Monday, August 24, 2020

Abraham Lincoln' Political Religion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Abraham Lincoln' Political Religion - Essay Example Despite the fact that Lincoln never demonstrated himself to be a vigorous abolitionist he firmly challenged the augmentation of subjection to different regions. He accentuated the idea of self-government and firmly accepted that the Founders of the Constitution predicted the nullification of bondage in America over the long haul. Lincoln clarifies that despite the fact that the Declaration of Independence was shaped by the agents of thirteen States of the alliance out of which twelve were slaveholding networks they made arrangements in the Constitution to the abrogation of slave exchange the since quite a while ago run. Nonetheless, not at all like the abolitionists Lincoln tried to address the issue of bondage inside the constraints of the Constitution and later his talks and presidential discussions unequivocally fortify his abolitionist servitude opinions. This paper looks to investigate Guelzo’s contention that the Declaration of Independence shaped the Scripture of Lincol n’s political religion and in doing so the paper additionally shows how Lincoln has suited his political philosophies with the Constitution that ties the Union together. In his 1854 battle one can discover Lincoln maintaining the constitution, the Union and the positive attitude of the Founders. He clarifies that the Founders were consistently against subjection and they took extraordinary endeavors to stop the spread of subjugation into the Old Northwest Territory. For him, the Founders â€Å"could not keep away from the horrendous actuality that bondage previously existed in the Southern conditions of the Union, yet they had viewed its reality as an irregularity and they endured its continuation there as a â€Å"argument of necessity† for setting up the national Union† (Guelzo 185-86). Lincoln likewise proceeds to indicate that even Missouri winning the organization as a slave state in 1820 and its slave status was just a concession focused on further spreadin g bondage into the West. One can likewise discover Lincoln renouncing Douglas’s contentions for the regulation of self-government and well known sway. While Douglas defended the Kansasâ€Nebraska Act of 1854 that permitted pilgrims in the regions to decide through Popular Sovereignty whether they would permit subjection inside every region, Lincoln was very much aware of the perils of Kansas-Nebraska. Douglas was of the supposition that â€Å"slavery must be given its opportunity in the regions since it was the privilege of free pioneers to practice their well known power in picking their own sort of government† (Guelzo 186) though Lincoln contended that mainstream sway would undercut the rule of self-government as this would offer a decision for bondage. During his 1859 battle addresses in the Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin Lincoln more than once stated that the despite the fact that the Founders tried to limit the spread of servitude in the regions Douglas and Kansas -Nebraska had destroyed that deal by attempting to expand subjection the country over. While Douglas contended that well known sway would empower regions to reject servitude Lincoln held that subjection would never stop to exist except if and until it is disallowed by law. He likewise saw that in such regions and states where â€Å"slavery was not precluded, it was established† and the Northerners were kept free due to the â€Å"explicit congressional enactment epitomized in the Northwest Ordinance, restricting the augmentation of slavery† as opposed to by the rationale of well known sway (Guelzo 230). Thus, Lincoln viewed subjection as an all out obliteration of self-government. For him, the white man oversees himself in self-government as well as presentations tyranny by administering the blacks. In this way, Lincoln made

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Corporate Social Responsibility Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Corporate Social Responsibility - Essay Example As uncovered, Bill Gates’ humanitarian pushes stretches out to his applying ideas of CSR in his associations; including the foundation of Bill and Melinda Gates’ Foundation. In actuality, Steve Jobs’ primary purpose was centered around concocting creative thoughts on Apple’s items and little accentuation in applying CSR was exemplified. The distinctions in beliefs and ways of thinking on CSR as displayed by Apple and Microsoft really uncovered conflicting ends with that supported by the idea. It was uncovered from the ideas introduced in class about CSR that the advantages of associations for putting resources into CSR include: client faithfulness, workforce fulfillment, network support, and showing a superior corporate picture. From the encounters of both Apple and Microsoft, it was befuddling to understand that in spite of Microsoft’s utilization of CSR, the association was outperformed by Apple (the association that has not put resources into CSR) in term of authority, notoriety, and monetary returns. In dissecting the similar pushes of every association in regards to putting resources into CSR, one really expected that the association that suitably put resources into CSR should show more prominent prominence and money related returns. Be that as it may, from the experience and from the data uncovered in the video, the contrary impact was noted. It was along these lines presumed that contrasting one with the other regarding their interest in CSR could be inadequate to approve that this factor alone was contributory to the money related achievement of Apple. From the points of view of the proprietors, it deciding element was that the venture and use of CSR had been instrumental to the sentiment of satisfaction that Bill and Melinda Gates have encountered. Their primary purpose for Microsoft was not just to create money related returns, nor to extend a positive corporate picture. For Bill and Melinda Gates, the self-completion

