Essay on Our Posthuman Future The Philosophical Implications

Introduction This essay is about the philosophy of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and it will delve deep into the question of the many philosophical implications of AI. In this paper, I will argue that a machine being able to think and the possibility of an emerging post human future due to the hypothetical invention of AI has philosophical implications for the future of humanity. The intersection of strong and weak AI with human consciousness is also explored through the examples of IBM’s AI systems such as Watson and Deep Blue. Overall, the aim of this essay is to examine the philosophical implications of the emerging post human future. Before launching into the full-fledged discussion, it would be in the fitness of things to clarify†¦show more content†¦While we can make machines play chess and Jeopardy with success and in many ways much better than a great percentage of the human population but can we also make machines that are emotional, prone to aesthetics, and r esponsive to the finer aspects of human existence? These are some of the themes that are explored in detail in this paper. Can Machines Think? This section examines the question with reference to the examples of IBM’s Watson and Deep Blue supercomputers and explores strong and weak AI compared to human intelligence. The overarching theme in this section is to discuss the intriguing question as to whether machines can think. First, we need to define as to what is meant by machines having the ability to think. The process of thinking is a matter of great importance to cognitive scientists and researchers who are engaged in studying the nature of human thinking and problem solving. The first definition of what it means to think is that of the Enlightenment Philosopher, Thomas Hobbes who posited, â€Å"Thinking was nothing more than reckoning† (Mays, 1952, 159). Next, the other philosophers like Kant, Leibniz, and Hume postulated that thinking is an extension of one’s mind, which is echoed by Descartes (widely regarded as the pioneer of cognition) who stated, â€Å"I Think, Therefore I am† (Mays, 1952, 161). This leads us to the premise that the human mind is akin to a computer, which derives its intelligence from calculation that is similar toShow MoreRelatedCartesian Dualism And Transhumanism : Theories Within Their Time Contexts1510 Words   |  7 Pagesand Kovach 1972.) By making the distinction between reality and our perception of reality through consciousness, and being aware of the â€Å"self,† it allowed for the study of humans as an attempt to make his theory objective. This made psychology a practise, and is a huge strength of Descartes dualism (Leahey 2004.) However, due to Descartes reliance on doubt as a way of explaining and supporting his theory, this led to many philosophical psychologist doubting existence of the external world, for exampleRead MoreTechnology Is The Most Likely Possibility For A Utopia Within The 21st Century2064 Words   |  9 Pagesthe potential technology brings, there is also a worryingly large chance that we could wipe ourselves out. In this essay, I will be talking about the pros and cons of these technological advances from a philosophical view in the context of utopia, and trying to decipher whether a technological future is all that humanity hopes it will be. For those looking for a techno-utopia, the lure of transhumanism is understandable. By using machines in order to enhance and progress humans, transhumanism representsRead MoreNew World Order in Conspiracy Theory13987 Words   |  56 Pagesradical right-wing ideology articulated by British post-Third-Position  activist  Troy Southgate, called for a  insurrection  against, and  secession  from, the Zionist, capitalist New World Order.[15][16]  National-anarchists see a convergence in the near-future between the  decentralist left  and  decentralist right  rising to combat the political and economic  centralization  of the New World Order.[17] After the  turn of the century, specifically during the  financial crisis of 2007–2010, many politicians and

