Techniques I have Learned

Over the year, I have learned and used plenty of techniques and bits of advice that have been taught. One of the most important lessons that I needed to learn was that brainstorming is a huge and necessary step in the writing process. I explore and make a web of all the possible subjects that I might be talking about and build everything off of each other. This step is very helpful for me because it helps me think out my ideas and thoughts before actually writing my paper. This also creates flow and unity in my writing. After I put all my ideas on a web, it makes it very easy to write my outline. The outline is a huge part of a writing process that can either make you or break you. A well thought out outline could make writing the actual paper a breeze because everything is laid out I front of you. On the other hand, a lazy and incomplete outline will help serve no purpose when actually writing the paper. My least favorite piece of advice from the year doesn't exist. I believe that every thing  I learn is worth my time because its all about the perspective you look at it. If the teacher thinks it is worth mentioning, than I should probably listen whether I agree or disagree. Overall, I believe that Eng. 101 has served and influenced my writing skills drastically. I don't just get an assignment and start writing my paper. I am now very mature about the process and I use simple steps and lessons to further better my writing. 

The Lucifer Principle

In the section, "How Hatred Builds the Walls of Society's Bungalow," Howard Bloom explains that hatred, frustration, anger, hostility, and jealousy are the building blocks of nature. As a 19 year old kid, I could relate to this notion because I have seen it throughout my life. On a macrocosmic level, this is very common throughout men. Men take their roles in groups and build networks in order to become more powerful. They clash with other groups because they know that they need others to achieve the best status possible. These group develop into super social organisms and try to overpower any other group at whatever cost. We are preprogrammed by natural selection to be savage and brutal. On the other hand, the microcosmic aspect of this chapter includes every person in the world. People are always looking to be better than the person next to them. This is illustrated in school, jobs, sports, etc. Anger and jealousy are building blocks for success because they emotions motivate people to work a little harder in order to raise their social status. An example of this is on the soccer field. There is usually resentment when a player is starting or playing more than you. This leads to players working harder in the offseason because they understand that they need to work if they ever want that starting spot. I love this chapter of the book because I could relate to it so much. I am constantly always looking at the person next to me and wondering what I need to do to be better than them.