Friday, July 17, 2020

Effects of Conflict and Stress on Relationships

Effects of Conflict and Stress on Relationships Stress Management Relationship Stress Print Effects of Conflict and Stress on Relationships By Elizabeth Scott, MS twitter Elizabeth Scott, MS, is a wellness coach specializing in stress management and quality of life, and the author of 8 Keys to Stress Management. Learn about our editorial policy Elizabeth Scott, MS Updated on September 20, 2019 PhotoAlto / Frederic Cirou / Getty Images   More in Stress Management Relationship Stress Effects on Health Management Techniques Situational Stress Job Stress Household Stress Relationship conflict can be a significant source of stress.  Whether with a spouse, relative, or friend, relationship conflictâ€"especially ongoing conflictâ€"can create a level of stress that can have a significant negative impact on your health and well-being. The following are a few of the more significant ways that conflict and relationship stress can affect you, and tips for how to cope. Family Conflict Is Not Uncommon If you experience conflict among members of your family, it may comfort you to know that you’re not alone; family conflict may be more common than you think. Many people get stressed at family gatherings because of difficult relatives. In many cases, there is not a lack of love (or families wouldn’t be gathering in the first place), but there is often a lack of comfort in dealing with conflict among family members. Whether it’s open conflict over the dinner table or an underlying feeling of discomfort that remains unspoken, family conflict can cause a significant amount of stress. How to Effectively Resolve Family Conflicts How Conflict Can Affect Your Health Relationship conflict can negatively affect your health in several ways. Portland State University’s Institute on Aging studied over 650 adults over a two-year period and found that stable negative social exchanges (in other words, repetitive or prolonged conflict) were significantly associated with lower self-rated health, greater functional limitations, and a higher number of health conditions. These findings may be due to the impact that stress has on immunity (stress can dampen your immune system) as well as other factors. The important thing to remember is that ongoing conflict really can take a toll on your health. You may become more susceptible to chronic headaches and illnesses like cold and flu. You may also experience chronic pain in areas like your back or neck. Conditions Associated With Chronic Stress You may have an increased chance of developing the following stress-influenced physical and mental health conditions when stress is not managed:AcneAnxiety disordersBurnoutDepressionDiabetesDigestive issues (diarrhea, constipation, ulcers)Hair lossHeart diseaseHyperthyroidismInsomniaObesitySexual dysfunction or changes in libidoTooth and gum disease Conflict Can Be Physically Painful All those country songs about the pain of a broken heart may be backed up by science. Broken heart syndrome, or stress cardiomyopathy, is triggered by extreme and sudden emotional trauma or physical stress, including domestic abuse. The condition typically causes severe pressure-like chest pain, similar to what someone would feel when having an acute  heart attack. Research on social exclusion shows that the pain of loneliness and social rejection is processed by the same area of the brain that processes physical pain, which explains why feeling rejected by a loved one can actually be physically painful. If youre involved in a relationship that includes significant conflict and repeated feelings of rejection, you may also experience physical pain. This pain can include intense muscle tension, leg/foot cramps, and lower back pain. Unacknowledged Conflict Can Still Hurt You Relationships in which people never fight aren’t always as blissful as they seem. In real life, conflict is inevitable, and resolving it effectively can often be a pathway to greater understanding between two people, bringing them closer. Relationships in which anger is suppressed and unacknowledged by one or both partners can actually be unhealthyâ€"literally. Research has found that in couples where one partner habitually suppressed anger, partners tended to die younger, and couples in relationships where both partners suppressed anger tended to have the worst longevity.   The Effects of Poorly Managed Anger Poorly Managed Conflict Results in More Conflict Knowing that unresolved conflict carries such risks can make it tempting to vent any anger we experience, anyway we like, but that’s often not the healthiest approach either. The way you resolve conflict in your relationships can make or break them, leaving you with loneliness or a life rich in social support and love. The right conflict resolution skills, including getting in touch with your feelings, honing your listening skills, and practicing assertive communication, can help you handle relationship conflict in a healthy way so that you get the most out of your relationships, without letting them drain you. Conflict Resolution Mistakes to Avoid Coping With Conflict Effective communication is perhaps the best way to deal with conflict and stress in a relationship. If you are unable to do it on your own, or in the case of more extreme conflict, couples counseling or individual psychotherapy can be helpful. Working with an in-person or online mental health professional can give you and your partner the tools to deal with conflict in a healthy way. If your conflict is caused by a difficult relative or friend, attending therapy by yourself may help, too. Cognitive therapy  can help you figure out whats behind the conflict, learn better conflict resolution skills, and offer strategies for managing the negative feelings that often tag along when you are stressed or hurt. When looking to find a professional to help you deal with relationship conflict, consider getting a referral from your primary care doctor, family, or friends. The Best Online Marriage Counseling Programs

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Compare and contrast the supply chain management...