Truman Capotes In Cold Blood Novel vs Movie Essay

The book, â€Å"In Cold Blood†, is a nonfiction story by Truman Capote. This book presents one of the worst murders in history. It was a best seller worldwide, and turned into a successful movie. As usual the movie does not stand up to the book. If you want more knowledge of the townspeople, victims and more insight into the trial, more background details of the murders, you should read the book. If you are interested in history and a good murder mystery all in the confines of a book cover, read In Cold Blood by Truman Capote. While reading the book â€Å"In Cold Blood† you are introduced to the Clutter family one by one. You learn that Herb Clutter is the head of the house. He is well liked and respected by the townspeople. Mr. Clutter was a†¦show more content†¦The tone is set quickly and effectively. With the book and the movie you â€Å"are not being invited into fictional believe and deaths, into the imagination, but into the absorbing reality of flesh and blood†. (McCabe 561). The good people of Holcomb do not like strangers, but are faithful to their neighbors. Truman Capote traveled to Kansas in the fall of 1959, â€Å"with a footlocker of comestibles sufficient to support a few weeks of life in the forbidden land†.(Literary Classics 2). The population of Holcomb was untrusting and suspicious of anyone alien to it. In due time Mr. Capote became as much a fixture of Finney County, Kansas as the roadside signs welcoming you to their fair city. During the investigation the reader gets totally involved with Alvin Dewey, the main detective in the Clutter investigation. â€Å"When they find Smith and Hickock, Capote makes the reader wants to cheer aloud for the investigators.† (Manaly 1). The movie is not as involved, you do not get as caught up in the investigation while watching the events of their capture unfold, as you do while reading Capotes reenactment. The trial was scheduled to start on March 22, 1960. The novel follows the trial extremely close. Mr. Capote was there in Garden City where the trial would be held. The defendants’ lawyer asks for Smith and Hickock to be sent to a state mental hospital in Larned, for evaluation, Judge Tate

