The Inertial Navigation System Engineering Essay

This study serves as a brief overview of Inertial pilotage Systems ( INS ) in regard of aircraft industry. Modern INS outdated all other pilotage systems so far. These consist of a set of gyros and accelerometers which measure the aircraft ‘s angular and additive gesture and work with a computer science system which computes aircraft ‘s header and attitude from the gyro and accelerometer end products, given that, initial place and speed of the aircraft are provided from another beginning. Different types of gyroscopes and accelerometers, followed by their mechanism, mistakes and the ways to get the better of those mistakes are explained in this study.IntroductionInertial pilotage is the procedure of set uping the place, speed, heading and attitude of a vehicle utilizing information derived from internal detectors. The operation of inertial detectors depends upon the Torahs of classical mechanics as formulated by Sir Isaac Newton which states that the gesture of a organic structure will go on uniformly in a consecutive line until disturbed by an external force moving on the organic structure. The jurisprudence besides tells us that this force will bring forth a relative acceleration of the organic structure. Inertial measurement units ( IMU ) normally contains three extraneous rate- gyroscopes and accelerometers mensurating angular speed and additive acceleration severally comparative to a known starting point, speed and orientation utilizing Newton ‘s jurisprudence. Hence, Inertial pilotage is the procedure whereby the measurings provided by gyroscopes and accelerometers are used to find the place of the vehicle in which they are installed. By uniting the two sets of measurings, it is possible to specify the translational gesture of the vehicle within the inertial mention frame and so to cipher its place within it. INS was foremost used on projectiles in the 1940 ‘s. In 1996, inertial pilotage systems were widely used in military vehicles. Many ships, pigboats, guided missiles, infinite vehicles and all modern military are equipped with INS due to its unsusceptibility.Inertial pilotage system agreementINS uses two types of constellation. The lone difference between them is the frame in which the detectors operate. Both of them are described below.Stabilised platformInertial pilotage engineering originally used stable platform techniques. In this constellation, inertial detectors are mounted on a platform. The platform is isolated from the rotational gesture of the vehicle utilizing a figure of gimbals arranged to supply at least three grades of rotational freedom. The motion of these gimbals is controlled by torsion motors. Those motors are activated by information provided by gyroscopes as it detects any platform rotary motion. Therefore, the platform is kept aligned with the planetary f rame. Figure 1: Writers illustration of block diagram of stabilized platformStrapdown systemsIn this system, the inertial detectors are strapped straight on the aircraft organic structure and are non isolated from its angular gesture. Therefore, gimballed platform is non required for this system. But, it uses a computing machine to set up and decide the inertial informations which reduces the mechanical complexness of the system.GyroscopeDefinitionA gyroscope is a device which acts as a revolving organic structure and therefore step or maintains orientation, based on the rules of preservation of angular impulse. It is used in assorted applications to feel either the angle turned through by an aircraft or more normally, its angular rate of bend about some defined axis. A modern gyroscope can carry through each of the undertakings stated below: Stabilization Autopilot feedback Flight way detector or platform stabilisation Navigation Figure 2: Writers illustration of gimballed gyroscope.Cardinal Principles:There are several phenomena on which the operation of gyroscope depends but it normally exhibits three cardinal belongingss, viz. gyroscopic inactiveness, angular impulse and precession.Gyroscopic Inertia:Gyroscopic inactiveness is cardinal to the operation of all whirling mass gyroscopes, as it defines a way in infinite that remains fixed in the inertial mention frame, that is, fixed in relation to a system of co-ordinates which do non speed up with regard to the ‘fixed stars ‘ . [ 1 ] The constitution of a fixed way enables rotary motion to be detected, by doing mention to this fixed way. The rotary motion of an inertial component generates an angular impulse vector which remains fixed in infinite, given flawlessness in the building of gyroscope.Angular impulse:Angular impulse is defined by the distribution of mass on a rotor every bit good as by its angular speed. The angular impulse ( H ) of a r evolving organic structure is the merchandise of its minute of inactiveness ( I ) and its angular speed ( I†° ) , that is, H = II†° Where I is the amount of the merchandises of the mass elements that make up the rotor and the square of their distances from the given axis.Precession:Precession is the rotary motion of the gimbals, comparative to inertial infinite. This rotary motion is produced jointly by the angular impulse of the revolving organic structure and the applied force. In the instance of a freely whirling organic structure, such as the Earth ( or the rotary motion of an electrostatic gyroscope ) , there is non a stuff frame with spin bearings. In this instance, the precession must be considered to be that of the axis system which an fanciful gimbal would hold – one axis through the North and south poles, and two reciprocally extraneous in the plane of the Equator.Mechanical Gyroscope:A mechanical gyroscope calculates orientation based on the rule of preservation of the angular impulse. The phonograph record is mounted on a frame to minimise the external minutes ( i.e. due to clash ) . This allow s the mark to turn around the phonograph record without doing any alteration in the way of its axis. The orientation of the mark so can be computed from the angles shown by rotational encoders mounted on the frame. Each gyroscope gives us one mention axis in infinite. At least two gyroscopes are needed to happen the orientation of an object in infinite. Figure 3: Writers illustration of mechanical gyroscope.Advantage & A ; disadvantages of mechanical gyroscopes:Main advantage of this trailing system is that it does non necessitate any external mention to work. [ 2 ] Because the axis of the revolving wheel Acts of the Apostless as the mention. The drawback of this system is its constellation. Because of the traveling parts doing clash, the inertial impulse of the wheel does non stay parallel to the axis of rotary motion. This causes a impetus in the way of the wheel axis with clip. Taking comparative measurings of the orientation instead than absolute measurings can minimise this impetus. As a effect, the system suffers from accrued numerical mistakes but a periodic re-calibration of the system will see, more truth over clip. Lubricants are used to minimise the clash which increase the cost of the device.Solid province gyroscopesThe term ‘Solid province ‘ bases for an electronic device in which the flow of electrical curr ent is through solid stuff and non through a vacuity. So solid province gyroscopes use flow of electric current through solid stuff to mensurate orientation of the affiliated object.Sagnac EffectDiscovered in 1913, the Sagnac consequence [ 3 ] found its first practical application several decennaries ago in the ring optical maser gyroscope ( RLG ) , now used extensively in commercial inertial pilotage systems for aircraft. But, since this execution requires high vacuity and preciseness mirror engineering, cost has been a factor restricting its application. ‘Sagnac consequence ‘ plays a critical function in solid province gyroscopes which is named after the Gallic physicist G.Sagnac. This states that the ensuing difference in the theodolite times for optical maser visible radiation moving ridges going around a closed way in opposite way is relative to the input rotary motion rate. Presents, tonss of solid province gyroscopes are being used in the industry. Largely used gyroscopes are described below: Fibre ocular gyroscopes ( FOG ) Fibre ocular gyroscopes sense angular gesture utilizing intervention of visible radiation. Such devices frequently use the seeable wavelengths, but it can besides run in the close infrared. It is dependent on the formation of a Sagnac interferometer [ 4 ] In its simplest signifier, visible radiation from a wide set beginning is split into two beams that propagate in opposite waies around an optical fiber spiral. These two beams are so combined at a 2nd beam splitter to organize an intervention form where the attendant strength is observed utilizing a photo-detector. The stage Figure 4: Writers illustration of FOG. displacement introduced due to the Sagnac consequence. They are combined when the beams exit the fiber. The ensuing stage difference consequences in a alteration in amplitude of the intervention form formed when the two beams are recombined. 3.4.2.1. Mistakes and mistakes decrease A prejudice or impetus occurs due to alterations in ambient temperature which cause a battalion of effects within the detector. To minimise this mistake, the enlargement coefficient of the fiber and the spiral former should be good matched otherwise differential emphasis will be induced by thermic enlargement which will ensue in measuring mistake. The presence of any isolated magnetic Fieldss can hold several inauspicious effects on the gyroscopes like interaction with non-optical constituents doing Faraday consequence which changes the province of polarisation of the visible radiation in optical fiber. Use of magnetic shielding can understate this job.Ringing optical maser gyroscopesA ring optical maser gyroscope wherein a first and a 2nd optical maser beam propagate with propagating waies different with each other comprises electrode countries on an optical wave guide configuring the ring optical maser and controls an current injected or a electromotive force applied to the electrode countries, wherein the hovering frequences of the first and 2nd optical maser beams are different from each other, thereby doing an addition and a lessening in the all in frequence enabling to observe the way and the velocity of a rotary motion at the same clip. With respects to a method for observing a rotary motion, the anode of the optical ma ser gyro is connected to an operational amplifier. Since the signal outputted from the operational amplifier has a frequence matching to the angular velocity, it is converted into the electromotive force by a frequency-voltage transition circuit so as to observe a rotary motion [ 5 ] .Mistakes and mistake decrease:The ‘Lock-in ‘ job should be overcome by the RLG which arises due to imperfectness in the lasing pit, chiefly in mirrors. It causes scale factor mistake which tends to draw the frequences of the two beams together at low rotary motion rates. If the input rate in the RLG beads below a threshold is known as ‘Lock-in rate ‘ . The two beams lock together at the same frequence ensuing zero end product and a dead zone. This lock-in dead zone is of the order of 0.01 to 0.1 /s compared with 0.01 /hr truth required for an INS. A really effectual method of get the better ofing this job is to automatically dither the optical maser block about the input axis at a typically frequence about 100 Hz with a peak speed of about 100 /s ( matching to amplitude of 1.5 arc 2nd about )Micro machined silicon gyroscopes ( MEMS )MEMS gyroscopes are introduced in the modern pilotage system due to their low production cost and really simple constellation. It is build on Coriolis consequence [ 6 ] saying that a object of mass m revolving at angular speed I†° traveling with speed V experiences a force, F= 2m ( I†° x V ) It contains vibrating elements to mensurate this consequence. A secondary quiver is induced along the perpendicular axis, when the gyroscope is rotated. The angular speed is calculated by mensurating this rotary motion.Mistakes and mistake decreaseThe major disadvantage of MEMS gyroscopes is that they are really less accurate than optical devices. As engineering improving, this gyroscope are going more and more accurate and dependable.AccelerometerDefinitionAs described before, INS relies upon the measuring of acceleration which can be determined by accelerometer. An accelerometer works on Newton ‘s 2nd jurisprudence of gesture. A force F moving on a organic structure of mass m causes the organic structure to speed up with regard to inertial infinite. This acceleration ( a ) is given by, F = mom = medium frequency + milligram Where degree Fahrenheit is the acceleration produced by forces other than gravitative field.Mechanical accelerometer:Mechanical accelerometers are chiefly mass – spring type devices. INS is utilizing these detectors for long clip. Different building techniques have been implied to utilize in different environments. Figure 5: Writers illustration of accelerometer.Operation ruleMechanical accelerometers can be operated in two different types of constellation: either open or closed cringle constellation.Open cringle constellationA proof mass is suspended in a instance and confined to a zero place by agencies of a spring. Additionally, muffling is applied to give this mass and spring system a realistic response matching to a proper dynamic transportation map. When the accelerations are applied to the instance of the detector, the cogent evidence mass is deflected with regard to its nothing or ‘null ‘ place and the attendant spring force provides the necessary acceleration of the cogent evidence mass to travel it with the instance. For a individual – axis detector, the supplanting of the proof mass with regard to its ‘null ‘ place within the instance is relative to the specific force applied along its input. A more accurate version of this type of detector is obtained by nulling the supplanting of the pendulum. , since ‘null ‘ place can be measured more accurately than supplantings.Closed cringle accelerometerThe spring is replaced by an electromagnetic device that produces a force on the cogent evidence mass to keep it at its ‘null ‘ place. Normally, a brace of spirals is mounted on the cogent evidence mass within a strong magnetic field. When a warp is sensed, an electric current is passed through the spirals in order to bring forth a force to return the cogent evidence mass to its ‘null ‘ place. Magnitude of the current in the spirals is relative to the specific force sensed along the input axis.MistakesAll accelerometers are subjected to mistakes which limit the truth of the force being measured. The major beginnings of mistake in mechanical mistakes are listed below: Fixed prejudice: this is a prejudice or supplanting from nothing on the measuring of specific force which is present when the applied acceleration is zero. Scale-factor mistakes: This is the mistake in the ratio of a alteration in the end product signal to a alteration in the input acceleration. Cross-coupling mistakes: These mistakes arise as a consequence of fabrication imperfectness. Erroneous accelerometer end products ensuing from accelerometer sensitiveness to accelerations applied normal to the input axis.Solid-state accelerometersDue to those mistakes of mechanical accelerometers, research workers are giving their best attempt to look into assorted phenomena to bring forth a solid-state accelerometer. They came up with assorted types of devices so far, among those surface acoustic moving ridge, Si and quartz devices ( Vibratory devices ) were most successful. Good things about these detectors are that they are little, rugged, dependable and convenient with strapdown applications. These three types of solid-state accelerometers are described below.Surface acoustic moving ridge ( SAW ) accelerometerThis is an open-loop instrument which consist of a piezoelectric vitreous silica cantilever beam [ 7 ] which is fixed at one terminal of the instance but chattel at the othe r terminal, where the cogent evidence mass is stiffly attached. The beam bends reacting to the acceleration applied along the input axis. Due to this, frequence of the SAW is changed. Acceleration can be determined by mensurating the alteration in frequence. Figure 6: Writers illustration of SAW accelerometer.Mistakes and mistake decrease:The effects of temperature and other effects of a temporal nature can be minimised by bring forthing the mention frequence from a 2nd oscillator on the same beam. Lock- in type effects are chiefly prevented by guaranting that this mention signal is at a somewhat different frequence from that used as the ‘sensitive ‘ frequence. [ 8 ]Silicon accelerometerSingle-crystal Si forms the frame, flexible joints and proof mass. Anodic adhering articulations this piece to metalized wafers which enclose the accelerometer and besides serve as electrodes for feeling proof mass gesture and for rebalancing. Electrostatic focus of the cogent evidence mass obviates the demand for magnetic stuffs and spirals. When the accelerometer is rebalanced utilizing electromotive force forcing, a possible is applied to the pendulum and to one or both electrodes. The electromotive force set up electric Fieldss that induce charge on the nonconducting pendulum. This causes a net force to move on the cogent evidence mass. Therefore, the force generated is a map of the square of the applied electromotive force and of the spread between the pendulum and the electrode .Vibratory devicesThese are open-loop devices which use quartz crystal engineering. They are consist of a brace of quartz crystal beams, each back uping a proof mass pendulum and are mounted symmetrically back-to-back. When an acceleration is applied, one beam is compressed while the other stretched. Figure 7: Writers illustration of Vibratory accelerometer. The tight beam experienced a lessening in frequence while the stretched one experience the antonym. The difference between these two frequence is straight relative to the acceleration applied.Mistakes and mistake decrease:Most of the mistakes of this detector can be minimized by planing carefully. Alternatively of utilizing one beam, several symmetrically arranged beams can cut down mistakes.DecisionHarmonizing to the informations collected within this study, it is clear to see the INS system has helped a batch towards the modernisation of pilotage system. Further betterment in MEMS engineering can open several doors in air power systems. Its high truth and ego contained rate made it immune to any obstruction. Inertial pilotage system has improved a batch in past 5 decennaries. It has helped the air power Industry to better pilotage system and therefore ease the responsibility of pilots.