The purpose of this essay is to discuss different supply chain management approaches taken by HM, Benetton and Zara. It is first necessary to explain what a supply chain management means. Supply chain management involves planning, design, maintenance and control of the flow of materials and information along the chain in order to efficiently satisfy customers requirements (Schroeder, 2000). Such an approach, of looking at the entire supply network helps organisations identify their competitive advantages and parts of their processes that contribute the most to the performance objectives that are of the greatest importance to the customers (Slack et al., 2007). It also helps to develop long-term strategies for the company based on the†¦show more content†¦Traditional fashion retailing was seasonal, with two collections being launched for the spring and summer period and another for autumn and winter. Only Benetton may be described as following this pattern. The company introd uces two basic collections per year and supplements them with small flash collections that are being put into the stores in the middle of the seasons to attract customers (Boddy, 2005). HM and Zara rejected the traditional model and switched to a seasonless cycle where new designs are being introduced throughout the year. Zara mastered this strategy to the extremes by bringing new designs to customers in small batches on a weekly basis. Successful designs will be modified and another batch sent to customers while those that did not meet with customer interest will be moved out of stores within two weeks (Tiplady, 2006). HM also introduce new designs on a rolling basis like Zara but the company does not apply this strategy to all its products. Fast-fashion garments account for one quarter of HMs cloths, whereas the remaining three quarters are basic, everyday clothes that once designed are being produced in much larger quantities (Tiplady, 2006). Another difference between HMs and Zaras approach and Benetons strategy is the design range offered. All three companies operate world-wide. Zara and HM however do not differentiate their products depending on where the garments will be sold.Show MoreRelatedCase Study : Supplying Fast Fashion1299 Words   |  6 PagesCase Study: Supplying Fast Fashion Question: Compare and contrast the approaches taken by HM, Benetton and Zara to managing their supply chain. Introduction How often do you purchase new clothes for yourself? How much would you pay for them? Fashion garment industry have been changed rapidly by a brand new business concept which is sustainability. It implements well in our actual life, people always expect discounted goods or on sales product near seasonal transition, some fashion branding understoodRead MoreDebonairs Pizza Product-Market Expansion Growth Strategies27204 Words   |  109 Pages4. 5. WELCOME MESSAGE FROM PRINCIPAL INTRODUCTION TO MANCOSA THE MANCOSA MISSION OUR VISION MBA PROGRAMME STRUCTURE 5.1 Overall Programme Objectives 5.2 Programme focus 5.3 Module description and rationale PROGRAMME ADMINISTRATION 6.1 Programme Management 6.2 Programme registration 6.3 Registry and despatch 6.4 Finance 6.4.1 Fee payment 6.4.2 Payment of fees and other dues 6.4.3 Re-enrolment 6.4.4 Payment plans 6.4.5 Additional fees/charges 6.4.6 Deferrals 6.4.7 Miscellaneous costs 6.4.8 CancellationRead MoreReed Supermarket Case32354 Words   |   130 Pagesvideo case studies Multiple choice questions to test your learning Annotated links to relevant sites on the web An online glossary to explain key terms Flashcards to test your knowledge of key terms and definitions Classic extra case studies that help take your learning further We work with leading authors to develop the strongest educational materials in marketing, bringing cutting-edge thinking and best learning practice to a global market. Under a range of well-known imprints, including FinancialRead MoreCase Study148348 Words   |  594 PagesTourism Industry Evolution and Revolution in the Hi-Fi Sector Amazon.com ï £ ©2007 - Early 2009 The Formula 1 Constructors Web Reservations International: Challenging Industry Norms Manchester United FC: Continuing Success but at What Cost? Hermes Fund Management, Total and Premier Oil: The Responsibility and Accountability of Business From Small Town Pharmacy to a Multinational Corporation: Pierre Fabre, Culture as a Competitive Advantage Cordia LLP: Service Reform in the Public Sector 170 175 180 183 193