Gender, Masculinity, And Gender Roles - 1380 Words

This is a movie where all the main characters are women. It is about strong women who should, based on other films, develop in a typically feminine problematic environment, but is instead, viewed from the perspective of women themselves. They are not observed from outside in, but from the inside out. At the same time, Danzon reverses and thus subverts the classic representations of gender, while relocating and challenging gender roles. Unlike the common representation of women in former Mexican cinema, femininity is not defined as being an opposition to masculinity in the film. In fact, men almost rarely appear. When they do appear, they appear as constructed discourse, female imagination, or as feminized subjects. The traditional excessive narrative and visual that usually characterizes a melodrama that manifests through the body of the woman is not the case in Danzon. In Danzon, is it the body of transvestite Susi that is decorated and fetishized; it is the body of Reuben, the you ng lover of Julia, which appears as an object of desire; and it is not sexual desire of the mysterious figure of Carmelo to Julia that serves as reason to the narrative. Furthermore, Julia occupies and develops the role of seductress, conqueror, and possessor of desire; images that are otherwise a traditional cinematographic male role. Another central element that violates the traditional forms of representation is not only the fact that the female figures replace male and their roles, but theShow MoreRelatedMasculinity and Gender Roles1232 Words   |  5 PagesHow is gender and gender roles socially constructed? Soulliere states that gender is a cultural creation that is frequently developed by and represented through popular cultural media such as advertisements, music, sports, and entertainment television (Soulliere 2006). The article â€Å"Wrestling with Masculinity: Messages about Manhood in the WWE† by Danielle M. Soulliere (2006), examines messages about manhood revea led by televised professional wrestling (Soulliere 1). Messages concerning masculinityRead MoreMale Masculinity : Gender Roles2013 Words   |  9 PagesMale Masculinity in Media Male gender roles in contemporary media that are negatively portrayed through masculinity greatly effects the physical, psychological, and behavioral image of men. The social construct of masculinity in society and its relationship to males is generally reflected in male media consumption. The popular concept of women’s feminine image in the media is vastly overshadowed and more predominantly acceptable in subtle society in comparison to male’s image of masculinity. AdvertisingRead MoreMasculinity And Gender Roles For Women Essay1807 Words   |  8 PagesThe definition of masculinity has periodically changed throughout history and has been consequently refabricated. It is no longer related solely to biological attributes but has evolved into emotional, physical, and intellectual beings, altering societies opinion of what â€Å"being a man† actually is. Subconsciously, feminism has drawn their swords in the art of picket fences and created a barrier towards men built off animosity and egotism. What started in the late 19th century, woman were seeking aRead MoreGender Roles, Masculinity, And Society999 Words   |  4 Pagesinto this masculine gender role that hurts them and those who surrounding them. Many who are conditioned since birth to be masculine which can have a massive impact on them later in life to make them emotionally stunted. Media also displays the model that men cannot be abused by women often, which affects their response to the abuse of themselves because that behavior has been normalized. This will be focused on how gender roles, masculinity, and society all have their own roles when it comes to perpetuatingRead MoreThe Role Of Gender Roles On Masculinity And Femininity1010 Words   |  5 PagesFirstly, one of the aspects of gender role is the distinction of roles based on masculinity and femininity or sex and gender. Before Blanche’s arrival, for Stanley being the masculine and the head of the house who is in absolute control and Stela being the woman of the house who takes care of the house: their relationship was happily as both know their part and were comfortable with it. As a motif, Stanley brings the food symbolizing that he is the man of the house and Stella cooks the food thatRead MoreGender Roles Are A Conception Of Femininity And Masculinity Essay1157 Words   |  5 PagesWomen in Advertisements Gender roles are a conception of femininity and masculinity. The gender roles for men and women in society are partially constituted of individual thinking. These conceptions and gender roles are not completely biological but also social and cultural. Women are earning advanced degrees and are entering careers which have been traditionally dominated by men. But women are still depicted as images of beauty and sexuality in movies, video games and advertisements. This paperRead MoreGender Roles And Issues Regarding Feminisms And Masculinity939 Words   |  4 PagesGender in Popular Culture Gender is very crucial element in the American popular culture. What comes in mind when we talk about gender in the American popular culture so many questions go through the mind. The questions will go back to the gender roles and issues concerning feminisms and masculinity. One may question any advantage of being a male to a female because this is where stereotypes are arising especially in the American popular culture. Many scholars have written on gender and culture;Read MoreDouble Standard of Masculinity in Gender Role Socialization2574 Words   |  11 PagesMasculinity is a topic that has been debated in our society extensively, through research as well as in informal settings. Many wonder what it means to be masculine, and if we can really assign a definition to such a subjective term. After all, shouldnt ones own perception be the determinant of what constitutes masculinity? This self-construction would be the ideal in our society, but unfortunately, it represents a false bel ief. Masculinity has certain characteristics assigned to it by our cultureRead More Double Standard Of Masculinity In Gender Role Socialization Essay2420 Words   |  10 Pages Masculinity is a topic that has been debated in our society extensively, through research as well as in informal settings. Many wonder what it means to be masculine, and if we can really assign a definition to such a subjective term. After all, shouldnt ones own perception be the determinant of what constitutes masculinity? This self-construction would be the ideal in our society, but unfortunately, it represents a false belief. Masculinity has certain characteristics assigned to it by our cultureRead MoreHow Hegemonic Masculinity Has Set Ideas Of Gender Roles Essay1100 Words   |  5 PagesLiterature Review There are many existing literatures on women and weightlifting. This research will be focusing on how hegemonic masculinity has set ideas of gender roles and how these women challenge the social discourse that they face being a muscular or look ‘manly’. A study by Brace-Govan (2004), focused on external factors that attempted to contain the interest and access to weightlifting as well as epiphanic moments during interview sessions. The article concluded that the sense of achievements

A Report On The Food Industry, Target Market And Swot...