Human Relations Approach to Technology Essay

Organizational communication technology is seen as a tool that can free workers from mundane tasks and allow them to engage in activities that satisfy higher- order needs. Emphasis is placed on technological impacts on worker attitudes. (1) This approach has helped people learn to be more of a multitasker. This approach also helps people be able to have more one on one time with people face to face because it frees them up more so than they were once able to do. This approach also changes the world. Another side to this is that technology has done more and faster production than humans can. Technology has taken over many people’s job. What used to be an assembly line of people working to put metal together for chairs or anything else has become a one person job making sure that the robots had put the metal together like it was supposed to be. There is a plant in Hopkinsville, KY that mig welds and repairs parts and pieces of appliances. With this plant there are people only getting hired who has welding experience so that they can check what the machines do, when the machines mess up it is up to that person to fix it. The people working there are always getting laid off due to them over hiring at times. They don’t need as many people as they once did because they have technology and it has stepped up and taken over the jobs of those people who got laid off. In the medical field, there are advancements being made every day. There are always creations of different instruments like the robot advancement that allows the doctor to be able to see better and more precise cuts and less people who need to be in the person’s body at one time. Now there isn’t a whole table of nurses and doctors working there is only one nurse and a doctor who is controlling the robot. The nurse is who puts the instruments in the robot and the doctor moves the robot. Yes this robot is great with being more precise but it is also cutting more people out of their jobs. These medical advancements are being made to make things faster, easier, and more reliable than some older doctor whose hands shake from time to time. There is also the computers advancement that is being made every day. With this computer advancement it is giving me the opportunity to stay at home and work. I get to use the internet to do my job and anything else that I need to do than I simply use my phone. With out all of the advancements that are being made with technology in computers than I would not be able to do this job from home. The only form of human relations that will be from me in this job is the occasional times that I get on the camera and of course all of the times I talk to people on the phone. This does stop the face to face effect that was once a big role in life. Human relations approach to technology plays a major impact no matter which side you want to look at. It plays a role in both ways where it helps humans but it also hurts humans. I feel that to an older person looking at this would think that technology is taking away their livelihood because they are older and it is harder for them to find a different job. (2.) Somebody my age like me, I love the technology and how it plays out according to human relations. I feel that everyday I should learn something new so it doesn’t bother me if I don’t know how to do something. I feel that learning to use technology makes my life easier and faster. References (1.) Miller, K. (2012). Organizational communication: approaches and processes (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning. (2.) Subject. (n.d.). JSTOR: An Error Occurred Setting Your User Cookie. JSTOR: An Error Occurred Setting Your User Cookie. Retrieved February 19, 2013, from http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/20023443?uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&sid=21101834177857

Aeneas and Dido Essay

In this essay I will be examining the characteristics of the characters Aeneas and Dido as they appear in the first book of the Aeneid. In the first book of the Aeneid, Virgil introduces Aeneas. Aeneas is shown to be a Trojan hero and prince who survived the siege and sacking of Troy and managed to lead a band of survivors to safety. Aeneas is the son of Anchises and the goddess of love, Venus. After fighting in the Trojan War, Aeneas escaped after the Greeks sacked the city, leading a small band of survivors on a quest to find Latium, where, it had been revealed, the descendants of Aeneas would found the beginnings of the Roman Empire. After leaving Sicily, on what the Trojans believe to be the final stage of their journey, Juno sends a storm, which wrecks some of the ships and scatters the rest. She does this because she believes a race descended from the Trojans will destroy her beloved city of Carthage. After the storm, Aeneas makes his way to the shores of Libya, where he is met by is mother, Venus, disguised as a huntress. She tells him to make for the city of Carthage. There he is welcomed by Queen Dido, and reunited with the rest of his followers who have survived the storm. Dido invites the Trojans to a great banquet where Venus arranges that Dido will fall in love with Aeneas. Aeneas displays many qualities that make him stand out. These include qualities associated with leadership and also others. These qualities are:   Responsible Leader – Aeneas is the leader of the group of survivors and he takes on those responsibilities. For example, upon landing on the shores of Libya, it is Aeneas who climbs to a vantage point to try and learn of the location of the rest of the fleet, â€Å"Aeneas climbed up a rock, looking for a good view out over the sea, in hope of seeing Trojan ships. † He is also the one who goes out to explore the surrounding land, â€Å"As soon as the kind light of day allowed, he determined to set out and explore this strange country, to find out where the wind had brought them. †   Provision for his men – Tying in with the responsible leader point, Aeneas is always the one to provide for his men. One of the first things he does after setting up camp on the shores of Libya is to find food for his men, â€Å"He kept on shooting until he’d triumphantly stretched on the ground seven great (deer) carcasses – one for each of the ships† * Encouraging – Aeneas gives speeches to inspire and encourage his men. One of the first examples of this is when Aeneas gives a speech to encourage and cheer up his men after they have been ravaged in a storm and cast upon an unknown shore. â€Å"My friends, we’ve known troubles enough in the past, and we’ve suffered still worse: god will bring an end to these too. You sailed right past that mad Scylla and her deeply resounding cavern: you survived the Cyclops’ rocks. Cheer up! Enough of sorrow and fear! One day, perhaps, even this will be something good to remember. Whatever the disasters we meet, whatever the crises we go through, our goal is Latium! The Fates point to a home for us there, and peace. There a kingdom of Troy can rise once again. Don’t give up now! Save yourselves for the good things to come! † Aeneas uses trying events that the survivors have already experienced to encourage them to go on. Emotional – Aeneas is emotional but he tries to hide his feelings if they would damage the morale of his group. For example Aeneas is grieving over the loss of his friends and followers in the storm sent by Juno, but he â€Å"buried the grief deep in his heart† and gave a speech to inspire and encourage his men.   Commands respect – King Aeneas is respected by his followers. Ilioneus praises him to Queen Dido â€Å"No man has been more just or dutiful, no one greater in war and fighting. † Self-Pitying – This ties in directly with the emotional point. Aeneas, despite being a courageous and good leader, occasionally enters into bouts of self-pity. One of these is when he is caught in the storm sent by Juno. He cries out, wishing that he had died a â€Å"hero’s death† on the fields of battle at Troy, rather than suffer in the storm. â€Å"You were the lucky ones,† he cries, â€Å"three times lucky and more, who had the good fortune to die under the walls of Troy, before the eyes of your fathers! Why couldn’t I have died and yielded my soul to Diomede, bravest of the Greeks, on the Trojan Plains? †   Warmth – When Aeneas meets Dido he shows warmth towards her. He compliments her and thanks her for her offer to allow the Trojans to live in Carthage. â€Å"What golden age were you born in? What great parents produced such a daughter? As long as rivers flow down to the seas, as long as the shadows sweep over the mountains, and the sky keeps the stars alight, your name shall live for ever in honour and praise†.   Flattering – Aeneas is charming. Aeneas, unlike Odysseus of Homer’s Odyssey, does not use flattery to achieve gains, but merely to charm the person he is talking to. When he meets his mother, Venus, disguised as a huntress he compliments and flatters her, â€Å"Your face is no mortals, no more your voice; you must be a goddess – Apollo’s sister, or one of the nymphs? †   Capable of admiration – Aeneas recognises the good things about the city of Carthage and he admires the way the city is built. â€Å"Aeneas was standing in awe, gazing spellbound and lost in these marvellous pictures†. This shows us that Aeneas is not arrogant and is capable of recognising beauty and greatness. In the first book, Virgil also introduces Dido. Dido is the Queen and founder of Carthage, the city where Aeneas finds himself after the storm. Dido originates from Tyre, where she was married to the richest of all men in the land, Sychaeus. Dido loved Sychaeus and was devoted to him. Dido’s brother was the King of Tyre and he was a man of unparalleled evil. His name was Pygmalion. One day, blinded by greed, Pygmalion cut down Sychaeus while he was off guard, praying at the altar. Pygmalion then tried to hide his crime, fobbing Dido off with lie after lie. However, the ghost of the dead man appeared to Dido in a dream, he told her of all that happened, showing the sword wound in his chest. The ghost urged Dido to escape the country in haste, revealing to her the location of an unknown hoard of buried treasure. Dido gathered her friends and haters of the king and stole a fleet of ships, sailing overseas with Pygmalion’s treasure safely stored on board. They came to a place in the north of Africa where they bought land â€Å"as much as a bull’s hide would surround† and there they founded a city, the city of Carthage. Dido also displays many favourable qualities. Some of these are:   Beauty – Queen Dido is beautiful. She is compared to the goddess Diana, â€Å"Just like (Diana), Queen Dido was happily moving through her courtiers to urge on the work, to hasten her future realm. † Concerned for the defence of her city – Queen Dido places guards around her city to protect it. She explains why to Ilioneus, â€Å"My city is young: that’s why I have to do such things, and guard every inch of my frontiers†.   Knowledgeable – Queen Dido has knowledge of affairs outside her kingdom, even as far away as Troy. She knows of the Trojan War and of Aeneas, â€Å"who has not heard of Aeneas’ men, of the city of Troy, the courage of its heroes, and the fires of its awful wars? Our Carthaginian wits are not as dull as that, nor is our city so cut off from the rest of the world! †   Hospitable – When the Trojan survivors arrive, Queen Dido offers them food and wine. The Queen also sends food down to the survivors camped on the shore, â€Å"She sent twenty bulls to his companions down on the shore, a hundred huge, bristly-backed swine, the same number of ewes and fat lambs, and gifts of wine to delight them. † Queen Dido even offers the Trojans a permanent home in Carthage, where they are to be treated as equals, â€Å"This city I’m building, it’s yours. Haul up your ships. Trojan or Tyrian I’ll treat you the same. † * Warmth – Queen Dido shows warmth and affection to Aeneas and his son. She hugs them and is touched by their gifts to her. â€Å"Fondly she hugs him (Aeneas’ son), again and again to her breast†. * Fair and Just – Queen Dido is fair to all her subjects. She allocates responsibility and labour equally and she makes fair and just laws. The way Virgil introduces Aeneas and Dido in the first book of the Aeneid makes the similarities between them easy to identify: They have both suffered hardships and have subsequently been forced to leave their native lands; they both are on quests to found new cities for their people; they both display distinctive leadership qualities; they are both capable of affection and warmth. It is these similarities between the two that makes it easier to identify them as both being the heroes in the book.

Office Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Office Management - Assignment Example We have began to receive online application for mortgages in keeping with the high growth rate of the industry. Mortgage institutions originated approximately $2.3 trillion in total home mortgages in 2003. As mortgage manager handling a group of mortgage officers, I realize my task is more than just supervising my team and monitoring their performance. This is the professional level and I come to believe our relationship must subtly go beyond the professional realm for us to be effective as a team. In my mind, I have to assume a parent figure. I have to care for them, know when my officers are tired, pressured, or experiencing burnout. I have to guard against being a slave driver and instead be a coach, know the individual strength and weakness of my team members; know whom to send to field work and when, as well as whom to assign in-house when this particular "player" needs a respite from the rigors of field marketing. Out there are the capitalists looking for productive ways to invest their money. In the same spectrum are young professionals, young families needing to own houses for various reasons such as convenience, stability, and the humble pleasure of being able to provide a home for loved ones, where at the end of the day the family finds a sanctuary. This is the soft side of our hard functions.A home is more than just a house. It is the foundation of long-term financial and emotional security for one's family, one's very own piece of the American dream. Subtopic 3: selection, training, promotion and retention of employees I started as a mortgage officer myself. It helped a lot that aside from my bachelor's degree, I have had other training opportunities. I often tell my officers that they need to pursue a masteral program of study, even a doctorate if they can. On-the-job experiences are best complimented by research-based theories and principles placed in context by experts in the academe. So that when promotion time comes, those who have MBAs already have edge in climbing the corporate ladder. Subtopic 4: the ever-changing technological environment within an office Going online has truly made radical changes within the office. Applicants for

European Competition Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5500 words

European Competition Law - Essay Example What follows is a general discussion of State Aid in the European Union followed by the Judicial and Academic attitudes towards it in the United Kingdom. Although in the past State Aid was considered a "poor relative" of European competition law and viewed as a rather politically motivated/policy based phenomena. Things have changed in the past two decades however and the EU version of State Aid control has assumed the significance of its American counterpart pertaining to antitrust enforcement and merger control. Every year the EU commission reviews thousands of state aid cases each year, as lengthy investigations are undertaken to and many companies have found themselves going bankrupt following large illegal State Aid repayments. Social contributions and tax benefits and subsidies have been recognised as State Aid alike and likely to distort market competition.The EU's basic aim is to achieve a perfect competition like situation with liberalisation and State Aid control.The EU sta te aid control framework has not spared large financial institutions and multinationals (take the example of high profile disputes like Alstom, France Tlcom, British Energy or WestLB) and this has put these corporate "big fish" much favoured by State Aid previously at their guard from loans and large capital injections,shady compensation for public services, lenient tax measures, and feigned Research and Development measures. 1- introduction ''Effective competition is the best and strongest means to create natural incentives for companies to come up with new ideas and new products.' - Neelie Kroes, EU Competition Commissioner, 2004-2009 It is a trite principle of Economics that State Aid can have detrimental effects on the economy of a country and its trading partners and rivals. It can potentially distort competition and cause wastage of the society's resources by e.g. supporting an outdated industrial structure and delaying a necessary restructuring process in firms. The European Unions efforts to control any measures by its member states to curb competition have made their presence felt for the member states mainly because of the European Unions strict control over competition policy which gives it the power to rule on mergers, takeovers, cartels and the use of state aid. In the recent years the European Union has been able to develop competition regulation into a key area of EU leadership by imposing its rules/policies pertaining to open market competition on member states. Most of these measures have often proved controversial1 as threatening the social market model of its members with its open market policies competition policy dates back to 1957 in the Treaty of Rome wide ranging powers were given to EU authorities to oversee and prevent anti-competitive activities in the firms of its member states. The decades of the nineties saw an increase in the control and activism of the EU in pursuing breaches of competition law, and this contributed to a significant amount of case law as well. Until 2004 these rules were accused of being hot potch and allowing too much interference by the EU authorities in what it deems to be breaches of its Competition regulations.The Treaty of Rome empowers the EU commission2 to investigate the allegations of price fixing, abuse of