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Generational Diversity At The Workplace Essay - 1886 Words

Generational Diversity at the Workplace In Kathryn Tyler’s article â€Å"The Tethered Generation,† in Society of Human Resources Magazine, she asserts that people born between 1978 and 1999, also known as the Millennial Generation, would bring challenges to the workplace, attributing early access to technology and a â€Å"perpetual connection to parents† as causes. The article’s central tenet is that through technology, this generation’s â€Å"tethered† relationship with peers and parents has shaped communication, decision making, and need for connectivity. Tyler identifies the following Millennial traits as challenges to organizations: â€Å"unrealistic expectations with respect to goal-setting and planning;† â€Å"only adequate professionalism and work ethic, creativity and innovation, and critical thinking and problem solving;† and lack of autonomy and â€Å"sense of self-reliance.† The article ends by recommending that human resource management prepare for the Millennial’s â€Å"high maintenance† and their parent’s â€Å"helicoptering† with policies and training programs (Tyler, 2007). This is a well written-article that uses as supporting evidence neuroscience researching findings, anecdotes, quotations from authoritative figures, and survey statistics from HR managers. If I were a manager of the Baby Boomer or Gen X generation, Tyler’s recommendations might alleviate anxiety about the inevitability of navigating the generational gap with younger employees. As a creative Gen Y (another name for theShow MoreRelatedGenerational Diversity in the Workplace1445 Words   |  6 PagesGenerational Diversity in the Workplace Managerial Communications 10/14/2011 Today, the workplace environment is comprised of people, both males and females from all different cultures and generations. For the first time in U.S. history there are four different generations out in the workforce. A generation can be defined as a group of individuals born within a term years having similar ideas, goals, attitudes and experiences. It can also be defined as the average period between the birthRead MoreGenerational Diversity At The Workplace Essay1887 Words   |  8 PagesGenerational Diversity at the Workplace In her article â€Å"The Tethered Generation,† in Society of Human Resources Magazine, writer Kathryn Tyler asserts that people born between 1978 and 1999, also known as the Millennial Generation, would bring challenges to the workplace, attributing early access to technology and a â€Å"perpetual connection to parents† as causes. The article’s central tenet is that through technology, this generation’s â€Å"tethered† relationship with peers and parents has shaped communicationRead MoreA Business Organization Good Management Skills982 Words   |  4 Pagesare expanding diversity in the workforce to provide excellent customer service to gain a better understanding of receiving the message stated. As a manager I can be proactive to communicate effectively to assist with an organization and gain a competitive advantage with other competitor in the business world. I believe the most important management skill when making an executive decision is to ha ve the drive to nurture and make a positive difference to motivate your employees. Diversity Dealing withRead MoreManaging Diversity Within The Workplace1605 Words   |  7 PagesAbstract- Managing Diversity in the workplace requires a lot of focus, training, and time. This paper gives an insight into the world of management and how diversity plays a big part. It explores the key benefits to putting emphasis on diversity and also how not putting emphasis on diversity could hurt your business. This paper also gives examples on how to go about managing diversity in the workplace. With proper focus on managing diversity, your organization can be at a big advantage. I. INTRODUCTIONRead MoreEmployee Engagement : A Leading And Primary Source And Tool Of Competitive Advantage And Business Success Essay1166 Words   |  5 Pagesand primary source and tool of competitive advantage and business success. Based on research conducted, engaged employees are recognised as being more productive than disengaged employees; thus leading to improved employee performance, increased workplace productivity and profitability, and ultimately, organisational success. The term employee engagement is primarily associated with the employee’s commitment to the objectives, goals and ultimate success of an organisation, exercised together withRead MoreOvercoming Obstacles in a Diverse Workplace1241 Words   |  5 PagesDiversity in the workplace is not a new idea or concept. From the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s the majority of people living in the United States were immigrants from other countries including Italy, Russia, and Ireland. 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Research Questions The literature review will answer four research questions: 1. What is diversity and what positive affects does it has in the workplace? 2. How should leaders manage the diversity in the workplace? 3. What are the challenges for leaders managing the workplace? 4. What are the benefits of the younger and older generation in the workplace? Literature Review Outline I. Need for This Research A. Diversity in the workplace is an ongoing situationRead MoreLeading Intergenerational Teams Essay1711 Words   |  7 Pagesare now delaying retirement due for economic or other reasons. Many of the baby boomer generation can now be expected to delay retirement into their seventies. (Randstad USA) As you will learn, an inter-generational workforce provides many opportunities and challenges. While generational differences can and do lead to frustration, conflicts and poor morale, they do not have to. 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Positioning the Tata Nano †Case Memo Free Essays

