Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Azande and witchcraft in medieval Europe Essays

Azande and witchcraft in medieval Europe Essays Azande and witchcraft in medieval Europe Paper Azande and witchcraft in medieval Europe Paper Compare and contrast examples and principles of witchcraft from either two different societies, or two different time periods, to point out what has changed and what has stayed the same.  In this essay I am going to look at two types of witchcraft and attempt to compare them. I have chosen witchcraft amongst the Azande and witchcraft in medieval  England.  Evans-pritchard found that the Azande have an profound interest in the discussion of witchcraft as a topic of conversation, compared to articulation about God (Mbori). Although witches conceived by the Azande do not exist, a natural theory is found in witchcraft. This provides an explanation for hapless events and a way to respond to such events. Witchcraft plays a daily part in zande life. It is everywhere from domestic life of the home to the labour of hunting and fishing. In medieval England  there was not the same frequency of witchcraft as that which occurs daily in the Azande. Witchcraft was becoming very popular in the fourteenth century and came to its high during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. The English too were intrigued by witchcraft however in medieval England and later periods, witchcraft was against the law and was seen as an offence against God and Man. Witchcraft involved the renunciation of God. The witch would make a pact with the devil and this is how she gained her powers. Keith Thomas states that the church constructed witch craze by producing literature on witches or devils worshippers and highlighting how the witches were thought to have conducted themselves. The belief in witches was an explosive force and witchcraft expanded after the Renaissance. Trevor-Roper believes that the church exploited pagan beliefs. The theory of Satans Kingdom was produced with its hierarchy of demons and witches. Witchcraft was known as the new diabolical religion and the persecution of apparent witches began. This theory was used in the trial of witches and in judicial torture. H.C. Lea points out that some of the more extravagant details remain absent from the confessions of English witches, compared to the rest of Europe. This could have been something to do with the fact that witches in England were hanged not burnt unlike in Europe. H.C. Lea also states that the rise and decline concerning the use of judicial torture is directly associated with the rising and slope of the witch craze in Europe. Trevor-Roper states from the evidence supplied by H.C.Lea that the witch craze grew by its own momentum. It maybe concluded that there is a association between the two processes as judges in England sometimes refused to allow the testimony as they knew it had been obtained under duress. Prof. Robbins interpretation of witchcraft, in his encyclopà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½dia of witchcraft and demonology (1959) states that witchcraft was never of the people in essence the persecution of witches was a product of a cold-blooded campaign launched by self-interested clerics and inquisitors. It had no genuine social roots.  Certain people are believed by the Azande to possess a material substance in their body, which can cause damage or injury to people and property. This matter is called Mangu. Mangu is a red/black oral organ, located between the breastbone and intestines. A person can use this to cause witchcraft. As a consequence of this doctrine, all human conduct must be regulated in an elaborate values system.  Mangu is passed from father to son and mother to daughter. However it does not necessarily mean the grandfather or grandmother had it to. The Azande believe that there is nothing special about being a witch as you could be one yourself.

Monday, March 2, 2020

10 Ways to Stay Positive About Your First Job Out of College

10 Ways to Stay Positive About Your First Job Out of College We’re all so excited at the prospect of graduating and getting our first job out of college. Then we get there and the success feels start to wear off and the tedium of adulthood sets in. We feel a sense of let down. And it’s perfectly normal. You’ve worked hard for so long, but almost all things had an end point- courses, semesters, years, and even schools. Now your whole life is stretching out before you and you have†¦ buyer’s remorse? Boredom? Don’t worry. Your life doesn’t have to be tedious. You’re not done succeeding yet; you’re just beginning. Here are 10 things you can do to stay sharp and make the most of the world of grown-up opportunities. It takes a little longer, and a bit more strategizing, but it will be worth it in the end.1. Be purposefulYes, most people have to work. But if you’re in the privileged position of being able to choose the kind of work you do, that’s huge. Keep track of why youâ⠂¬â„¢re working. What about this field or career makes you passionate. Know your purpose- both for being where you are and for heading in the direction of your particular goal. Hold onto it. The day-to-day tedium won’t touch you.2. Connect with coworkersYes, you’re on the stairway to success. But you will need help along the way. Make friends. Your coworkers might not be your college pals, but you’re going to see a whole lot more of them. Invest in these relationships and they may prove to be invaluable. You’ll all work much better together and will succeed much faster.3. Keep learning new thingsThe difference between this job and college is this: you’re now getting paid to learn. Learn as much as you possibly can and keep looking for the next opportunity to learn. Make your success as much about the journey as the destination.4.  Pick up new skillsSet yourself goals to pick up new skill sets or certifications, or even degrees. Have targets for e very few months and every few years and hold yourself to them. If you commit to learning more and more, you’ll be amazed how much more quickly you succeed.5. Break  up your goalsIf you’re daunted by the future stretching out endlessly before you, break it up. Plot out milestones for yourself. First promotion. First big project. First big client. Fiftieth small victory. This will help you make better narrative sense of your time at this job, and any job, as a stepping stone on your way to greater things.6. Remember that your job funds your hobbiesEven if you’re not 100% fulfilled by your new job and you’d rather be at the movies all afternoon mainlining popcorn, remember that your job funds your fun. When you lose sight of all else, remember that your time at the office makes your social life possible. Save up for special things like trips to make the experience more meaningful.7. Go above and beyondBest way to combat boredom: keep looking for ways to do more. Challenge yourself to get things done before a deadline, or to double your quota, or to go the extra mile on a project. You’ll feel more satisfaction, and your dedication will be noticed, and hopefully rewarded.8. Talk to your bossChecking in regularly with your boss is a great way to keep tangible track of your progress. Having someone else help keep track of your goal-setting and goal-meeting will be useful to keep you dedicated and also to notice when you’re killing it.9. Rethink foreverYou’re sitting at your desk despairing. There’s no end in sight! Reimagine your situation. What if you think of it as endless possibility? An infinite horizon? Think bigger than you have been thinking†¦ and your open-ended forever job won’t feel so terrifying.10. Find a mentorA good mentor can make all the difference in keeping you motivated and focused on what’s most important in the scope of your career. Find someone you admire and respect an d ask them to help shepherd you through your early stages. After all, they blazed this trail before!