Green IT Strategies and Applications Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Green IT Strategies and Applications - Essay Example There is a need to develop consensus and awareness among the corporations and hierarchy alike as to how implementing green based IT approach will benefit them both (Unhelkar, 2011). Is it an indirect condemnation of capitalism and promotion of capitalism? Without insight, this statement of the author can be easily taken out of context and preached as pro communist but in reality this is not the case here. The author simply means that in blind pursuit of profits for the company several important things like green IT measures are forgotten along the way which can benefit both the society and the corporation but is not seen by these public private entities because of blind following of profiteering and lack of vision. The political set up has nothing to do with it except implementing it and making legislations regarding it that will enable the green IT revolution to flourish. Other than that is strictly irrelevant to the cause. West and East Germany, People’s Republic of China an d Soviet Union as communist states were supposed to give equality and life of equal living to its citizens but in the environmental they had failed miserably (In case of China, it is still failing to address this issue). This went wrong not because they were communists. It went wrong because they failed to identify and correct the long term problems that come associated with industrialization like lower emissions and less nitrogenous content in the atmosphere. Why isn’t anyone implementing these Green IT procedures when they are proved to be more profitable? In the race for getting more profits, markets and control, the companies fail to address the longevity of the issues facing the world like pollution, perceived shortage of power and the recent issue of IT junk. The lack of implementation in this regard will also hurt the very environment which the corporations rely on to buy their products and services. The green IT ways are more efficient both monetarily and function wis e and it’s a dire need to create awareness about them at all levels of corporate and governmental enterprises. The implementation of these practices will not only result in increased profits and versatility (e.g. cloud hosting) to these organizations but it will also set a healthy trend in the market encouraging more and more to go green. As the new lean concept that was previously strictly the domain of Japanese Auto manufacturers making its way to companies around the world, the reduction of waste and careful monetary inspection of each process getting more and more importance, these efficient green IT products and upgrades are soon hopeful of making entry to the corporate fold (Jones, 2012). Is change in attitude towards green IT really positive or could it be coercion to transfer to new ways? The author clearly states that there are financial benefits to be reaped if an organization shifts to green IT applications, hardware and waste management so if there are monetary an d environmental benefits available at the same time one should really go for it and there should be no coercion involved. The author has over emphasized some points like the environmental benefits and the corporations lacking vision but if you see it the other way, we can feel that if lower

Take home mid term Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Take home mid term - Essay Example This was during the Second World War. On the other hand, Soviet Union scientists were busy also developing their own nuclear weapons. The USA undertook the Manhattan project in secrecy since Britain and America did not trust the Soviet Union despite their allegiance at the time (Haass 67). America was the only nation after World War II which had nuclear power. It hoped that with the possession of nuclear weapons, it would manipulate and draw concessions from the Soviet Union. However, this was not to be the case since the Soviet Union also was continuously working behind the scenes to develop their own nuclear weapon. The Soviet Union was initially unable to build its own atomic weapon since the war limited its access to uranium. Thus, after the end of World War II, uranium deposits in Eastern Europe became readily available. The Soviet Union detonated its first nuclear bomb in 1949. Subsequently, both the United States of America and the Soviet Union commenced the construction of a hydrogen bomb. The United States tested the hydrogen bomb on November 1952. Also, the United States gain tested another hydrogen bomb in 1954 on bikini atoll. The introduction of the ICBMs (intercontinental ballistic missiles) was a major development during the arms race period (Weir Jr 87). Unlike bombers, missiles were seen as better carriers of nuclear warheads. To show the world that they could deploy a missile which could reach anywhere in the world, the Soviet Union launched into the earth orbit the sputnik satellite in 1957. The USA launched its version in 1959. The notion behind the nuclear arms race during the cold war was for supremacy purposes. The country with the largest arsenal would manipulate the other. Also, the mutual assured destruction concept or notion ensured that both the United States and the Soviet Union could not attack each other. Although both nations invested heavily in military defence programs, none of these were secure (Caldicott

Accounting Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Accounting Case Study - Essay Example In order to increase profitability of the business, the company should reduce the cost of salaries and wages (Maher, Stickney, & Weil 139). Also, miscellaneous expenses are too high and thus the manager should establish the cause of such an extreme cost. Furthermore, the CEO can control development cost of producing books by apportioning production cost to the number of books at various stages (Maher, Stickney, & Weil 142). They should differentiate between direct and indirect cost. All the direct costs associated with each unit produced should be added directly at each production stage while the indirect cost incurred at each stage of production in each department should be distributed to respective department (Maher, Stickney, & Weil 158). Apportioning the production cost at different stages will enable the CCP Publishers to establish the actual cost of finished products instead. The estimated profitability of books at the time of signing contract is an estimate of finished goods w hile actual cost may be inclusive of work in progress and unsold stock. The company should determine the factors responsible for high cost and establish measures to reduce the cost. For example, the salaries and wages may have increased due to contracting out of most its activities. The management can decrease the value by offering such services internally instead of contracting out (Maher, Stickney, & Weil

Slide Presentation, Plastic Bags Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Slide Presentation, Plastic Bags - Assignment Example The second noteworthy facet was the insurmountable difference in the cost of recycling plastic bags and creating new bags. Jared Blumefeld noted that the cost of recycling is more that 125% the cost of creating new bags. Certainly, the government as well as private individuals cannot maintain the recycling drive for plastic bags at this ridiculous rate. If recycling then is not the answer what is? The third feature emphasizes a glimmer of hope for the stoppage and subsequent eradication of the dangers of the use of plastic. The creators of the presentation suggest that we can stop the use of plastic bags and replace the plastic with cloth. Besides the obvious advantage of being particularly recyclable one individual utilizing one cloth bag can replace the use of 288 plastic bags in one year. Therefore if every member of the population utilized cloth instead of plastic there would be a phenomenal removal of the dangers of plastic consumption in our lives. From the foregoing arguments one can conclude that the continued use of plastic bags are indeed detrimental to our lives as a consequence life as we know it today would be full of poison in the very near future unless we take the bull by the horn and make significant steps to removing the plastic from our daily lives. Thus, consistent with the findings as presented in the power point I recommend a complete 360 degrees turning from the use of plastic bags to a more positive alternative. Like the authors of this presentation I would like to reiterate the use of cloth instead of plastic and an outright ban of its use by the government. The author of this paper believes that in addition to the recommendations already made we as individuals and as a nation can plant trees to not only replenish the earth with positive substances but also to be used as material to create

Analysis Of The Activity Of Louis Vuitton Company Essay - 4

Analysis Of The Activity Of Louis Vuitton Company - Essay Example PESTEL stands for factors which may affect the operations of the business such as political, economic, social, technological, environmental as well as legal factors (Lancaster & Reynolds 1999). These are explained in detail below and Appendix 1 shows a summary of the major points noted. This is a very useful tool for analyzing the environment in which an organization operates. It can be noted that there are various factors that affect the operations of any given organization and these have to be taken into consideration by an organization that is serious about its viability so as to achieve competitive advantage (Kottler 1999). Any given organization is guided by certain factors that so as to ensure that it does not violate the needs and interests of the consumers as well as the other stakeholders. Political In the UK, there are policies that govern the operations of all organizations that are involved in the manufacturing of different products so as to meet the expected standards. Consumer law in the UK is effective and under the EU law, every big organization like Louis Vuitton is expected to protect the needs and interests of the customers. It can be noted that the current political environment prevailing in the EU is not exploitative which is seen as the reason why exclusive manufactures like Louis Vuitton continue enjoying growth and expansion since inception to the present day. Economic factors The organization has not been spared by the impacts of the recent global economic recession though it managed to bounce back in the first half of 2010. By virtue of specializing in producing only exclusive products with premium prices, the operations of the organization are likely to be affected during turbulent times given that premium prices charged are specifically meant for a few people who can shift their buying behavior which negatively impacts on the operations of the organization as a whole. However, LVMH- Louis Vuitton harnesses on its resilience and responsiveness even during the most difficult trying times.

To what extent does international trade explain the remarkable success Essay - 1

To what extent does international trade explain the remarkable success of the East Asian economies since 1945 - Essay Example Deng Xiaoping, at the Third Plenum of the 11th Party Congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in 1978, criticized the Cultural Revolution and insisted that CCP should prioritize economic growth (Hess 22). This incident is widely recognized as the beginning of China’s financial reform period and undeniable economic wonder, as an outcome of which China became the second biggest and most vigorous economy in the world. This paper discusses the evolution of China’s financial reform. In 1978, Deng Xiaoping and his peers from the Party’s Central Committee gathered in Beijing and agreed that financial reform was the only solution to the political and economic problems confronting China (Tam 83). China, during that time, was an impoverished, strictly regulated agrarian economy on the brink of failure. The initial period of financial reforms was characterized by a marked growth of financial institutions. From 1978 to 1988, leading banks, including the central bank, were founded, as well as numerous financial agencies, credit cooperatives, and trust and investment firms at municipal, provincial, and central level (Zhu 1505). In 1983, two highly significant events occurred: first, the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) took on the functions of a central bank; and, second, PBoC’s commercial banking operations were divided into four state-owned, autonomous banks, popularly called the ‘Big Four’— the People’s Construction Bank o f China, the Agricultural Bank of China, the Bank of China, and the recently established Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Hess 25). Institution building began in the initial reform period with the formation of a two-level banking structure. In 1995, central banking experienced a new push when a new policy on the PBoC was implemented that provided the central bank the legal structure to function under the headship of the State Council in a market-driven setting (Riedel and Jin 79). At

Current And Future Use of Technology Essay Example for Free

Current And Future Use of Technology Essay Spotify has provided a way for people to access and share music with services such as exchange of selections and even mobile access. In the process of providing these services, the users’ data is acquired through initial registration and this helps categorize the market. The main target for Spotify is not registration of premium accounts without adverts but the free use by the public where adverts can be played in between songs. There are many issues handled by Spotify in the business including competition from existing online music selling companies like Sony and Apple, and challenges on fair artists’ royalties with restrictions by copyrights in some regions. The e business strategy is well established for Spotify as the company deals with music producing companies and companies who look for a way to advertise brands. The peer to peer technology used and the feature of listening to music even when offline together with a simple user interface are all technological advantages of Spotify that make it popular in the market. The future of Spotify is based on integration of the software into hand held processing devices like modern phones, and having a good relation with the sources of music. E-Business background Spotify’s business idea was to create a medium through which to provide advertisers with a way of reaching a traceable and response predictable market. By creating a digital library of a wide variety of music and an interface through which listeners can register and listen to music free, Spotify was able do just that. There are adverts pushed in between songs and last for between 15 and 30 seconds. The users that don’t want to get interference from the audio adverts can pay a monthly fee to stop them. The portion of listeners who pay this fee is so small compared to the free users, who form the main market idea for Spotify. The company has arrangement with the world’s major labels to provide their music and in return claim an 18% stake in the company. The integration of the music producing companies, the listeners and the advertisers forms the e-business model for Spotify. There is competition from similar companies like Last. fm, Amazon (which sells music online), my space and facebook; with the direct rival being Last. fm. Spotify and Last. fm have integrated their systems though and this form a way to create an entry hardship in an effort to protect high profit business and raise competition advantage for both companies to realize. Porters Five Forces model Spotify’s business faces the five forces from threats of substitute, barriers to entry, supply power, buyers power and rivalry (Porter 1985). There are various ways that it has put up strategies to deal with this. First, there is the presence of substitute firms like Last. com; Spotify has planned to sing a deal in merged operations with the company in order to increase the business opportunities for both sides. It was proposed that the advertisers/brands could then be able to buy advertising services across the platforms of the two companies (McCormick 2009). According to the nature of the platform on which the adverts are run, Spotify has created a medium where the message is streamline with the music being listened to. Apart from the major rival with whom Spotify agrees to merge business with, the brands will face a hard time looking for an alternative service of the kind. Thus the buyer’s power is low, considering that there are also many scattered brands to advertise through the electronic platform. Furthermore, the platform provides a way of major record labels availing their music to the users, making sure that brands can get the largest number of music fans at Spotify, which they cannot get from online music shops. On the suppliers’ power towards Spotify’s business, there are many music producing labels that offer a variety of music. Also, the fact that the buyers of the service are somewhat weak, the suppliers are also put in the same line; because advertisers has no much power over Spotify, they cannot demand of specific record labels. Since the entry of Spotify into the e-business, the key issue is to keep the prices offered virtually low in order to provide a barrier of entry of new competition. One strategy applied by firms to this effect is merging their markets and operations so that they can enjoy economies of scale and protect the high profit market from other entrants while keeping the quality of services high. This was a case possible from the Spotify’s deal with Last. fm. There is rivalry in the industry of e-business and marketing through electronic means has been applied by many companies. The industry is disciplined though, from previous competition, the methods of enticing the music fans and through ease of use of platforms by the market forming population. The application streams music with no buffering times and provides a very wide variety of ready to listen categories of songs; from major record labels. The fact that the market for Spotify seems to be exponentially growing means that soon the buyers will be so many and so their power will go down, providing a business advantage for the company ( ). E-Marketing The internet is a unique marketing medium in that it provides a global market with instant response dynamism. The fact that when a product is advertised through the internet can reach millions of users within a short while is enough to make it a rich market. Spotify has its marketing strategy based on online access of adverts by the users in their endeavor to listen to music. Data and Market Analysis The strongest part of Spotify registration of users is that it takes the demographic data so that the company is in a position to provide marketing strategies to advertisers based on age, location and music taste. The ability to analyze and classify a market is important to advertisers, especially when it involves technical goods and services. Promotion and mobile services The introduction of the mobile version of Spotify software has helped in a far reaching marketing strategy. The whole issue has been in news for sometime and major discussion blogs and websites like BBC NEWS, leading to less costly promotion effect in Europe. The market in Spotify is really the online internet resource as well as the users PC’s and portable mobile Activities Spotify engages in various activities that are geared towards having a wide base of users so that it can reach more people when targeting an audience for an advert. These activities include; invite scheme, tell a friend and viral advertising. The â€Å"invite scheme† is where the newly registered and the existing members are given an opportunity to invite friends and family to experience Spotify while still promoting the premium membership. The â€Å"tell a friend† activity involves a Spotify inbuilt tool to spread word of mouth. This is a strategy to use the existing users to get the message to their friends using the already existing internet framework. The other one is viral advertising where the medium mainly used is social networking frameworks like facebook. The most visited WebPages are targeted and a multimedia message displayed. Web-design Spotify has created a peer to peer application that streams music between the listeners computer, whether online or offline. Spotify has a service to which clients connect and have the contents of the cache summarized in an index which is then sent to Spotify’s stream hub. The data in the index is usually used to alert other users of the additional peers they can connect to, to fetch streamed data for specific songs being played. This arrangement is enabled and tolerated by each upon start up. Each client listen to incoming connections from other Spotify clients like a server and connects to other users to exchange cached data. The users are actually not in apposition to configure the connections or alter the bandwidth of transmission of data. These settings are hard coded in the system. The design of the entire architecture may be complicated but the interface used by the listeners is so simple and effective. There are just few controls of play, rewind and forward. The Spotify application offers the following features to the users; Catalogue: Spotify offers users access to millions of music tracks including songs from major music labels. Some specific music from some artists may not be available due to boundary regulations in the copyright. Playlists: it allows users to create collections of favorite music and lets them share them. The users can also edit the playlists with other users together through collaborating software. For this purpose, the playlists can be shared through an email or instant messaging window. On accessing the link, the data gets downloaded into Spotify. Integration with Last. fm: the specific feature from last. fm is the ability to collect the users’ preference in music and store it into Last. fm’s database. This has been integrated into Spotify without requiring external plug-ins (Spotify Archives 2010). Radio feature: this creates random playlists of songs related to the music of the currently selected artist. Spotify has a simple to use interface that allows the user to search for music by artist, album or title. It displays the user chosen playlist and some advert image, which on clicking, one can explore the promotion (Spotify Forums 2010). Business-to-Business (B2B) Spotify has introduced the music service to the listeners and charge a certain rate for ad free music. However, it does not rely on this for its source of revenue. It largely relies on the free service where the listeners will have to bear with the adverts. At this point, it does business with other firms that want to advertise their brands to the listeners. The main target for business is therefore dealing with other companies that want to reach the audience. On the same platform, there is collaboration with major record labels where they claim a certain percentage stake in the company and in turn provide their music libraries to Spotify (Nylander 2009). Spotify focuses on doing business with other businesses in its plans. It has tailored it product for mobile phones and approached the mobile phone making companies like apple in an effort to do business with them (Emerald). This is a direct challenge to Apple’s iTunes though and touches on the competition end. Mobile Commerce Spotify has produced a mobile version of the application that can allow users with premium accounts to access and listen to music wherever they go. It also allows the users to download a certain number of songs on to the phone for listening while out of network range. Mobile business seems to be the future of IT marketing, especially with the progress and expectations of pervasive mobile programming. By considering the mobile version of the application to target the users on the move and virtually at all instances of life, Spotify has provided a wider more reaching market for its business. Given that all the mobile users will have to be premium users, the focus of mobile versions will be to create a customer base where the services will be like a contract between Spotify and the user (Ionescu 2009). This eliminates the advertisers from the picture and allows Spotify to compete with earlier established businesses on the same line like Apple, while still spreading the risk. Instead of relying on the advertising source alone, the company can now create a one to one relation with the music fans through their premium accounts. Conclusions It is a good business plan for Spotify to create such a huge market base by having so many users registered, both free and premium categories. The plan of pushing adverts into streamed music provides an excellent way of gaining the revenue from brands. On the mobile world, it provides a good way of reaching a wider market and a premium account for the mobile is a plus on the revenue. This was a wise decision considering the processing power of phones cannot be compared to that of PC’s. The strategy of extending into the mobile world was a good way of preparing for the future of IT with the trends in pervasive mobile programming. Mobile marketing will form an even wider market considering the more frequent use and an extension of the PC use after work hours. Recommendations The competition in the market is high and Spotify will have to deal with some issues, especially with the application interface and specifically the technology on the size of bandwidth among other resource utilized on users machines. Criticism is usually on the fact that the interface does not give a user the access to control the amount of resources like bandwidth that Spotify uses against other systems on the same machine. The issue of coming up with a way of establishing the classification of music sources with their effect on the market using the users data to determine the ratings would be an important thing to indulge in, in order to establishing a fair royalties to the artists in order to keep everyone happy and the future of Spotify bright (BBC News 2010). More concentration on helping the production teams with useful demographic and ratings information will give the company a strong relationship with the source of music, the medium they use to make money. References BBC News, (2010) ‘Spotify boss Daniel Ek sets out future plans’, [Online], Available: http://news. bbc. co. uk/2/hi/8478599. stm Porter M. (1998) ‘Competitive strategy: techniques for analyzing industries and competitors’, Free Press, ISBN 0684005778, 9780684005775. McCormick, A. (2009) ‘Spotify and Last. fm moot partnership’, Britannica article; Revolution (14605953) [Online], Available: http://www. britannica. com/bps/additionalcontent/18/38216709/Spotify-and-Lastfm-moot-partnership Ionescu D. , Nov 23, 2009, Spotify Lands App for Symbian Phones, [emailprotected], [Online], Available: http://www. pcworld. com/article/182833/spotify_lands_app_for_symbian_phones. html Robert Andrews, 2009, Apple Approves Spotify’s iPhone App, web article on Paid Content: UK, [Online], Available: http://paidcontent. co. uk/article/419-spotify-says-apple-still-testing-iphone-app-spotify-vanishes-from-app-s/ Emerald, Current CITE-ings from the popular and trade computing press, Library Hi Tech News, Volume 26, Issue 9, [Online], Available: http://www. emeraldinsight. com. ezproxy. cqu. edu. au/Insight/ViewContentServlet? contentType=NonArticleFilename=Published/NonArticle/Articles/23926iae. 001. html Spotify Archives (2010) ‘Spotify for iPhone v0. 4 now available’, [Online], Available: http://www. spotify. com/int/blog/archives/2010/03/31/iphone-v4/ Johan Nylander, Record labels part owner of Spotify, from The Swedish Wire, Published Friday, 07 August 2009, [Online], Available: http://www. swedishwire. com/business/680-record-labels-part-owner-of-spotify Spotify Forums, What is Spotify? Why choose Spotify? How much advertising? [Online], Available: http://www. spotify-forum. com/what_is_spotify. php