Positioning the Tata Nano – Case Memo Introduction: Tata Motors Limited (TML), a part of Tata group, a highly respected conglomerate has a product that will revolutionize the way India travels. The team was successful in delivering a car that meets the goal price of 1 lakh rupees. People welcomed it with high pre bookings and initial sales. We will write a custom essay sample on Positioning the Tata Nano – Case Memo or any similar topic only for you Order Now But it has been found that the car didn’t hit the target market. The initial excitement faded away leading to drastic downfall in sales. We have analyzed the case to bring out the strengths and marketing strategies that TML can play to improve upon its sales. Strength: . At 1 lakh, price is the major strength of Nano. It has been priced between the cheapest car and a bike. 2. Fuel efficient car in the Indian market. 3. Easily accommodate a family of four. 4. Tata group is the most respected corporates in India. This gives TML an advantage as people trust the brand. 5. The compact design provides easy maneuverability in the congested city traffics. Weakness: 1. Positioning of the product as a cheap car. 2. Capacity limitation due to postponement of new factory lead to lottery based delivery. 3. Absence of enough TML dealers to cover the length and breadth of the country. . Low margin for the dealers. While TML provided 4 to 10 percent dealer margin for Nano the dealer margin w as only 2 to 3 percent. Opportunities: 1. TML team views nano as an opportunity to provide a safer means of transport to a typical Indian family which rides on a motorcycle. The two wheeler segment presents itself as a great opportunity to nano to tap in. 76 % of automobile sales is in two wheeler market. 2. A large percentage of Indians lie in the middle class income range. Presently their disposable income is on the rise due to better job opportunities. The fact that this section of people doesn’t have a car and also prefer to own one if affordable provides TML with unprecedented market opportunity. 3. Rising fuel prices will be advantageous to Nano as it is fuel efficient when compared to other cars in the same segment. 4. The new Sanand factory will help achieve the scale of operation . Threats: 1. The major threat for Nano is from the cars placed in mid-sized segment. Paying a bit more customers get a larger car with bigger engine and a longer track record. 2. Incidents of some Nanos catching fire also deterred customers from buying the car. Although the fire was due to foreign electronic particles it did dampened the market sentiments. 3. Nano missed its target market and it was catering to a market of second car buyers. 4. The advanced versions which were well above 1 lakh were selling more than basic model. This led to critics criticize that Nano might increase the congestion in roads. 5. Political threats like Singur land problem. The SWOT analysis of Nano provided a picture of the product and the brand. We have used 4 Ps of marketing mix to further analyze the different aspects of Nano. Product: While developing Nano the whole team had one objective to provide a low cost car without compromising on the quality of the car. TML went on with the following strategies to achieve this goal. 1. Nano was the most fuel efficient and economical car. 2. Three models are available: Nano, Nano CX and Nano LX. Nano had only the basic features without power steering, power windows etc. The other models had extra features. 3. The car was designed to accommodate more in less space. Engine was kept in rear portion to achieve this goal. 4. The suppliers were also roped into the design. They made light weight , low cost parts designed especially for Tata Nano. 5. Nano had parts supplied from 100 suppliers. The suppliers viewed this as a new opportunity to develop their capabilities. 6. The engines for Nano were developed by TML itself. Tata nano has a 624 cc 2 engine cylinder. The car as a product achieved its stated goals. But unexpected incidents of some Nanos catching fire led to build up of negative outlook on the quality of the product. Tata did took steps to ensure the quality of the product. 1. It fitted additional safety parts in every nano. . TML had four nanos touring all over India to prove that their product is capable of withstanding all conditions. TML could have gone for safety certifications but the cost prevented it from providing basic safety measures like air bags and anti-lock brakes. Pricing: Pricing is the USP for Nano. The whole product evolved around the goal price of 1 lakh. Apart from the lower price of Nano TML also had cut dealership marg ins. 1. Only the basic model was priced at 1 lakh while the other variants CX and LX were priced at 157,808 and 181,438 rupees. 2. Dealer margins for nano were between 2 to 3 percentage with a 1 percent discount off the full dealer cost if the dealer paid cash up front. 3. Although nor confirmed by TML it is believed that manufacturer margin was around 15 percent. The basic model with 1 lakh pricing failed to lure the customers while the advanced models with higher prices had more takers. Distribution: 1. Inadequacy of dealerships was bothering TML as they couldn’t reach out to the target market. 2. TML had 214 dealerships spread over 28 states in the country. 3. TML followed an unique model for pre bookings. It took leverage of other Tata group companies. The pre booking forms were made available in Croma ,Westside stores, World of Titan and Tata Indicom exclusive stores. In addition the pre booking can be done through online or from SBI banks. 4. The land problem led to capacity limitation. The initial production was limited to 50,000 nanos. 5. A lottery system was used to allocate cars to people who had pre booked it. 6. TML had an idea to promote entrepreneurial engineers to assemble the car at a rural location where distribution was not available. But this idea was dropped due to concerns on warranty. Promotions: Promotion of nano was a major task ahead of Ratan Tata. TML needs to adjust its marketing strategies in order to sell the volume of cars that could be produced with the new plant. The following are the ways in which the product was promoted. 1. Right from the beginning Nano was promoted heavily by advertisements. The car was advertised as cheapest car in the market. 2. TML concentrated on the price aspect alone in its campaigns. This had negative impact on the minds of customers that the car may not be on par with its qualities. TML should make sure to change the perception of customers so that they don’t view nano as low cost car but an affordable car with quality standards. The quality standards and safety measures have to be promoted vigorously as the people expect these features when investing 1 lakh rupees. Conclusion: TML has a product that will help the millions to get a decent and safe way to travel. Unlike the second car buyers, the middle class i. e. the first time car buyers will view nano as a way to travel along with family. It leads to high expectations on safety and quality since individuals never risk the safety of their family. TML has to make sure that the product is rightly positioned as the one with necessary quality standards and high safety measures to rope in a middle class customer. How to cite Positioning the Tata Nano – Case Memo, Essay examples

