pilgrimage. This book was about things that happened while he traveled Spain. Although his life was okay at the time, he was still unhappy in a sense. He left his jobs as a photographer and song writer to become a writer because that’s where his heart was at. He would follow up with “The Alchemist” one of his best books. It was about a young man leaving home to explore the world. Not wanting to listen to his father’s advice, he would learn that the greatest things of life were within. Coelho said, “The world is changed by your example, not your opinion.” He went against what others felt he could not do. He followed his heart to become the person he is today. I never let anyone’s opinions guide me in the opposite direction of positive intentions. People will lead you the wrong way to satisfy their own personal agenda.

       With 26 books to his credit, Coelho continues to write books on a average of every two years. He is still active, writing, traveling and still eagerly wanted and anticipated by fans. He can be found on your local social media sites such as Facebook, Myspace and Twitter. At the age of 69 he continues to write and be an inspiration to the new generations.

                                                                                                                          Torrance D. Haley

Works Cited

Goodyear, Dana. "The Astonishing Appeal of Paulo Coelho, The Magnus”, 07 Apr. 2007: n. pag. Newyorker.com. The New Yorker, 07 Apr. 2007. Web. 15 Feb. 2016.<http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2007/05/07/the-magus>

"Paulo Coelho." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television. 16 Feb. 2016. <http://www.biography.com/people/paulo-coelho-5524>.

Heraclitus

       Heraclitus was a Greek philosopher born around 540 BC in Ephesus, Antolia. Ephesus was one of the greatest Greek cities during the Persian era. This is now Turkey, Asia Minor. Remnants and old city remains can still be seen in the area of the once heavily populated area in western Turkey (Encyclopedia Britannica Online).

       He is said to have been one of the greatest thinkers born before Socrates. He claims to have been self taught and educated but nothing is really known about his early life. He was influenced by Anaximander, Pythagoras and a few others. Known for his wisdom, it was told that he turned down being the King of Ionians to let his brother rule. Heraclitus is remembered for three philosophical principles, universal flux, the unity of opposites and Ontology. The only thing traced back to him was a little over 100 deposits of a book he made to the temple. His work left behind, was a book of proverbial quotes that seemed unfinished. Heraclitus most active time was during 500 BC. There are no traces of him having any student that he taught directly. He is best known for saying “things are constantly changing, opposites coincide and fire is the basic material of the world” (“Heraclitus”). Heraclitus quote said “Opposition brings concord: Out of discord comes the fairest harmony.” This quote simply means we can agree to disagree. It was said that Heraclitus was a very direct and outspoken person. He was not into politics but he meddled in political affairs which upset a lot of people. This can be contributed to the way people felt about him. He was an aristocrat and a loner. His social skills were said to have been minimal with others. It can be said that this quote is a direct reflection of his life. I myself can relate to the quote as well. I don’t believe in arguing with people over opinions. I often remind people to never argue with fools because they will drag you down to their level and beat you every time.

                                                                                                                         Torrance D. Haley

Works Cited

Malpas, J., “Donald Davidson.” The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Winter 2012 Edition. Edward N. Zalta (ed.). <http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/win2012/entries/davidson/>.

“Heraclitus.” Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica Inc., 2016. Web. 25 Mar. 2016.
<http://www.britannica.com/biography/Heraclitus>.

"Hercalitus of Ephesus." The Window Philosophy On The Internet. Ed. Chris Marvin.Web. 26 March 2016<http://www.trincoll.edu/depts/philo/phils/hercalitus.html>.

"HERACLITUS AND THE METAPHYSICAL TRADITION." Weblog post. Heraclitus and the Metaphysical Tradition. Web. 28 Mar. 2016.<http://www.bard.edu/bluecher/lectures/heraclitus/heraclitus.htm>.