Genetically Modified Organisms In Agriculture Environmental Sciences Essay

Genetically Modified Organisms In Agriculture Environmental Sciences Essay important environmental benefits with little or no risk. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have been the subject of debate for many years, with many people either completely for or completely against their mass production and sale. But what exactly is a GMO? It is defined as an organism whose characteristics have been altered by the insertion of a gene from another organism using genetic engineering techniques, usually to give the recipient more desirable traits for human exploitation. In agriculture, this is most often increased pest or herbicide resistance in genetically modified (GM) crops. The question of risk associated with GM crops has divided opinion amongst both experts and the public; however there still does not seem to be any conclusive evidence for either benefits or risks on the environment where these organisms are cultivated. This essay will address some of the popular issues raised with regard to environmental benefits and risks and try to weigh up the pros and cons of GMOs in agriculture. With the ever-increasing human population, our planet is being put under more and more pressure as we try to keep up with the demands for resources. It is estimated that food production will have to increase by 70% by 2050 to provide the predicted 9.1 billion people with enough food (Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 2009). But with the continued expansion of human populations, we shall also see a further shortage of land suitable for agriculture. The answer to these problems came when genetic engineering allowed us to customise an organismà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s characteristics to our desires; increasing crop yield, or reducing damage by pests, thereby allowing a greater quantity of crop to be harvested from the same amount of land. One of the main characteristics desired in a cultivated crop plant is a resistance to pests such as insects and weeds. Since their introduction in 1947, there has been a steady increase in the use of synthetic pesticides to reduce crop losses caused by insects, weeds and diseases (Phipps and Park, 2002). However, an estimated 43% of total world production of the major crops is lost each year, with a further 10% lost after harvesting (Oerke et al. 1995). The use of pesticides has been linked to negative effects in the environment; the loss of UK farmland biodiversity such as insects and bird species and the change in food sources of farmland birds (Ewald and Aebischer, 1999). In GM crops, insect resistance is achieved within the plant DNA itself, so the need for the spraying of pesticides is much reduced. The most common gene selected for insect resistance is extracted from a bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis because it produces toxins which are sensitive to a specific group of insects including the European corn borer, corn earworm, south-western corn borer and corn rootworm (Schuler et al. 1998). Plants containing this gene are called Bt varieties. In 2000, out of a global total of 5.3 million hectares of cotton grown, 3.2 million hectares were Bt varieties (James, 2000). China is one of the largest producers of cotton, with cotton farmers relying heavily on pesticides, however, in a survey conducted during 1999 and 2000, pesticide use on cotton plants was reduced on average from 55kg (on non-Bt varieties) to 16kg (on Bt varieties) per hectare, and the number of times sprayed was reduced from 20 to 7. Also, the survey reported that the use of toxic organochlorines and organophosphates was almost completely stopped (Huang et al. 2001). This evidence is supportive of the use of insect resistant GM crops because there is less need for the use of pesticides which have a negative effect on the biodiversity of the environment. However, this method may result i n the evolution of resistant pests, which would make the GM crop redundant and therefore re-establish the need for stronger pesticides until a substitute is found for the Bt gene (Hails, 2000). Furthermore, an Australian study has discovered that Bt toxin is found in the roots of modified plants at similar concentrations found in the leaves. This means that the toxins can pass into the soil easily, not only from degrading leaf matter, but also directly from the roots and could potentially lead to an accumulation of toxin in the soil or in the organisms which digest it; insect larvae and microbes. In this way, GM crops could have an indirect impact on biodiversity of insects (and their predators), non-target plants and the soil environment about which we still have only limited knowledge (Vadakattu and Watson, 2004). Alongside pesticide resistance, the other main desired trait of engineered crops is a tolerance to herbicides. 63.7% of GM crops grown in 2005 were engineered with herbicide tolerance (James, 2005). The plants are modified to be resistant to one powerful herbicide called glyphosate, which means that farmers can grow the crop and spray it with one application of glyphosate herbicide to kill any weeds, but the crop itself will not be affected. This is advantageous because it reduces the cost to the farmer and also reduces the run-off of sprayed herbicides into the surrounding ecosystem (Whitman, 2000). The average reduction in herbicide use on GM soybeans in the USA when studied proved to be around 10%, and although it made 16 herbicides redundant, the usage of glyphosate increased 5-fold (Phipps and Park, 2002). The biggest risk associated with herbicide resistance comes from potential gene transfer across species to close relatives, thereby creating an unregulated hybrid of a GM plan t. If this relative is considered a weed, resistance to the herbicide will result in a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"super weedà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢, where it cannot be killed using glyphosate and farmers must revert back to physical processes such as tilling, which in turn accelerates soil erosion and nutrient leeching (Hail, 2000). Yet there is remarkable evidence from canola oil seed farmers in Canada of the positive effects of growing the herbicide tolerant (Ht) variety; in 2000, when 55% of all canola grown was Ht, the total amount of herbicide used was reduced by 6 million kg, 31.2 million litres of diesel fuel were saved which in turn saved Canadian $13.1 million and 110,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere (Canola Council of Canada, 2000). The report also described how farmers have adopted a zero or minimal tillage strategy to control weeds, which has the environmental benefits of less soil erosion and less carbon released into the atmosphere; it is estimated that 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide are no longer released, so one could say that GM crops may help reduce the rate of global climate change. At present, it appears that there are important benefits and disadvantages of herbicide tolerance, but that more research into the probability of hybridisation with non-desired species should be carried out in order to establish a balanced argument. Currently, the advantages seem to outweigh the disadvantages, but this situation may change in the future if resistance spreads to other species. The question of hybridisation has always surrounded GM crops, but the risk of a hybrid plant surviving in the natural environment and establishing a population has always been considered extremely small. The potential for a crop to hybridise with a weed is dependent on numerous factors: the relatedness of the species, geographical location and sexual compatibility to name a few. However, even if a GM crop were to hybridise with a weed relative, the resulting cross would be dependent on a different set of factors in order to be successful and reproduce; it must overcome all normal plant limiting factors such as competition, nutrients, light etc. but also be able to reproduce itself and survive over many generations. The likelihood of a hybrid surviving in the wild is extremely small, yet it is important to remember that the risk does exist and that such a plant would have a higher fitness, be potentially more invasive and likely out compete its relatives, resulting in extinction throu gh hybridisation (Conner et al. 2003). In fact, extinction caused by the introduction of GM crops is a larger problem than originally anticipated. Farmers all over the world are favouring high-yield, Ht and pest resistant crops which gain more profit than their natural relatives, resulting in uniform monocultures. Currently, 1350 traditional crop species face extinction, with an average of 2 species being lost every week, because they are being replaced with engineered versions of themselves (FAO, 2003). Genetic engineering does not stop with crops. There exist today GM trees designed for better quality timber or ease of paper production, and GM plants used in biofuels. Much research is being done on GM animals for use as a food source and use in medicine, although none have yet been licensed to be sold. From an environmental point of view, one of the most interesting applications of GM comes in the form of phytoremediation. Scientists have genetically engineered bacteria to clean polluted and contaminated soil, and plants which can take up heavy metal residues from the soil (Meagher, 2006). Conclusion There has been and still is much debate over the safety of GMOs, with particular emphasis on GM crops because they have the potential to alter ecosystems, and because they ultimately end up on our plates. While the effects on human health are substantially risky, they are beyond the topic of this essay. The cultivation of GM crops has become more widespread since their introduction, with 25 countries now growing them commercially and many more growing them on a trial basis (James, 2008). With continuing research into genes, it seems inevitable that genetic engineering of crops will continue in order to produce the best, most desirable crop possible, while also minimising the environmental impacts. There is evidence for both sides of the argument concerning benefits and risks to the environment, however, not all GM plants behave the same way. The advantages of Ht canola in Canada are obvious, yet in other species the tolerance is not so great and additional spraying is still required. This may be down to geographical location, soil type or farming practise, but it is important to remember that there is no uniform behaviour of GM crops. The environmental benefit of pest resistance is a reduced use of pesticides thereby increasing biodiversity by only targeting specific problem pests instead of killing all the insects in the vicinity. However, this is met with many potential risks such as; accumulation of Bt toxin in the soil which may reduce soil biodiversity, possible evolution of resistance in target pest species and the need to stack genes for resistance to pests which are not affected by the Bt toxin. The environmental benefits of Ht crops include reduced spraying of herbici des which in turn will reduce run off and contamination of water sources, reduced tilling of soil which decreases soil erosion and requires less mechanical management of fields, which means less carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere to contribute to global warming. The main risk of Ht crops is the potential for hybridisation and invasion of a resistant weed species. From this analysis, we can see that one modified crop may have more advantages than disadvantages, yet for another gene there are more disadvantages than advantages. It is difficult to know what to think about the situation. While we still do not know the impacts these crops may have on the environment and the ecosystems they exist in, some may say that we should not grow them until we know more, but will we ever know how they will behave in the natural environment if we only experiment with them in a laboratory? To conclude with my own opinion, looking at the bigger picture, GM crops will not offer us any environmental benefits because ultimately they are grown for human consumption, meaning the human population will continue increasing because food is not a limiting factor. More food will result in more people, which will lead to the continued exploitation and destruction of our planet. As a species, we have overcome the forces of natural selection through the development of medicine and with the expanding use of GM crops, it looks like we are set to overcome the limiting factor of food availability.

The Beanie Babies Boom :: Beanie Babies Ty Business Essays

The Beanie Babies Boom "Pounce, Prance, Zip, Canyon, and Snip," came, without hesitation, from the mouth of my daughter when I presented her with five randomly selected Beanie Babies from the one hundred or so that are in her bedroom. She hardly had to think about her response as she named them for me. She knows them all by name. I was intrigued. My daughter, and my wife, are generally very selective in their interests and pursuits. There are no Tickle Me Elmos or Furbys in our house. We have never fallen prey to the lure of pet rocks or Cabbage Patch dolls, but the sheer number of Beanie Babies we possess has made me very curious about these cute little things. The current Beanie Babies phenomenon is somewhat baffling to me, as most popular crazes are. What makes these things so special that my daughter knows them all by name, or that people wait in line at six in the morning to buy them? Who exactly is buying them, and who are they being bought for? These are questions I felt I needed some answ ers to. Over half of the Beanie Babies that we own are now retired, which means nothing more than the fact that if we wanted to buy the same ones now, they would cost three or four times what they did when we bought them the first time. The maker of Beanie Babies, the Ty Company, retires certain models each month which drives the price of the retirees up, in secondary markets, immediately. Is this simply a statement that no more are being made, or is it just a marketing ploy to drive sales? Either way, I feel that anything that has cost my family over seven hundred dollars deserves to be looked in to. When I inquired about what made these particular animals so "unique," I thought I would go right to the closest, most reliable sources that I had. I first asked my daughter, who is seven years old. Her response was that they were "cute" and that they had "cute names." When I asked my wife, she told me that they were "cute," and that they were "soft and cuddly." Now I know what one might think, but one thing needs to be made clear.