Saturday, April 25, 2020

Materialism Vs Idealism Essays (562 words) - Monism, Ontology

Materialism vs Idealism annon History tells us very little of Titus Lucretius Carus, but one can see from reading his work that he has a strong dislike towards religious superstition, which he claims is the root of human fear and in turn the cause of impious acts. Although he does not deny the existence of a god, his work is aimed at proving that the world is not guided or controlled by a divinity. Lucretius asserts that matter exists in the form of atoms, which move around the universe in an empty space. This empty space, or vacuity, allows for the movement of the atoms and without it everything would be one mass. He explains that matter and vacuity can not occupy the same space, ...where there is empty space, there matter is not..., and these two things make up the entire universe. These invisible particles come together to form material objects, you and I are made of the same atoms as a chair or a tree. When the tree dies or the chair is thrown into a fire the atoms do not burn up or die, but are dispersed back into the vacuity. The atoms alone are without mind or secondary qualities, but they can combine to form living and thinking objects, along with sound, color, taste, etc... Atoms form life, consciousness, and the soul, and when our body dies there is nothing left of the latter except for its parts, which randomly become parts of other forms. Matter is never ending reality, only changing in its form. In the philosophical system developed by Irish philosopher George Berkeley, Idealism, Berkeley states that physical objects, matter, do not exist independent of the mind. The pencil that I am writing this essay with would not exist if I were not perceiving it with my senses, but in the dialogue between Hylus and Philonous Berkeley attempts to show things can and do exist apart from the human mind and our perception, but only because there is a mind in which all ideas are perceived or a deity that creates perception in the human mind, either way its God. He says that the external world can not be understood by thought, but sensible things, objects that we perceive, can be reduced to ideas in the mind. These ideas, or objects before the mind, possess primary qualities, the main structure, and secondary qualities, what we derive from our senses, which are inseparable. I'm confused about this, if I'm thinking about a star in a different galaxy, which makes the star an object before my mind, then where are the secondary qualities? Over all, idealism appears to be the antithesis of materialism in its approach to discovering the nature of the universe. Kant would say that both views are based on speculation and can not be proven, but I prefer Lucretius' views over Berkeleys' simply because he tries to keep a deity out of the picture. He claims that the gods are not concerned with the affairs of mortals, where as it seems that Berkeley uses god as an answer when he is unable to explain something. Although, Lucretius says that nature is responsible for the arrangement and combination of atoms. Wouldn't this suggest that nature is similar to a divinity? or is nature, which is only matter and space, the wall that separates the gods from mortals. Motivated by an animosity towards theological belief, Lucretius seems to take a much more scientific approach. One can not completely dismiss Berkeleys' views for, as Montague would say, there is obviously more going on than meets the eye.