This purpose of this report is to provide detailed Situation Analysis for new business in healthy food industry. The report presents the overview, competitors in the industry, target market and SWOT analysis. The aim of this report is to help you in designing market plan. There is rising potential business opportunity in this Industry because consumers are showing greater concerns over eating healthy. Therefore the numbers of potential and existing direct competitors are on rise too. However, tactical and strategically marketing plans could be used to neutralise the threats and build on strengths. The brand strength and inside knowledge will allow brand equity to pass to the new product improving its initial appeal. Price skimming,†¦show more content†¦Given the industry is larger in number of known certified primary producer operations (by an additional 40%), and taking into consideration the informal market, the overall value of the industry market could be closer in value to $0.4bn.Internationally there has been growth year on year of organics. Growth has ranged from 11% to just over 2%. So there is wide scope for healthy food market in future. The market has many competitors also like Subway, Lite n Easy, boost juice nationally and locally based competitors. Canberra has great potential for healthy food industry. Competitors The healthy food cafe will face pure competition. -Subway is an American fast food restaurant franchise that primarily sells submarine sandwiches (subs) and salads. It is owned and operated by Doctor s Associates, Inc. Subway is one of the fastest growing franchises in the world, with 42,673 restaurants in 108 countries and territories as of September 13, 2014. It is the largest single-brand restaurant chain. It has 10 franchises in Canberra in all major suburbs and is the major direct competitor in local market. Subway is the

The New Testament - 2024 Words

For Bultmann the New Testament writings are filled with the remnants of a mythological view of the world based primarily on Jewish Apocalyptic ideas and Gnosticism. This causes the church to unreasonably demand that its converts accept this mythology, despite the fact that the advances in science have made it impossible for this viewpoint to be held any longer. Bultmann allows that the myths of the New Testament, while factually untrue, may communicate certain truths of real value. The question then for Bultmann is, is there a truth to the gospel beyond the false mythology it assumes (3)? Bultmann maintains that for the church to take the stance that a person must believe the mythology the New Testament message is couched in would be for them to change faith into works. Here he seems to make a simple error. Faith is not some amorphous feeling one has, it must have substance. You must have faith in something or else what you have is not faith. As such, to maintain one must have faith in what Bultmann considers to be mythology is not to make faith works, it is to advocate for faith in a specific thing. A more realistic concern of Bultmann s is that such acceptance would entail a divided existence for the person so inclined, who would be unable to live in the modern world under such a primitive world view. The advances in science and technology are such that they have made nonsense of the majority of the truths contained in the creeds of the church. Our knowledge of the worldShow MoreRelatedThe Testament Of The New Testament1740 Words   |  7 Pages The New Testament is known as the second major part of the Christian biblical cannon. The New Testament, unlike the Old Testament is responsible for spreading Christianity Theology to the world. The book was written by the disciples of Jesus. When one hear of the book, one’s mind think about the apostle Paul, since he is the one responsible for a large portion of the book and is one of the most studied out of the apostles. Paul has written: First Thessalonians, Galatians, Philemon, Romans and manyRead MoreThe Old Testament And New Testament1373 Words   |  6 PagesThe names â€Å"Old Testament† and â€Å"New Testament† are inherently theological in nature. Because there is a difference distinctly built into giving them different notations, it implies that there are differences between each the Old Testament and the New Testament, whether it is subtle in nature or obvious in nature. To Christians, the difference means that the Old Testament contains dealings between God and the world and even some of the rules made are made irrelevant by the