A Career in Insurance Sales Essay -- essays research papers

A Career in Insurance Sales Nature of the Work Insurance agents sell one or more types of insurance, such as life, property, casualty, health, disability, and long-term care (Edwards, 1999, A12). Agents sell insurance policies to individuals and businesses to provide protection against loss or catastrophe. Insurance agents consider the financial status and life situation of their clients, and assist them in selecting their optimal insurance policy. Some policies can be designed to provide retirement income, funds for the education of children, or other benefits (Edwards, 1999, A12). Insurance agents prepare reports, maintain records, and they help policyholders to settle insurance claims (Abraham & Herman, 1998). Special in-group policies may help employers provide their employees the opportunity to buy insurance through payroll deductions (Abraham & Herman, 1998). Agents may work for one company or independently for several companies (Abraham & Herman, 1998). Brokers do not sell for a particular company, but direct their clients to companies that offer the best rate and coverage (Abraham & Herman, 1998). Life insurance agents and brokers are sometimes referred to as life underwriters (Abraham & Herman, 1998). Property and casualty insurance agents and brokers sell policies that protect individuals and businesses from financial loss, as a result of automobile accidents, fire or theft, tornadoes and storms, and other events that can damage property (Edwards, 1999, A13). Property and casualty insurance can also sell health insurance policies to businesses that cover the costs of hospital and medical care for their employees (Edwards, 1999, A13). Increasingly, insurance agents and brokers offer comprehensive financial planning services to their clients, such as retirement planning counseling (Edwards, 1999, A13). Because of this, many insurance agents and brokers are licensed to sell mutual funds and other securities (Edwards, 1999, A13). Education and Training Requirements College training may help agents or brokers grasp the technical aspects of insurance policies and the fundamentals and procedures of selling insurance (Abraham & Herman, 1998). Many colleges and universities offer courses in insurance, and a few schools offer a bachelor’s degree in insurance (Abraham & Herman, 1998). College courses in finance, mathematics, a... ... growth of mutual fund sales (Vault.com, 1999). Insurance agents do not desire a rise in crime, since fear of crime leads more people to seek insurance coverage for their homes, cars, and valuables (Vault.com, 1999). Sales of commercial insurance should increase as new businesses emerge and existing firms expand their coverage (Vault.com, 1999). Trends toward multiline agents, self-insurance, and group policies will also contribute to increased volume of insurance sales, and open positions (Vault.com, 1999). Since insurance is considered a necessity, agents are unlikely to face unemployment in times of recession (Vault.com, 1999). References   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Abraham, K. G., & Herman, A. M. (1998). Insurance agents and brokers. Occupational outlook handbook. (1998-1999 ed.). 250-252.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Edwards, S. A. (1999, March 8). Insurance: what you need to know. The Hartford Courant, pp. A12, A13. (Article appears on two separate pages.) Vault.com Inc.  © 1999 150 West 22nd St., 5th Floor, New York, NY 10011 http://www.vault.com/vstore/pages/occupations.cfm?Product_id=513&objectgroup_id=284&chapter=1

The Leader-Follower Relationship :: leadership, motivation theories

Leadership is studied and analysed so that the effective practices can be taught and applied in today’s organizations. The concept of leadership has been expanded to discuss the follower’s role in the leader-follower relationship. While leading is often considered an active role, following can have a negative connotation, especially when seen as a passive, subordinate position. However, following can be a choice, and the difference between the leader and follower is the activities, rather than abilities (Wren, p.201). An organization possesses effective followers is just as important for success as having effective leaders. Hersey and Blanchard describe this relationship as dynamic and use Situational Leadership (R) as a model for the leader’s to improve the performance of their followers. Manz and Sims describe a historical view of leader types which has evolved to view the superleader as the most effective type for our current culture. The role of the superleader is to empower followers to become self-leaders themselves. The Situational Leadership model may contain the word â€Å"Leadership†, but it is mostly about effective management practices and does not address developing the role of the follower. There is a difference between managing and leading. In Managerial Roles, H. Mintzberg describes 10 roles, grouped under the categories of interpersonal, informational and decision roles, that a manager should posses. An effective leader should have those skills as well, in addition to having an overall vision, clearly communicating those goals and motivating their followers to work towards it (Wren, p.378). Leadership is also about directing change. Without change, leadership is only management of the status quo (MacNeil, Cavanagh, Silcox, p.6). There is nothing wrong with begin a successful manager, just as there is much value to be an effective follower. The role of the follower and subordinate is very different in terms of ability and choice. Subordinates are considered passive, lacking in initiative and responsibility. The image of sheep comes to mind, where as followers are more active, and engage in more critical thinking (Wren, p.195). Robert Kelley further describes the effective followers have good self-management skills, abilities and motivation, which are exactly the same qualities apparent in effective leaders. That relationship between leader and follower is defined by the role they play, since an effective follower has the skills to switch positions with the leader.

Ethics in public ad Essay

Since the 1970s there has been a great deal of change associated with the implementation of administrative ethics. These changes have been promoted and motivated by the concept of public administration in the new era. An important position is given to the concept of ethical issues in today’s civil governance. There has been a great deal of research associated with this concept which has been supported by translation of evidences and theories into practice across different continents. Frederickson and Ghere (2005) address both the managerial and individual/moral dimensions of ethical behavior as well as new challenges to administrative ethics posed by globalization. As promoted by Cooper (2001) ethics in public administration is not a transient concept but has proven to be an approach which has shown a great deal of sustainability which is fundamental to the area of public administration. Public administration has certain issues with regard to ethics implementation and finds it troublesome to come to terms with them. One reason for this is because ethics is embedded in an intellectual framework. This framework is based on stable institutional as well as role relationship levels, among both public employees as well as the organization. According to the views of a number of researchers (Bang and Sorensen, 1999; Keast et al., 2004; Rhodes, 1996; Sorensen, 2002, 2006; Sorensen and Torfing, 2004; Stoker, 1998), current government perspectives believe that clarity and stability at these levels would be problematic. Despite the increasing number of studies that have focused on the importance of administrative ethics, there has been very little effort spent on identifying what is exactly the crux of ethics in administration (Cooper, 2004). This lack of directed research in the dynamics of operations with regards to ethics in public administration along with constant changes in the principles and policies associated with administrative ethics need to be examined. These developments have raised new topics for concern in this field. One example which can be cited at this juncture is the emergence of the concept of egovernance which would require the identification of a whole new paradigm of ethics in public administration.

War

I want you to see where the focus of your essay needs to be. And that focus needs to make an appearance in a carefully thought out and constructed thesis statement. In other words, do you reading and thinking BEFORE you compose a thesis and begin writing. Using that material, as well as what you have been learning about the economic growth and change of theUnited States during the first half of the nineteenth century, explain why a large majority of northerners were steadfastly against the expansion of slavery into the new territories to become states. How did the existence of slavery threaten average white guys? I want to see specific information from the reading in your post. Make sure you understand Helper's argument and the evidence he uses to support It. During the first half of the 19th century, machine and factory use grew popular.The Embargo Act of 1807 started the war of 1812. Discuss this In your discussion board and you should look at other web sources to add to your posts . PBS ran a NOVA video this last summer entitled â€Å"What Darwin Never Knew†. You can find that video at http:mom. PBS. Org/high/nova/evolution/Darwin-never-knew. HTML . This web page has lots of information that explains evolution theory and It Is a good addition to this NC Live video In developing an understanding of how genes adapt to change through time.We know so much more now then we new In Darning's time. Darwin Video Discussion This Is the discussion board for Unit 2. It Is a debate about evolution and how human population will respond In the light of the theory of Global Warming. You should post your original thoughts In a thread that matches your opinion, and then branch out to comment on views that are different than your own. Be sure to comment with supportive documentation from a web page, the book or other source. You can post web links or references In your post.You can subscribe to the forum, ND we will have only one forum for the class to see how It goes wi th organization. Try not to create a new thread unless you have an original thought. Watch the video posted In Chapter 4 on the selecting method applied to debunk pseudoscience myths. Then post your comments here with at least three responses and one wobbled to support your comment. This video Is an extension of how the selecting method Is applied to ensure Information Is accurate and why we need to make sure we use the selecting method.

Recommendation For strength of TGV Cinema Essay

TGV cinema can take the advantage of strong financial position to make improvement as old fashion, traditional or manually operation will result in business being backward in the competitive edge. They should hire more workers to ensure that the system or program work more efficiently. Besides, it can do more promotions like offer various special packages. All these can bring their customers` satisfaction level to a higher level by utilize the good financial condition. TGV cinema has TGV cinema has the strength on providing new-brand experience with reasonable price. It has introduced featuring funky bean bags that allow you to relax and enjoy movies in unsurpassed comfort. So, it can utilize this advantage to attract more movie-goers by doing some advertisement on billboards or newspapers to enable the patrons know more about their services and facilities. Since 28 June 2013, TGV cinemas become fully digitised following the successful installation of 164 Christie ® DLP Digital Cin ema ® CP2220 projectors. Thus, TGV Cinema should utilize their digital cinemas in redefining cinematic experience for cinema-goers. This years, 3D movies are becoming a preferred option by movie-goers especially when available and at the same time the cinema advertising market is also largely untapped in Malaysia. So if there are 3D movies, why not TGV cinemas produce more enticing, interactive and creative advertisements through 3D advertisements. Recently, apart from hall bookings, TGV Cinemas also provides added services to complement the corporate and private functions such as customised menu to suit catering needs, customised party packs, and entertainment solutions such as magic shows, clowns, face painting and many more. Thus, to utilize this services, the Marketing Department should ensure the advertisement jobs are done well and information about this services is well distributed to the public so that they know about this existing services clearly and this services will become their first choice whe never they want to organize some functions. 3.1 Utilizing the identified opportunities Based on the SWOT analysis performed, Malaysia has lesser cinema compared to other countries. As number of cinema-goers is increasing, cinema companies are competing in satisfying customers’ needs. Thus, TGV cinema can  take this opportunity to expand their business by opening more branches over the country to serve people`s growing needs. This is a good opportunity for TGV cinema to increase their recognition in other countries and also improve the access to financial resources. TGV Cinema has developed a partnership with IMAX Corporation when they bring The IMAX Experience to audiences across Malaysia. As we know that IMAX is an innovator in entertainment technology, combines proprietary software, architecture and equipment, thus TGV Cinema should utilize this partnership to develop a good and trustworthy business relationship with them. The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Directors should also keep communicate with them to show interesting with their new products and come up with strategic planning that benefits both the companies. Based on the survey done by students from HELP University, Liew Chee Kit, Lee Weng Chuan on 2012, Hollywood film had been well dominating the movie business not only in Malaysia but globally as well. Thus, TGV cinema should utilize this opportunity to screening more upcoming Hollywood blockbusters to increase its number of customers. There are highlights of the 2015 movie season as it is filled with follow-ups to fan favourite blockbusters and a few re-imaginings of iconic tales such as Cinderella, The Avengers 2, Terminator 5, James Bond 24, and Star Wars: Episode VII and many others anticipating movies. 3.2 Overcome the identified weakness One of the weakness of TGV is ease of navigation. Nowadays, internet are very convenience and people are using it mainly for everything. However, not all of the internet users have the skill to use it well. Therefore, the information included in the webpage of TGV should arrange nicely and provide some basic guidelines to the users. Furthermore, TGV’s website also should provide all the relevant information in the hyperlink directly so that the users would not need to take extra step to obtain their information. These convenience will definitely attract more customer and maximize the profit of TGV. Besides, TGV should allow customers to enjoy more benefits and convenient by offering services such as launching a co-branded credit card. By launching this type of credit card, TGV can offers some discount at the same time to the customers who use credit card during transactions. This will allow them to enjoy fantastic movies at TGV by using lesser money.  With this concept, customers are definitely attracted by it. Lastly, the branches of TGV cinemas in Malaysia are lesser than its biggest competitor, GSC. This is also the weakness of TGV. Therefore, TGV should open up more branches in Malaysia. This will not only become a threat to other competitors but also leave a good image to the consumers. This is because people will recognise TGV easily when they sees TGV branches throughout the country whenever they go. 3.2 Overcome the identified threats Firstly, the introduction of GST at the rate of 6% is one of the threat to TGV. It will definitely affect every aspect of the business including TGV cinemas. One of the reason is the willingness of the consumers to spend money on watching movies in TGV cinemas is being affected. This will cause the reduction of customers of TGV cinemas. Therefore, we suggested that TGV should reduce the cost of the tickets for every movie. It also should have some special promotions or packages, such as offering a free combo popcorns for purchasing 5 tickets at once for a particular movie. As there are many existing competitors which become threats for TGV Cinema, thus they should develop a sustainable relationship with their customers and keep communicate with their customers by receiving sufficiently feedbacks on their services. This process can be progressed through Facebook as most of the people now have their own Facebook account. This process can help the company to understand their customers` demand, continually to come up with new plans that satisfy and fulfil their customers` desire and develop a competitive advantage in the industry. As the existent of DVD store such as Speedy Video Distributors Sdn. Bhd, online movies or illegal websites that provide the downloading of movies and home theatre will threaten TGV cinemas, they can choose to offer lower price of tickets to overcome this problem. TGV can also promote their facilities which are easily found or enjoy only in TGV cinemas through advertisements.

