Homework 9/30/13

Pg 225:

The number zero represents nothing and is alps used as a place holder. This is why zero is so important. You could have 265, but adding a zero as a place holder changes the number. It could not be 2065, 2605, or 2056. Zero makes calculations but easier and you are able to do more complicated math problems. This is why zero is really important.

Pg 227:

The teachings of Confucius and the care duties of Hiduism are similar because they are both influenced heavily by the social hierarchy. Hiduism calls for people to do their duties in their caste to be enlightened while the teaching of Confucius did not teach about hierarchy for your benefit of religion, to to benefit the government. Zarathustra is different from both Hiduism and Confuciunism because a social hierarchy does not play any sort of role in the religion. It appealse to everyone and not to one particular class.

Preventing the Han Dynasty Collapse (with Shravya)

Our plan for preventing the collapse of the Han dynasty is to either first attempt to prevent the war. The war with the Xiongnu was expensive, and the results were bad. A pact with the nomads could have been formed, leading to economic or political cooperation. If war became inevitable, the administration could have been more more effective in its military spending, or creating a budget to lower the resulting debt. The Han dynasty was doing well until the war, which was the turning point. Intervention should occur either before this, or directly after. 

What is Daoism?

Daoism tells you how to better yourself, society, and the government, and is a way of life.

The Chinese Classics : Confucius

1)  Is this a religion? Why do you think so/think not?

This is not a religion. This is because the books no not mention a god of any type. It only refers to what people must do to better improve themselves, their life, and their government.

2)  Does this reading support the idea that people are born good/bad/neutral?  Refer to three examples (using the book, section, and line number as the citations) that support your point of view.  

Says they were born neutral.

“Book '1: CHAP. VI. The Master said, 'A youth, when at home, should be filial, and, abroad, respectful to his elders. He should be earnest and truthful. He should overflow in love to all, and cultivate the friendship of the good. When he has time and opportunity, after the performance of these things, he should employ them in polite studies.”

“Book 2: CHAP. III. 1. The Master said, 'If the people be led by laws, and uniformity sought to be given them by punishments, they will try to avoid the punishment, but have no sense of shame.

2. 'If they be led by virtue, and uniformity sought to be given them by the rules of propriety, they will have the sense of shame, and moreover will become good.”

“Book 4: CHAP. I. The Master said, 'It is virtuous manners which constitute the excellence of a neighborhood. If a man in selecting a residence, do not fix on one where such prevail, how

can he be wise?'

CHAP. II. The Master said, 'Those who are without virtue cannot abide long either in a condition of poverty and hardship, or in a condition of enjoyment. The virtuous rest in virtue; the wise desire virtue.”

Pocket Map: Persia

Gathas Explanation

In 33, the speaker says to follow the "Wise Creator" (Ahura Mazda) and to find and follow the truth. The speaker describes two twins, on good and one evil, saying that the good twin (Ahura Mazda) is full of truth and righteousness and is the one group to choose while the evil twin only wants to destroy life and to encourage people of violence. If you follow the "Spirit of Holy Power, the Good Mind, and Truth", then you will be with Ahura and be enlightened and if you follow the evil twin, you will be subjected to a horrible fate. Basically, if you do good things, then you will be rewarded and if you do bad things, then you will be punished.

In 18, the speaker describes a kind of judgment day, when the people who say untruthfulll things will be in the hands of the people who say the truth. The speaker also says to be like Mazda and the divine spirits, who made the world so perfect. They will also guide you through the truth. Then the evil will be destroyed and goodness, truth, and wisdom will encompass everyone. The speaker then says that the ultimate reward is salvation if you follow the truth and Ahura Mazda.

In 33, the speaker says that the ratu (judge) will give everyone, the people who are good, the ones who are evil, and the ones that are both, what is just from the primeval laws. The speaker then goes on to describe who the people are that revive salvation,"He who opposes Evil by his thought or word, Or by the work of his own two hands, He who instructs people to their good,... He who is most good to the righteous, Be he a noble, or a peasant, or a dependent, He who zealously makes the good living creation flourish,...". The speaker asks Ahura to give him eternal life with him.

In 25, the speaker is talking about the end of his/her life on Earth. He/she asks Mazda to take into consideration his/her goodness, truthfulness, and faithfulness before making the decision to grant them eternal life with him. The speaker says to spread the word of Mazda and the goodness that he gives. The speaker keeps giving Mazda many reasons to let him/her into righteousness and it is very evident that the speaker wants to be with Ahura Mazda very badly.

Engineering an Empire: Persia

Engineering an Empire: Persia

1. What is the order of Persian leaders?
   The order is Cyrus the Great and then his son, Darius.

2. What is a qanat?  How does it work?
   It was a series of underground canals. Vertical shafts were dug down a hill and then they dug the horizontal shaft going down the hill. The horizontal short had a slight angle so that the wate could continually flow.

3. What is Cyrus’ tomb like?
   The tomb was very simple and elegant. It was made from stone in a western style.

4. What interaction does Cyrus have with the Jews?
   He freed the Jews that were held in Babylon when he went there to conquer the people.
   
   

5. What did Darius build?
   Darius built the Royal Road that went through many different terrains and went through the Persian empire.