interactions of Christ JesusRead MoreThe New Testament925 Words   |  4 Pages5215218 In the center of the New Testament a centric theme is present -- Jesus is the Messiah and He has helped bring salvation to Jews and Gentiles alike. In order to understand this theme throughout the New Testament it has to be through the scope of the culture that Jesus was brought in and in of each section of the New Testament. Jesus came a time when the Jewish culture was prospering, but also under pressure from the Roman Empire. The Gospel’s tell of the story of Jesus and how he proved toRead MoreThe New Testament1079 Words   |  5 Pagesthe New Testament, I looked at the New Testament. There I found an account, not in the least of a person with his hair parted in the middle or his hands clasped in appeal, but of an extraordinary being with lips of thunder and acts of lurid decision, flinging down tables, casting out devils, passing with the wild secrecy of the wind from mountain isolation to a sort of dreadful demagogy; a being who often acted like an angry god — and always like a god.† (271) Chesterton’s depiction of the New TestamentRead MoreThe Old Testament And New Testament1704 Words   |  7 Pagesto discover them.† So, I would like to propose that Christians should read the Old Testament to discover the story and character of God that is concealed within the pages of the Old Testament stories. By taking a little time to understand the context of the stories in the Old Testament readers can see the faithfulness, loving nature, and kindness of God. Most times people are dissuaded from reading the Old Testament books because they assume God is mean and harsh within those pages, but that simplyRead MoreThe New Testament791 Words   |  4 PagesThe New Testament The second part of the Christian Bible is the sacred books of the New Testament. It is the recordings of Jesus and his earliest followers’ lives and teachings. The New Testament only covers several decades unlike the Old Testament, which covers thousands of years. The earliest manuscript we have containing all the books of the New Testament comes from 300 A.D however it included books that are not in the Bible today (Schenck, 2010, p. 27). â€Å"The Council of Carthage in A.D. 397Read MoreThe New Testament1521 Words   |  7 PagesProving the New Testament Are the copies in existence today an accurate representation of the original copies of the New Testament? There are many facts and studies that prove this claim to be true contrary to popular belief by non-Christians and other religions alike. There are at least three reasons that it can be know with certainty that the New Testament in existence today is an accurate representation of the originals. Including the amount of copies, age, and determining that the variants withinRead MoreThe Bible : The Testament And The New Testament1425 Words   |  6 Pages The Bible is a collection of stories and teachings made up of two parts, the Old Testament and the New Testament, as well as the Pentateuch or the first five books of the Bible. The Pentateuch and Old Testament follow the days of creation, the stories of Moses, and all that happened before Jesus was born. The New Testament follows the life, teachings, and death of Jesus. Before the Bible was written around 3000 years ago, it was to ld through narratives, poetry, and songs. Much like fairytales, whichRead MoreThe Old Testament And New Testament1373 Words   |  6 Pagesof studies in the New Testament. The New Testament catches many attentions because it describes Jesus’ life and birth of the church. As people focus more on the New Testament, the Old Testament is viewed as an unnecessary book to read. Christians have debated whether the Old Testament is needed to be read. Many Christians have claimed that the Old Testament is unnecessary to the biblical study with the New Testament containing all the study materials needed. Even so, Old Testament is vital literatureRead MoreThe New Testament1784 Words   |  8 Pages There were eight named writers of the New Testament: Saints Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, Peter, James, and Jude. The New Testament was formalized within the early Christian community, the Church. The Church Fathers were important to the early Church, for they were the ones who had an important role in the process of the formation of the New Testament, as well as the interpretation of Scripture. Their objective was to choose those written books which were truly inspired by the Holy Spirit and