Phaedrus Plato Essay

Phaedrus By Plato Written 360 B. C. E Translated by Benjamin Jowett Persons of the Dialogue SOCRATES PHAEDRUS. Scene Under a plane-tree, by the banks of the Ilissus. Socrates. My dear Phaedrus, whence come you, and whither are you going? Phaedrus. I come from Lysias the son of Cephalus, and I am going to take a walk outside the wall, for I have been sitting with him the whole morning; and our common friend Acumenus tells me that it is much more refreshing to walk in the open air than to be shut up in a cloister. Soc. There he is right.Lysias then, I suppose, was in the town? Phaedr. Yes, he was staying with Epicrates, here at the house of Morychus; that house which is near the temple of Olympian Zeus. Soc. And how did he entertain you? Can I be wrong in supposing that Lysias gave you a feast of discourse? Phaedr. You shall hear, if you can spare time to accompany me. Soc. And should I not deem the conversation of you and Lysias â€Å"a thing of higher import,† as I may say in the words of Pindar, â€Å"than any business†? Phaedr. Will you go on? Soc. And will you go on with the narration? Phaedr.My tale, Socrates, is one of your sort, for love was the theme which occupied us -love after a fashion: Lysias has been writing about a fair youth who was being tempted, but not by a lover; and this was the point: he ingeniously proved that the non-lover should be accepted rather than the lover. Soc. O that is noble of him! I wish that he would say the poor man rather than the rich, and the old man rather than the young one; then he would meet the case of me and of many a man; his words would be quite refreshing, and he would be a public benefactor.For my part, I do so long to hear his speech, that if you walk all the way to Megara, and when you have reached the wall come back, as Herodicus recommends, without going in, I will keep you company. Phaedr. What do you mean, my good Socrates? How can you imagine that my unpractised memory can do justice to an e laborate work, which the greatest rhetorician of the age spent a long time in composing. Indeed, I cannot; I would give a great deal if I could. Soc.I believe that I know Phaedrus about as well as I know myself, and I am very sure that the speech of Lysias was repeated to him, not once only, but again and again;-he insisted on hearing it many times over and Lysias was very willing to gratify him; at last, when nothing else would do, he got hold of the book, and looked at what he most wanted to see,-this occupied him during the whole morning; -and then when he was tired with sitting, he went out to take a walk, not until, by the dog, as I believe, he had simply learned by heart the entire discourse, unless it was unusually long, and he went to a place outside the wall that he might practise his lesson.There he saw a certain lover of discourse who had a similar weakness;-he saw and rejoiced; now thought he, â€Å"I shall have a partner in my revels. † And he invited him to come and walk with him. But when the lover of discourse begged that he would repeat the tale, he gave himself airs and said, â€Å"No I cannot,† as if he were indisposed; although, if the hearer had refused, he would sooner or later have been compelled by him to listen whether he would or no. Therefore, Phaedrus, bid him do at once what he will soon do whether bidden or not. Phaedr. I see that you will not let me off until I speak in some fashion or other; verily therefore my best plan is to speak as I best can. Soc. A very true remark, that of yours. Phaedr.I will do as I say; but believe me, Socrates, I did not learn the very words-O no; nevertheless I have a general notion of what he said, and will give you a summary of the points in which the lover differed from the non-lover. Let me begin at the beginning. Soc. Yes, my sweet one; but you must first of all show what you have in your left hand under your cloak, for that roll, as I suspect, is the actual discourse. Now, much as I love you, I would not have you suppose that I am going to have your memory exercised at my expense, if you have Lysias himself here. Phaedr. Enough; I see that I have no hope of practising my art upon you. But if I am to read, where would you please to sit? Soc. Let us turn aside and go by the Ilissus; we will sit down at some quiet spot. Phaedr.I am fortunate in not having my sandals, and as you never have any, I think that we may go along the brook and cool our feet in the water; this will be the easiest way, and at midday and in the summer is far from being unpleasant. Soc. Lead on, and look out for a place in which we can sit down. Phaedr. Do you see the tallest plane-tree in the distance? Soc. Yes. Phaedr. There are shade and gentle breezes, and grass on which we may either sit or lie down. Soc. Move forward. Phaedr. I should like to know, Socrates, whether the place is not somewhere here at which Boreas is said to have carried off Orithyia from the banks of the Ilissus? Soc . Such is the tradition. Phaedr. And is this the exact spot?The little stream is delightfully clear and bright; I can fancy that there might be maidens playing near. Soc. I believe that the spot is not exactly here, but about a quarter of a mile lower down, where you cross to the temple of Artemis, and there is, I think, some sort of an altar of Boreas at the place. Phaedr. I have never noticed it; but I beseech you to tell me, Socrates, do you believe this tale? Soc. The wise are doubtful, and I should not be singular if, like them, I too doubted. I might have a rational explanation that Orithyia was playing with Pharmacia, when a northern gust carried her over the neighbouring rocks; and this being the manner of her death, she was said to have been carried away by Boreas.There is a discrepancy, however, about the locality; according to another version of the story she was taken from Areopagus, and not from this place. Now I quite acknowledge that these allegories are very nice, bu t he is not to be envied who has to invent them; much labour and ingenuity will be required of him; and when he has once begun, he must go on and rehabilitate Hippocentaurs and chimeras dire. Gorgons and winged steeds flow in apace, and numberless other inconceivable and portentous natures. And if he is sceptical about them, and would fain reduce them one after another to the rules of probability, this sort of crude philosophy will take up a great deal of time. Now I have no leisure for such enquiries; shall I tell you why?I must first know myself, as the Delphian inscription says; to be curious about that which is not my concern, while I am still in ignorance of my own self, would be ridiculous. And therefore I bid farewell to all this; the common opinion is enough for me. For, as I was saying, I want to know not about this, but about myself: am I a monster more complicated and swollen with passion than the serpent Typho, or a creature of a gentler and simpler sort, to whom Nature has given a diviner and lowlier destiny? But let me ask you, friend: have we not reached the plane-tree to which you were conducting us? Phaedr. Yes, this is the tree. Soc. By Here, a fair resting-place, full of summer sounds and scents.Here is this lofty and spreading plane-tree, and the agnus cast us high and clustering, in the fullest blossom and the greatest fragrance; and the stream which flows beneath the plane-tree is deliciously cold to the feet. Judging from the ornaments and images, this must be a spot sacred to Achelous and the Nymphs. How delightful is the breeze:-so very sweet; and there is a sound in the air shrill and summerlike which makes answer to the chorus of the cicadae. But the greatest charm of all is the grass, like a pillow gently sloping to the head. My dear Phaedrus, you have been an admirable guide. Phaedr. What an incomprehensible being you are, Socrates: when you are in the country, as you say, you really are like some stranger who is led about by a gui de. Do you ever cross the border? I rather think that you never venture even outside the gates. Soc.Very true, my good friend; and I hope that you will excuse me when you hear the reason, which is, that I am a lover of knowledge, and the men who dwell in the city are my teachers, and not the trees or the country. Though I do indeed believe that you have found a spell with which to draw me out of the city into the country, like a hungry cow before whom a bough or a bunch of fruit is waved. For only hold up before me in like manner a book, and you may lead me all round Attica, and over the wide world. And now having arrived, I intend to lie down, and do you choose any posture in which you can read best. Begin. Phaedr. Listen. You know how matters stand with me; and how, as I conceive, this affair may be arranged for the advantage of both of us.And I maintain that I ought not to fail in my suit, because I am not your lover: for lovers repent of the kindnesses which they have shown when their passion ceases, but to the non-lovers who are free and not under any compulsion, no time of repentance ever comes; for they confer their benefits according to the measure of their ability, in the way which is most conducive to their own interest. Then again, lovers consider how by reason of their love they have neglected their own concerns and rendered service to others: and when to these benefits conferred they add on the troubles which they have endured, they think that they have long ago made to the beloved a very ample return. But the non-lover has no such tormenting recollections; he has never neglected his affairs or quarrelled with his relations; he has no troubles to add up or excuse to invent; and being well rid of all these evils, why should he not freely do what will gratify the beloved?If you say that the lover is more to be esteemed, because his love is thought to be greater; for he is willing to say and do what is hateful to other men, in order to please his bel oved;-that, if true, is only a proof that he will prefer any future love to his present, and will injure his old love at the pleasure of the new. And how, in a matter of such infinite importance, can a man be right in trusting himself to one who is afflicted with a malady which no experienced person would attempt to cure, for the patient himself admits that he is not in his right mind, and acknowledges that he is wrong in his mind, but says that he is unable to control himself? And if he came to his right mind, would he ever imagine that the desires were good which he conceived when in his wrong mind?Once more, there are many more non-lovers than lovers; and if you choose the best of the lovers, you will not have many to choose from; but if from the non-lovers, the choice will be larger, and you will be far more likely to find among them a person who is worthy of your friendship. If public opinion be your dread, and you would avoid reproach, in all probability the lover, who is alwa ys thinking that other men are as emulous of him as he is of them, will boast to some one of his successes, and make a show of them openly in the pride of his heart;he wants others to know that his labour has not been lost; but the non-lover is more his own master, and is desirous of solid good, and not of the opinion of mankind.Again, the lover may be generally noted or seen following the beloved (this is his regular occupation), and whenever they are observed to exchange two words they are supposed to meet about some affair of love either past or in contemplation; but when non-lovers meet, no one asks the reason why, because people know that talking to another is natural, whether friendship or mere pleasure be the motive. Once more, if you fear the fickleness of friendship, consider that in any other case a quarrel might be a mutual calamity; but now, when you have given up what is most precious to you, you will be the greater loser, and therefore, you will have more reason in bei ng afraid of the lover, for his vexations are many, and he is always fancying that every one is leagued against him. Wherefore lso he debars his beloved from society; he will not have you intimate with the wealthy, lest they should exceed him in wealth, or with men of education, lest they should be his superiors in understanding; and he is equally afraid of anybody's influence who has any other advantage over himself. If he can persuade you to break with them, you are left without friend in the world; or if, out of a regard to your own interest, you have more sense than to comply with his desire, you will have to quarrel with him. But those who are non-lovers, and whose success in love is the reward of their merit, will not be jealous of the companions of their beloved, and will rather hate those who refuse to be his associates, thinking that their favourite is slighted by the latter and benefited by the former; for more love than hatred may be expected to come to him out of his fri endship with others.Many lovers too have loved the person of a youth before they knew his character or his belongings; so that when their passion has passed away, there is no knowing whether they will continue to be his friends; whereas, in the case of non-lovers who were always friends, the friendship is not lessened by the favours granted; but the recollection of these remains with them, and is an earnest of good things to come. Further, I say that you are likely to be improved by me, whereas the lover will spoil you. For they praise your words and actions in a wrong way; partly, because they are afraid of offending you, and also, their judgment is weakened by passion.Such are the feats which love exhibits; he makes things painful to the disappointed which give no pain to others; he compels the successful lover to praise what ought not to give him pleasure, and therefore the beloved is to be pitied rather than envied. But if you listen to me, in the first place, I, in my intercour se with you, shall not merely regard present enjoyment, but also future advantage, being not mastered by love, but my own master; nor for small causes taking violent dislikes, but even when the cause is great, slowly laying up little wrathunintentional offences I shall forgive, and intentional ones I shall try to prevent; and these are the marks of a friendship which will last. Do you think that a lover only can be a firm friend? eflect:-if this were true, we should set small value on sons, or fathers, or mothers; nor should we ever have loyal friends, for our love of them arises not from passion, but from other associations. Further, if we ought to shower favours on those who are the most eager suitors,-on that principle, we ought always to do good, not to the most virtuous, but to the most needy; for they are the persons who will be most relieved, and will therefore be the most grateful; and when you make a feast you should invite not your friend, but the beggar and the empty soul ; for they will love you, and attend you, and come about your doors, and will be the best pleased, and the most grateful, and will invoke many a blessing on your head.Yet surely you ought not to be granting favours to those who besiege you with prayer, but to those who are best able to reward you; nor to the lover only, but to those who are worthy of love; nor to those who will enjoy the bloom of your youth, but to those who will share their possessions with you in age; nor to those who, having succeeded, will glory in their success to others, but to those who will be modest and tell no tales; nor to those who care about you for a moment only, but to those who will continue your friends through life; nor to those who, when their passion is over, will pick a quarrel with you, but rather to those who, when the charm of youth has left you, will show their own virtue.Remember what I have said; and consider yet this further point: friends admonish the lover under the idea that his way of life is bad, but no one of his kindred ever yet censured the non-lover, or thought that he was ill-advised about his own interests. â€Å"Perhaps you will ask me whether I propose that you should indulge every non-lover. To which I reply that not even the lover would advise you to indulge all lovers, for the indiscriminate favour is less esteemed by the rational recipient, and less easily hidden by him who would escape the censure of the world. Now love ought to be for the advantage of both parties, and for the injury of neither. â€Å"I believe that I have said enough; but if there is anything more which you desire or which in your opinion needs to be supplied, ask and I will answer. † Now, Socrates, what do you think?Is not the discourse excellent, more especially in the matter of the language? Soc. Yes, quite admirable; the effect on me was ravishing. And this I owe to you, Phaedrus, for I observed you while reading to be in an ecstasy, and thinking that you are more exp erienced in these matters than I am, I followed your example, and, like you, my divine darling, I became inspired with a phrenzy. Phaedr. Indeed, you are pleased to be merry. Soc. Do you mean that I am not in earnest? Phaedr. Now don't talk in that way, Socrates, but let me have your real opinion; I adjure you, by Zeus, the god of friendship, to tell me whether you think that any Hellene could have said more or spoken better on the same subject.Soc. Well, but are you and I expected to praise the sentiments of the author, or only the clearness, and roundness, and finish, and tournure of the language? As to the first I willingly submit to your better judgment, for I am not worthy to form an opinion, having only attended to the rhetorical manner; and I was doubting whether this could have been defended even by Lysias himself; I thought, though I speak under correction, that he repeated himself two or three times, either from want of words or from want of pains; and also, he appeared to me ostentatiously to exult in showing how well he could say the same thing in two or three ways. Phaedr.Nonsense, Socrates; what you call repetition was the especial merit of the speech; for he omitted no topic of which the subject rightly allowed, and I do not think that any one could have spoken better or more exhaustively. Soc. There I cannot go along with you. Ancient sages, men and women, who have spoken and written of these things, would rise up in judgment against me, if out of complaisance I assented to you. Phaedr. Who are they, and where did you hear anything better than this? Soc. I am sure that I must have heard; but at this moment I do not remember from whom; perhaps from Sappho the fair, or Anacreon the wise; or, possibly, from a prose writer. Why do I say so? Why, because I perceive that my bosom is full, and that I could make another speech as good as that of Lysias, and different.Now I am certain that this is not an invention of my own, who am well aware that I kno w nothing, and therefore I can only infer that I have been filled through the cars, like a pitcher, from the waters of another, though I have actually forgotten in my stupidity who was my informant. Phaedr. That is grand:-but never mind where you beard the discourse or from whom; let that be a mystery not to be divulged even at my earnest desire. Only, as you say, promise to make another and better oration, equal in length and entirely new, on the same subject; and I, like the nine Archons, will promise to set up a golden image at Delphi, not only of myself, but of you, and as large as life. Soc.You are a dear golden ass if you suppose me to mean that Lysias has altogether missed the mark, and that I can make a speech from which all his arguments are to be excluded. The worst of authors will say something which is to the point. Who, for example, could speak on this thesis of yours without praising the discretion of the nonlover and blaming the indiscretion of the lover? These are th e commonplaces of the subject which must come in (for what else is there to be said? ) and must be allowed and excused; the only merit is in the arrangement of them, for there can be none in the invention; but when you leave the commonplaces, then there may be some originality. Phaedr.I admit that there is reason in what you say, and I too will be reasonable, and will allow you to start with the premiss that the lover is more disordered in his wits than the non-lover; if in what remains you make a longer and better speech than Lysias, and use other arguments, then I say again, that a statue you shall have of beaten gold, and take your place by the colossal offerings of the Cypselids at Olympia. Soc. How profoundly in earnest is the lover, because to tease him I lay a finger upon his love! And so, Phaedrus, you really imagine that I am going to improve upon the ingenuity of Lysias? Phaedr. There I have you as you had me, and you must just speak â€Å"as you best can. † Do not let us exchange â€Å"tu quoque† as