Accounting and Globalization Essay - 3470 Words

INTRODUCTION As todays companies become more globally oriented and expand into multinational corporations, there is a growing need to compress financial regulations into a homogeneous unit. To achieve this homogeneity, accounting practices in the modern economic market must strive for a symbiotic relationship with globalization. Because consumer capitalism has spread to non-originating countries, and non-Americanized cultures, the practices of accounting and financial management must standardize their policies. Thus, accounting must be regarded beyond capital market settings, and the different effects that accounting has had in such sites must be examined. WHY ACCOUNTING IS CHANGING GLOBALIZATION Since leading companies have†¦show more content†¦softwood lumber dispute (Graham Neu, 2003). At the center of this dispute is the method of calculating producer costsÂâ€"a concern of both managerial and financial accounting (Graham Neu, 2003). Because of the centrality of the notion of cost within trade-resolution procedures, accounting operates on an embedded technology to arbitrate and allocate the materials of such disputes (Bottom Simons, 1990, as cited in Graham Neu, 2003). It is further interesting to note that accounting has a forward and downward trickling motion in such episodes (Graham Neu, 2003). Accounting trickles forward in that it structures and constrains subsequent government policy-making procedures in other arenas, also acting as a precedent for other countries, in the scope of the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute resolution mechanisms (Graham Neu, 2003). As accounting trickles downward, it impacts the producers and employers that manuf acture products, as well as the consumers who purchase such products (Graham Neu, 2003). By this type of financial arbitration, accounting is implicated internationally in both the regulation of product flows and the standardized costing practices. FLOWS OF INFORMATION How accounting regulates and structures the flow of information is rather vague. Information transfer, more visible on the Internet, is relatively unstructured and unregulated in current accounting practices (Graham Neu, 2003). However,Show MoreRelatedAccounting Career Goals Essay1552 Words   |  7 Pagesability to follow directions. My weaknesses are communication skill, lack of U.S culture and working experience. Increasing job demand, globalization and accountant role expanding are three major opportunities in accounting field. Information technology, uncertainty of recession and starting salary are 3 major threats to my financial success. I will face all the accounting major competitors from the Midwest. My goal is the final destination of my financial success. It is to be able to pay bills withoutRead MoreAccountant Role In Business Essay1742 Words   |  7 Pagesnew challenges and competition companies face. With those responsibilities comes a change in management techniques and accounting methods as the more traditional model becomes further obsolete. In this essay I want to analyze how the accountants’ role in business has changed; the factors of the business environment, and how accountants implement new strategic management accounting to assist their near roles in company hierarchies. The Business Environment Perhaps the first thing to analyzeRead MoreContemporary Business Environment613 Words   |  3 Pageschanging at a fast pace there are changes in the new concepts accounting control must be developed in order to cope up with the changes. Therefore, companies will have to develop logical and reliable business strategies and to utilize management accounting tools in order to support planning, control and decision-making. It is important that before engaging in any management plans the organization should understand that the accounting information is affected by the modern business environments whichRead MoreGlobalization And Convergence Of Us.gaap Ifrs Standard As Prescribed By The Security And Exchange Commission ( Sec )1120 Words   |  5 PagesThere is a clear roadmap to social globalization and convergence of US.GAAP – IFRS Standard as prescribed by the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) for users that set up financial statements in accordance with IFRS as issued by IASB. This followed would lead to a worldwide adoption of IFRS over the next few years. In his work, Barry (2009, p.26-27) states, â€Å"The advantage of a single set of financial reporting standards are manifest, particularly as internationalization of business activitiesRead MoreGlobalization: Gaap vs. Ifrs1174 Words   |  5 PagesJohn McCormack June 19, 2012 Globalization: The Game Changer for GAAP and IFRS Globalization, from a business aspect, is the process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale. Countries have long been involved in business; however, there is a concern regarding the lack of consistency in standards that businesses are to follow. The rapid advancement of technology and conducting business from country to country hasRead MoreRomania’s Post Communism Accounting Practices and the Effects of Adapting Ifrs for Smes1725 Words   |  7 PagesPost Communism Accounting Practices and The Effects of Adapting IFRS for SMEs â€Æ' Abstract Romania, located in southeastern European, was heavily influenced by the Russian Soviet Union as a socialist republic between 1947 and 1989. With becoming a capitalist country in 1989, its accounting practices began its transformation. The purpose of this paper is to analyze Romania accounting practices post its revolution. The paper discusses three major accounting practice conversionsRead MoreThe International Accounting Standards Board Essay920 Words   |  4 PagesFirst, The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) issues The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on U.S securities and exchange companies listed. So, the benefit behind the conceptual framework is increasing users’ understanding of financial reporting. Second, IASB cannot be alone without the implementation of IFRS. Also, IASB made it easy for companies to compare financial statements due to the procedural of IASB. However, it will enable auditors to quickly resolve financialRead MoreExplain How the Role of an Accountant Has Changed over Time. Essay1440 Words   |  6 PagesExplain how the role of an accountant has changed over time. Discuss the role of the accountant in modern business. I. Introduction. Thesis statement: Many changes have happened in Accounting in the last few years. Most of which are differences in styles and also ways to implement this knowledge in modern business. II. What are an older-style accountant and modern accountant? 1. Overview of the situation in the past. 2. Previous information about an older- style accountantRead MoreA Global Expansion Plan For The Airline Industry, Business, And Employee Relations1333 Words   |  6 Pagesglobalized economy that suffers from lack of product. Globalization, in its most literal definition, is the process of making, transforming or expanding a product or service into a global one. This process is a combination of economic, technological, socio-cultural, and political forces (Button, 2008). Tackling these hurdles in globalization can be accomplished though the following: †¢ Spirit must forecast cost. The cost of globalization can be subdivided into legal fees and expenses, payrollRead MoreSimilarities And Differences Between Generalists And Specialists1239 Words   |  5 Pagesdiscuss the similarities and differences between generalists and specialists in the HR profession. Generalists vs. Specialists Over the last two to three decades, human resources have changed drastically. This is due to the growth in globalization, new technology, information and knowledge. The results of this brought on a need for specialization and new job classifications. HR is no longer constrained to payroll and administrative duties. There are two types of HR professionals: generalists