in a farce, or compel me to say to you as you said to me, â€Å"I know Socrates as well as I know myself, and he was wanting to, speak, but he gave himself airs. Rather I would have you consider that from this place we stir not until you have unbosomed yourself of the speech; for here are we all alone, and I am stronger, remember, and younger than you-Wherefore perpend, and do not compel me to use violence. Soc. But, my sweet Phaedrus, how ridiculous it would be of me to compete with Lysias in an extempore speech! He is a master in his art and I am an untaught man. Phaedr. You see how matters stand; and therefore let there be no more pretences; for, indeed, I know the word that is irresistible. Soc. Then don't say it. Phaedr. Yes, but I will; and my word shall be an oath. â€Å"I say, or rather swear†-but what god will be witness of my oath? â€Å"By this plane-tree I swear, that unless you repeat the discourse here in the face of this very plane-tree, I will never tell you another; never let you have word of another! † Soc. Villain I am conquered; the poor lover of discourse has no more to say. Phaedr. Then why are you still at your tricks? Soc. I am not going to play tricks now that you have taken the oath, for I cannot allow myself to be starved. Phaedr. Proceed. Soc. Shall I tell you what I will do? Phaedr. What? Soc. I will veil my face and gallop through the discourse as fast as I can, for if I see you I shall feel ashamed and not know what to say. Phaedr. Only go on and you may do anything else which you please. Soc.Come, O ye Muses, melodious, as ye are called, whether you have received this name from the character of your strains, or because the Melians are a musical race, help, O help me in the tale which my good friend here desires me to rehearse, in order that his friend whom he always deemed wise may seem to him to be wiser than ever. Once upon a time there was a fair boy, or, more properly speaking, a youth; he was very fair and had a great many lovers; and there was one special cunning one, who had persuaded the youth that he did not love him, but he really loved him all the same; and one day when he was paying his addresses to him, he used this very argument-that he ought to accept the non-lover rather than the lover; his words were as follows:†All good counsel begins in the same way; a man should know what he is advising about, or his counsel will all come to nought.But people imagine that they know about the nature of things, when they don't know about them, and, not having come to an understanding at first because they think that they know, they end, as might be expected, in contradicting one another and themselves. Now you and I must not be guilty of this fundamental error which we condemn in others; but as our question is whether the lover or non-lover is to be preferred, let us first of all agree in defining the nature and power of love, and then, keepi ng our eyes upon the definition and to this appealing, let us further enquire whether love brings advantage or disadvantage. â€Å"Every one sees that love is a desire, and we know also that non-lovers desire the beautiful and good. Now in what way is the lover to be distinguished from the non-lover?Let us note that in every one of us there are two guiding and ruling principles which lead us whither they will; one is the natural desire of pleasure, the other is an acquired opinion which aspires after the best; and these two are sometimes in harmony and then again at war, and sometimes the one, sometimes the other conquers. When opinion by the help of reason leads us to the best, the conquering principle is called temperance; but when desire, which is devoid of reason, rules in us and drags us to pleasure, that power of misrule is called excess. Now excess has many names, and many members, and many forms, and any of these forms when very marked gives a name, neither honourable nor c reditable, to the bearer of the name.The desire of eating, for example, which gets the better of the higher reason and the other desires, is called gluttony, and he who is possessed by it is called a glutton-I the tyrannical desire of drink, which inclines the possessor of the desire to drink, has a name which is only too obvious, and there can be as little doubt by what name any other appetite of the same family would be called;-it will be the name of that which happens to be eluminant. And now I think that you will perceive the drift of my discourse; but as every spoken word is in a manner plainer than the unspoken, I had better say further that the irrational desire which overcomes the tendency of opinion towards right, and is led away to the enjoyment of beauty, and especially of personal beauty, by the desires which are her own kindred-that supreme desire, I say, which by leading conquers and by the force of passion is reinforced, from this very force, receiving a name, is call ed love. And now, dear Phaedrus, I shall pause for an instant to ask whether you do not think me, as I appear to myself, inspired? Phaedr. Yes, Socrates, you seem to have a very unusual flow of words. Soc. Listen to me, then, in silence; for surely the place is holy; so that you must not wonder, if, as I proceed, I appear to be in a divine fury, for already I am getting into dithyrambics. Phaedr. Nothing can be truer. Soc. The responsibility rests with you. But hear what follows, and Perhaps the fit may be averted; all is in their hands above. I will go on talking to my youth. Listen: Thus, my friend, we have declared and defined the nature of the subject.Keeping the definition in view, let us now enquire what advantage or disadvantage is likely to ensue from the lover or the non-lover to him who accepts their advances. He who is the victim of his passions and the slave of pleasure will of course desire to make his beloved as agreeable to himself as possible. Now to him who has a mi nd discased anything is agreeable which is not opposed to him, but that which is equal or superior is hateful to him, and therefore the lover Will not brook any superiority or equality on the part of his beloved; he is always employed in reducing him to inferiority. And the ignorant is the inferior of the wise, the coward of the brave, the slow of speech of the speaker, the dull of the clever.These, and not these only, are the mental defects of the beloved;-defects which, when implanted by nature, are necessarily a delight to the lover, and when not implanted, he must contrive to implant them in him, if he would not be deprived of his fleeting joy. And therefore he cannot help being jealous, and will debar his beloved from the advantages of society which would make a man of him, and especially from that society which would have given him wisdom, and thereby he cannot fail to do him great harm. That is to say, in his excessive fear lest he should come to be despised in his eyes he wi ll be compelled to banish from him divine philosophy; and there is no greater injury which he can inflict upon him than this. He will contrive that his beloved shall be wholly ignorant, and in everything shall look to him; he is to be the delight of the lover's heart, and a curse to himself.Verily, a lover is a profitable guardian and associate for him in all that relates to his mind. Let us next see how his master, whose law of life is pleasure and not good, will keep and train the body of his servant. Will he not choose a beloved who is delicate rather than sturdy and strong? One brought up in shady bowers and not in the bright sun, a stranger to manly exercises and the sweat of toil, accustomed only to a soft and luxurious diet, instead of the hues of health having the colours of paint and ornament, and the rest of a piece? -such a life as any one can imagine and which I need not detail at length. But I may sum up all that I have to say in a word, and pass on.Such a person in war , or in any of the great crises of life, will be the anxiety of his friends and also of his lover, and certainly not the terror of his enemies; which nobody can deny. And now let us tell what advantage or disadvantage the beloved will receive from the guardianship and society of his lover in the matter of his property; this is the next point to be considered. The lover will be the first to see what, indeed, will be sufficiently evident to all men, that he desires above all things to deprive his beloved of his dearest and best and holiest possessions, father, mother, kindred, friends, of all whom he thinks may be hinderers or reprovers of their most sweet converse; he will even cast a jealous eye upon his gold and silver or other property, ecause these make him a less easy prey, and when caught less manageable; hence he is of necessity displeased at his possession of them and rejoices at their loss; and he would like him to be wifeless, childless, homeless, as well; and the longer th e better, for the longer he is all this, the longer he will enjoy him. There are some soft of animals, such as flatterers, who are dangerous and, mischievous enough, and yet nature has mingled a temporary pleasure and grace in their composition. You may say that a courtesan is hurtful, and disapprove of such creatures and their practices, and yet for the time they are very pleasant. But the lover is not only hurtful to his love; he is also an extremely disagreeable companion.The old proverb says that â€Å"birds of a feather flock together†; I suppose that equality of years inclines them to the same pleasures, and similarity begets friendship; yet you may have more than enough even of this; and verily constraint is always said to be grievous. Now the lover is not only unlike his beloved, but he forces himself upon him. For he is old and his love is young, and neither day nor night will he leave him if he can help; necessity and the sting of desire drive him on, and allure him with the pleasure which he receives from seeing, hearing, touching, perceiving him in every way. And therefore he is delighted to fasten upon him and to minister to him.But what pleasure or consolation can the beloved be receiving all this time? Must he not feel the extremity of disgust when he looks at an old shrivelled face and the remainder to match, which even in a description is disagreeable, and quite detestable when he is forced into daily contact with his lover; moreover he is jealously watched and guarded against everything and everybody, and has to hear misplaced and exaggerated praises of himself, and censures equally inappropriate, which are intolerable when the man is sober, and, besides being intolerable, are published all over the world in all their indelicacy and wearisomeness when he is drunk.And not only while his love continues is he mischievous and unpleasant, but when his love ceases he becomes a perfidious enemy of him on whom he showered his oaths and prayers and promises, and yet could hardly prevail upon him to tolerate the tedium of his company even from motives of interest. The hour of payment arrives, and now he is the servant of another master; instead of love and infatuation, wisdom and temperance are his bosom's lords; but the beloved has not discovered the change which has taken place in him, when he asks for a return and recalls to his recollection former sayings and doings; he believes himself to be speaking to the same person, and the other, not having the courage to confess the truth, and not knowing how to fulfil the oaths and promises which he made when under the dominion of folly, and having now grown wise and temperate, does not want to do as he did or to be as he was before.And so he runs away and is constrained to be a defaulter; the oyster-shell has fallen with the other side uppermost-he changes pursuit into flight, while the other is compelled to follow him with passion and imprecation not knowing that he ought nev er from the first to have accepted a demented lover instead of a sensible non-lover; and that in making such a choice he was giving himself up to a faithless, morose, envious, disagreeable being, hurtful to his estate, hurtful to his bodily health, and still more hurtful to the cultivation of his mind, than which there neither is nor ever will be anything more honoured in the eyes both of gods and men. Consider this, fair youth, and know that in the friendship of the lover there is no real kindness; he has an appetite and wants to feed upon you: As wolves love lambs so lovers love their loves. But I told you so, I am speaking in verse, and therefore I had better make an end; enough. Phaedr. I thought that you were only halfway and were going to make a similar speech about all the advantages of accepting the non-lover.Why do you not proceed? Soc. Does not your simplicity observe that I have got out of dithyrambics into heroics, when only uttering a censure on the lover? And if I am t o add the praises of the nonlover, what will become of me? Do you not perceive that I am already overtaken by the Nymphs to whom you have mischievously exposed me? And therefore will only add that the non-lover has all the advantages in which the lover is accused of being deficient. And now I will say no more; there has been enough of both of them. Leaving the tale to its fate, I will cross the river and make the best of my way home, lest a worse thing be inflicted upon me by you. Phaedr.Not yet, Socrates; not until the heat of the day has passed; do you not see that the hour is almost noon? there is the midday sun standing still, as people say, in the meridian. Let us rather stay and talk over what has been said, and then return in the cool. Soc. Your love of discourse, Phaedrus, is superhuman, simply marvellous, and I do not believe that there is any one of your contemporaries who has either made or in one way or another has compelled others to make an equal number of speeches. I would except Simmias the Theban, but all the rest are far behind you. And now, I do verily believe that you have been the cause of another. Phaedr.That is good news. But what do you mean? Soc. I mean to say that as I was about to cross the stream the usual sign was given to me,that sign which always forbids, but never bids, me to do anything which I am going to do; and I thought that I heard a voice saying in my car that I had been guilty of impiety, and. that I must not go away until I had made an atonement. Now I am a diviner, though not a very good one, but I have enough religion for my own use, as you might say of a bad writer-his writing is good enough for him; and I am beginning to see that I was in error. O my friend, how prophetic is the human soul! At the time I had a sort of misgiving, and, ike Ibycus, â€Å"I was troubled; I feared that I might be buying honour from men at the price of sinning against the gods. † Now I recognize my error. Phaedr. What error? Soc. T hat was a dreadful speech which you brought with you, and you made me utter one as bad. Phaedr. How so? Soc. It was foolish, I say,-to a certain extent, impious; can anything be more dreadful? Phaedr. Nothing, if the speech was really such as you describe. Soc. Well, and is not Eros the son of Aphrodite, and a god? Phaedr. So men say. Soc. But that was not acknowledged by Lysias in his speech, nor by you in that other speech which you by a charm drew from my lips. For if love be, as he surely is, a divinity, he cannot be evil.Yet this was the error of both the speeches. There was also a simplicity about them which was refreshing; having no truth or honesty in them, nevertheless they pretended to be something, hoping to succeed in deceiving the manikins of earth and gain celebrity among them. Wherefore I must have a purgation. And I bethink me of an ancient purgation of mythological error which was devised, not by Homer, for he never had the wit to discover why he was blind, but by S tesichorus, who was a philosopher and knew the reason why; and therefore, when he lost his eyes, for that was the penalty which was inflicted upon him for reviling the lovely Helen, he at once purged himself.And the purgation was a recantation, which began thus,False is that word of mine-the truth is that thou didst not embark in ships, nor ever go to the walls of Troy; and when he had completed his poem, which is called â€Å"the recantation,† immediately his sight returned to him. Now I will be wiser than either Stesichorus or Homer, in that I am going to make my recantation for reviling love before I suffer; and this I will attempt, not as before, veiled and ashamed, but with forehead bold and bare. Phaedr. Nothing could be more agreeable to me than to hear you say so. Soc. Only think, my good Phaedrus, what an utter want of delicacy was shown in the two discourses; I mean, in my own and in that which you recited out of the book.Would not any one who was himself of a noble and gentle nature, and who loved or ever had loved a nature like his own, when we tell of the petty causes of lovers' jealousies, and of their exceeding animosities, and of the injuries which they do to their beloved, have imagined that our ideas of love were taken from some haunt of sailors to which good manners were unknown-he would certainly never have admitted the justice of our censure? Phaedr. I dare say not, Socrates. Soc. Therefore, because I blush at the thought of this person, and also because I am afraid of Love himself, I desire to wash the brine out of my ears with water from the spring; and I would counsel Lysias not to delay, but to write another discourse, which shall prove that ceteris paribus the lover ought to be accepted rather than the non-lover.Phaedr. Be assured that he shall. You shall speak the praises of the lover, and Lysias shall be compelled by me to write another discourse on the same theme. Soc. You will be true to your nature in that, and therefore I believe you. Phaedr. Speak, and fear not. Soc. But where is the fair youth whom I was addressing before, and who ought to listen now; lest, if he hear me not, he should accept a non-lover before he knows what he is doing? Phaedr. He is close at hand, and always at your service. Soc. Know then, fair youth, that the former discourse was the word of Phaedrus, the son of Vain Man, who dwells in the city of Myrrhina (Myrrhinusius).And this which I am about to utter is the recantation of Stesichorus the son of Godly Man (Euphemus), who comes from the town of Desire (Himera), and is to the following effect: â€Å"I told a lie when I said† that the beloved ought to accept the non-lover when he might have the lover, because the one is sane, and the other mad. It might be so if madness were simply an evil; but there is also a madness which is a divine gift, and the source of the chiefest blessings granted to men. For prophecy is a madness, and the prophetess at Delphi and the priestes ses at Dodona when out of their senses have conferred great benefits on Hellas, both in public and private life, but when in their senses few or none.And I might also tell you how the Sibyl and other inspired persons have given to many an one many an intimation of the future which has saved them from falling. But it would be tedious to speak of what every one knows. There will be more reason in appealing to the ancient inventors of names, who would never have connected prophecy (mantike) which foretells the future and is the noblest of arts, with madness (manike), or called them both by the same name, if they had deemed madness to be a disgrace or dishonour;-they must have thought that there was an inspired madness which was a noble thing; for the two words, mantike and manike, are really the same, and the letter t is only a modern and tasteless insertion.And this is confirmed by the name which was given by them to the rational investigation of futurity, whether made by the help of birds or of other signs-this, for as much as it is an art which supplies from the reasoning faculty mind (nous) and information (istoria) to human thought (oiesis) they originally termed oionoistike, but the word has been lately altered and made sonorous by the modern introduction of the letter Omega (oionoistike and oionistike), and in proportion prophecy (mantike) is more perfect and august than augury, both in name and fact, in the same proportion, as the ancients testify, is madness superior to a sane mind (sophrosune) for the one is only of human, but the other of divine origin.Again, where plagues and mightiest woes have bred in certain families, owing to some ancient blood-guiltiness, there madness has entered with holy prayers and rites, and by inspired utterances found a way of deliverance for those who are in need; and he who has part in this gift, and is truly possessed and duly out of his mind, is by the use of purifications and mysteries made whole and except from evil, future as well as present, and has a release from the calamity which was afflicting him. The third kind is the madness of those who are possessed by the Muses; which taking hold of a delicate and virgin soul, and there inspiring frenzy, awakens lyrical and all other numbers; with these adorning the myriad actions of ancient heroes for the instruction of posterity. But he who, having no touch of the Muses' madness in his soul, comes to the door and thinks that he will get into the temple by the help of art-he, I say, and his poetry are not admitted; the sane man disappears and is nowhere when he enters into rivalry with the madman.I might tell of many other noble deeds which have sprung from inspired madness. And therefore, let no one frighten or flutter us by saying that the temperate friend is to be chosen rather than the inspired, but let him further show that love is not sent by the gods for any good to lover or beloved; if he can do so we will allow him to carry off the palm. A nd we, on our part, will prove in answer to him that the madness of love is the greatest of heaven's blessings, and the proof shall be one which the wise will receive, and the witling disbelieve. But first of all, let us view the affections and actions of the soul divine and human, and try to ascertain the truth about them.The beginning of our proof is as follows:The soul through all her being is immortal, for that which is ever in motion is immortal; but that which moves another and is moved by another, in ceasing to move ceases also to live. Only the self-moving, never leaving self, never ceases to move, and is the fountain and beginning of motion to all that moves besides. Now, the beginning is unbegotten, for that which is begotten has a beginning; but the beginning is begotten of nothing, for if it were begotten of something, then the begotten would not come from a beginning. But if unbegotten, it must also be indestructible; for if beginning were destroyed, there could be no b eginning out of anything, nor anything out of a beginning; and all things must have a beginning.And therefore the self-moving is the beginning of motion; and this can neither be destroyed nor begotten, else the whole heavens and all creation would collapse and stand still, and never again have motion or birth. But if the self-moving is proved to be immortal, he who affirms that self-motion is the very idea and essence of the soul will not be put to confusion. For the body which is moved from without is soulless; but that which is moved from within has a soul, for such is the nature of the soul. But if this be true, must not the soul be the self-moving, and therefore of necessity unbegotten and immortal? Enough of the soul's immortality.Of the nature of the soul, though her true form be ever a theme of large and more than mortal discourse, let me speak briefly, and in a figure. And let the figure be composite-a pair of winged horses and a charioteer. Now the winged horses and the cha rioteers of the gods are all of them noble and of noble descent, but those of other races are mixed; the human charioteer drives his in a pair; and one of them is noble and of noble breed, and the other is ignoble and of ignoble breed; and the driving of them of necessity gives a great deal of trouble to him. I will endeavour to explain to you in what way the mortal differs from the immortal creature.The soul in her totality has the care of inanimate being everywhere, and traverses the whole heaven in divers forms appearing–when perfect and fully winged she soars upward, and orders the whole world; whereas the imperfect soul, losing her wings and drooping in her flight at last settles on the solid ground-there, finding a home, she receives an earthly frame which appears to be self-moved, but is really moved by her power; and this composition of soul and body is called a living and mortal creature. For immortal no such union can be reasonably believed to be; although fancy, no t having seen nor surely known the nature of God, may imagine an immortal creature having both a body and also a soul which are united throughout all time. Let that, however, be as God wills, and be spoken of acceptably to him. And now let us ask the reason why the soul loses her wings!The wing is the corporeal element which is most akin to the divine, and which by nature tends to soar aloft and carry that which gravitates downwards into the upper region, which is the habitation of the gods. The divine is beauty, wisdom, goodness, and the like; and by these the wing of the soul is nourished, and grows apace; but when fed upon evil and foulness and the opposite of good, wastes and falls away. Zeus, the mighty lord, holding the reins of a winged chariot, leads the way in heaven, ordering all and taking care of all; and there follows him the array of gods and demigods, marshalled in eleven bands; Hestia alone abides at home in the house of heaven; of the rest they who are reckoned amon g the princely twelve march in their appointed order.They see many blessed sights in the inner heaven, and there are many ways to and fro, along which the blessed gods are passing, every one doing his own work; he may follow who will and can, for jealousy has no place in the celestial choir. But when they go to banquet and festival, then they move up the steep to the top of the vault of heaven. The chariots of the gods in even poise, obeying the rein, glide rapidly; but the others labour, for the vicious steed goes heavily, weighing down the charioteer to the earth when his steed has not been thoroughly trained:-and this is the hour of agony and extremest conflict for the soul. For the immortals, when they are at the end of their course, go forth and stand upon the outside of heaven, and the revolution of the spheres carries them round, and they behold the things beyond.But of the heaven which is above the heavens, what earthly poet ever did or ever will sing worthily? It is such as I will describe; for I must dare to speak the truth, when truth is my theme. There abides the very being with which true knowledge is concerned; the colourless, formless, intangible essence, visible only to mind, the pilot of the soul. The divine intelligence, being nurtured upon mind and pure knowledge, and the intelligence of every soul which is capable of receiving the food proper to it, rejoices at beholding reality, and once more gazing upon truth, is replenished and made glad, until the revolution of the worlds brings her round again to the same place.In the revolution she beholds justice, and temperance, and knowledge absolute, not in the form of generation or of relation, which men call existence, but knowledge absolute in existence absolute; and beholding the other true existences in like manner, and feasting upon them, she passes down into the interior of the heavens and returns home; and there the charioteer putting up his horses at the stall, gives them ambrosia to eat and nectar to drink. Such is the life of the gods; but of other souls, that which follows God best and is likest to him lifts the head of the charioteer into the outer world, and is carried round in the revolution, troubled indeed by the steeds, and with difficulty beholding true being; while another only rises and falls, and sees, and again fails to see by reason of the unruliness of the steeds.The rest of the souls are also longing after the upper world and they all follow, but not being strong enough they are carried round below the surface, plunging, treading on one another, each striving to be first; and there is confusion and perspiration and the extremity of effort; and many of them are lamed or have their wings broken through the ill-driving of the charioteers; and all of them after a fruitless toil, not having attained to the mysteries of true being, go away, and feed upon opinion. The reason why the souls exhibit this exceeding eagerness to behold the plain of truth is tha t pasturage is found there, which is suited to the highest part of the soul; and the wing on which the soul soars is nourished with this. And there is a law of Destiny, that the soul which attains any vision of truth in company with a god is preserved from harm until the next period, and if attaining always is always unharmed.But when she is unable to follow, and fails to behold the truth, and through some ill-hap sinks beneath the double load of forgetfulness and vice, and her wings fall from her and she drops to the ground, then the law ordains that this soul shall at her first birth pass, not into any other animal, but only into man; and the soul which has seen most of truth shall come to the birth as a philosopher, or artist, or some musical and loving nature; that which has seen truth in the second degree shall be some righteous king or warrior chief; the soul which is of the third class shall be a politician, or economist, or trader; the fourth shall be lover of gymnastic toil s, or a physician; the fifth shall lead the life of a prophet or hierophant; to the sixth the character of poet or some other imitative artist will be assigned; to the seventh the life of an artisan or husbandman; to the eighth that of a sophist or demagogue; to the ninth that of a tyrantall these are states of probation, in which he who does righteously improves, and he who does unrighteously, improves, and he who does unrighteously, deteriorates his lot. Ten thousand years must elapse before the soul of each one can return to the place from whence she came, for she cannot grow her wings in less; only the soul of a philosopher, guileless and true, or the soul of a lover, who is not devoid of philosophy, may acquire wings in the third of the recurring periods of a thousand years; he is distinguished from the ordinary good man who gains wings in three thousand years:-and they who choose this life three times in succession have wings given them, and go away at the end of three thousan d years.But the others receive judgment when they have completed their first life, and after the judgment they go, some of them to the houses of correction which are under the earth, and are punished; others to some place in heaven whither they are lightly borne by justice, and there they live in a manner worthy of the life which they led here when in the form of men. And at the end of the first thousand years the good souls and also the evil souls both come to draw lots and choose their second life, and they may take any which they please. The soul of a man may pass into the life of a beast, or from the beast return again into the man. But the soul which has never seen the truth will not pass into the human form. For a man must have intelligence of universals, and be able to proceed rom the many particulars of sense to one conception of reason;-this is the recollection of those things which our soul once saw while following God-when regardless of that which we now call being she ra ised her head up towards the true being. And therefore the mind of the philosopher alone has wings; and this is just, for he is always, according to the measure of his abilities, clinging in recollection to those things in which God abides, and in beholding which He is what He is. And he who employs aright these memories is ever being initiated into perfect mysteries and alone becomes truly perfect. But, as he forgets earthly interests and is rapt in the divine, the vulgar deem him mad, and rebuke him; they do not see that he is inspired.Thus far I have been speaking of the fourth and last kind of madness, which is imputed to him who, when he sees the beauty of earth, is transported with the recollection of the true beauty; he would like to fly away, but he cannot; he is like a bird fluttering and looking upward and careless of the world below; and he is therefore thought to be mad. And I have shown this of all inspirations to be the noblest and highest and the offspring of the high est to him who has or shares in it, and that he who loves the beautiful is called a lover because he partakes of it. For, as has been already said, every soul of man has in the way of nature beheld true being; this was the condition of her passing into the form of man.But all souls do not easily recall the things of the other world; they may have seen them for a short time only, or they may have been unfortunate in their earthly lot, and, having had their hearts turned to unrighteousness through some corrupting influence, they may have lost the memory of the holy things which once they saw. Few only retain an adequate remembrance of them; and they, when they behold here any image of that other world, are rapt in amazement; but they are ignorant of what this rapture means, because they do not clearly perceive. For there is no light of justice or temperance or any of the higher ideas which are precious to souls in the earthly copies of them: they are seen through a glass dimly; and th ere are few who, going to the images, behold in them the realities, and these only with difficulty.There was a time when with the rest of the happy band they saw beauty shining in brightness-we philosophers following in the train of Zeus, others in company with other gods; and then we beheld the beatific vision and were initiated into a mystery which may be truly called most blessed, celebrated by us in our state of innocence, before we had any experience of evils to come, when we were admitted to the sight of apparitions innocent and simple and calm and happy, which we beheld shining impure light, pure ourselves and not yet enshrined in that living tomb which we carry about, now that we are imprisoned in the body, like an oyster in his shell. Let me linger over the memory of scenes which have passed away. But of beauty, I repeat again that we saw her there shining in company with the celestial forms; and coming to earth we find her here too, shining in clearness through the cleares t aperture of sense.For sight is the most piercing of our bodily senses; though not by that is wisdom seen; her loveliness would have been transporting if there had been a visible image of her, and the other ideas, if they had visible counterparts, would be equally lovely. But this is the privilege of beauty, that being the loveliest she is also the most palpable to sight. Now he who is not newly initiated or who has become corrupted, does not easily rise out of this world to the sight of true beauty in the other; he looks only at her earthly namesake, and instead of being awed at the sight of her, he is given over to pleasure, and like a brutish beast he rushes on to enjoy and beget; he consorts with wantonness, and is not afraid or ashamed of pursuing pleasure in violation of nature.But he whose initiation is recent, and who has been the spectator of many glories in the other world, is amazed when he sees any one having a godlike face or form, which is the expression of divine bea uty; and at first a shudder runs through him, and again the old awe steals over him; then looking upon the face of his beloved as of a god he reverences him, and if he were not afraid of being thought a downright madman, he would sacrifice to his beloved as to the image of a god; then while he gazes on him there is a sort of reaction, and the shudder passes into an unusual heat and perspiration; for, as he receives the effluence of beauty through the eyes, the wing moistens and he warms. And as he warms, the parts out of which the wing grew, and which had been hitherto closed and rigid, and had revented the wing from shooting forth, are melted, and as nourishment streams upon him, the lower end of the wings begins to swell and grow from the root upwards; and the growth extends under the whole soul-for once the whole was winged. During this process the whole soul is all in a state of ebullition and effervescence,-which may be compared to the irritation and uneasiness in the gums at t he time of cutting teeth,bubbles up, and has a feeling of uneasiness and tickling; but when in like manner the soul is beginning to grow wings, the beauty of the beloved meets her eye and she receives the sensible warm motion of particles which flow towards her, therefore called emotion (imeros), and is refreshed and warmed by them, and then she ceases from her pain with joy.But when she is parted from her beloved and her moisture fails, then the orifices of the passage out of which the wing shoots dry up and close, and intercept the germ of the wing; which, being shut up with the emotion, throbbing as with the pulsations of an artery, pricks the aperture which is nearest, until at length the entire soul is pierced and maddened and pained, and at the recollection of beauty is again delighted. And from both of them together the soul is oppressed at the strangeness of her condition, and is in a great strait and excitement, and in her madness can neither sleep by night nor abide in her place by day. And wherever she thinks that she will behold the beautiful one, thither in her desire she runs.And when she has seen him, and bathed herself in the waters of beauty, her constraint is loosened, and she is refreshed, and has no more pangs and pains; and this is the sweetest of all pleasures at the time, and is the reason why the soul of the lover will never forsake his beautiful one, whom he esteems above all; he has forgotten mother and brethren and companions, and he thinks nothing of the neglect and loss of his property; the rules and proprieties of life, on which he formerly prided himself, he now despises, and is ready to sleep like a servant, wherever he is allowed, as near as he can to his desired one, who is the object of his worship, and the physician who can alone assuage the greatness of his pain. And this state, my dear imaginary youth to whom I am talking, is by men called love, and among the gods has a name at which you, in your simplicity, may be incline d to mock; there are two lines in the apocryphal writings of Homer in which the name occurs. One of them is rather outrageous, and not altogether metrical. They are as follows: Mortals call him fluttering love, But the immortals call him winged one, Because the growing of wings is a necessity to him. You may believe this, but not unless you like. At any rate the loves of lovers and their causes are such as I have described.Now the lover who is taken to be the attendant of Zeus is better able to bear the winged god, and can endure a heavier burden; but the attendants and companions of Ares, when under the influence of love, if they fancy that they have been at all wronged, are ready to kill and put an end to themselves and their beloved. And he who follows in the train of any other god, while he is unspoiled and the impression lasts, honours and imitates him, as far as he is able; and after the manner of his god he behaves in his intercourse with his beloved and with the rest of the world during the first period of his earthly existence. Every one chooses his love from the ranks of beauty according to his character, and this he makes his god, and fashions and adorns as a sort of image which he is to fall down and worship.The followers of Zeus desire that their beloved should have a soul like him; and therefore they seek out some one of a philosophical and imperial nature, and when they have found him and loved him, they do all they can to confirm such a nature in him, and if they have no experience of such a disposition hitherto, they learn of any one who can teach them, and themselves follow in the same way. And they have the less difficulty in finding the nature of their own god in themselves, because they have been compelled to gaze intensely on him; their recollection clings to him, and they become possessed of him, and receive from him their character and disposition, so far as man can participate in God. The qualities of their god they attribute to the be loved, wherefore they love him all the more, and if, like the Bacchic Nymphs, they draw inspiration from Zeus, they pour out their own fountain upon him, wanting to make him as like as possible to their own god.But those who are the followers of Here seek a royal love, and when they have found him they do just the same with him; and in like manner the followers of Apollo, and of every other god walking in the ways of their god, seek a love who is to be made like him whom they serve, and when they have found him, they themselves imitate their god, and persuade their love to do the same, and educate him into the manner and nature of the god as far as they each can; for no feelings of envy or jealousy are entertained by them towards their beloved, but they do their utmost to create in him the greatest likeness of themselves and of the god whom they honour.Thus fair and blissful to the beloved is the desire of the inspired lover, and the initiation of which I speak into the mysteries of true love, if he be captured by the lover and their purpose is effected. Now the beloved is taken