Roots free essay sample

My uncle began teasing me about it when I was seven. I was riding with him in his combine, watching stalk after stalk of corn slip through the heavy outermost blades, when he said, â€Å"You’re going to be one of them starving artists, aren’t you?† I denied it. Starving? Not me. But his words stuck with me, lingering, as if a suggestion that the dreams I had might be less than ideal. I come from a family of farmers. Pragmatism is a common trait, as well as straightforward intelligence (contrary to the stereotype, farmers cannot afford to be stupid). Our legacy is a plot of 160 acres that has been in our family for generations; it will be mine and my sister’s someday. Growing up, I anticipated â€Å"Corn Day† each summer, which involves the back of a pick-up heaped with green ears and an entourage of relatives grandparents, aunts, curly-headed toddlers. We will write a custom essay sample on Roots or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Uncle Steve used to take obvious delight in teasing me with writhing corn earworms while the 25-pound farm cat attacked the backs of our legs. My immediate family is something of an anomaly. We live on an acreage, but do not farm. There is a 40-foot high barn in our yard, a local landmark of sorts, and fields surround us in every direction, yet both my parents commute 70 miles a day to Lincoln. I have always wanted to leave. Granted, this feeling may have begun as mere mimicry of all those girls in books or on television continually proclaiming, â€Å"I can’t wait to get away from this place.† It would be tantamount to giving up some inner sense of teenage decency to admit otherwise. But a city like Chicago or New York is more of a center for the arts than Nebraska, and I knew that was the kind of place I wanted to be. I can’t imagine staying here my whole life; my sister can’t imagine leaving. Only recently have I come to harbor a strong affection for this place the prairies, the old roads, the buildings. There’s a kind of subtle poetry about it. I find myself drawn to books by Willa Cather, and laugh knowingly through Ted Kooser’s Seasons in the Bohemian Alps, all too familiar with the idiosyncrasies of old farmers and wild roses, barn swallows and icicle-style light decorations. I find I like it here much more than I ever have, especially as a seven-year-old paying only grudging acknowledgement to the setting of the Little House series. I used to ache to leave; now I want to lounge around on the porch and write about how the gravel road looks when the sun is rising. I wonder what it would be like to leave. I wonder how hard it would be to develop a similar affection for Chicago, or New York. Not impossible it’s just hard to know how to go on from here. How can I be, and do, all the things I want, and not forsake this place and the family that I come from? Is it worth it to try? I think so. I think it’ll scare me at first probably a lot. But everyone gets their sea legs eventually. And what I finally, absolutely know is that no matter where my aspirations take me, Nebraska is a good no, an excellent place to come back to, and in the back of my mind, to keep as home.