daily no.3

Autumn awoke a sentiment within my heart, a melancholy that swathed the stillness around us, driving me to question whether I was genuinely experiencing happiness. Its allure was beguiling. A deception. And it was exquisite.

Sitting in the company of Hawthorne, the magnificence of London in autumn was impossible to overlook. His gentle smile, heavy with the weight of fatigue evidenced by the dark circles beneath his eyes, held a certain charm that I could never find in anyone else. Understandable, since his circadian rhythm rivaled one of a frenetic raccoon.

The green canopy of the trees succumbed to the warm embrace of gold, red, and orange in October. The leaves descended to the earth, their vibrant hues surrendering to a more to crimson and russet. Even those rich shades transformed into a brown, forming a muddy, jagged mosaic on the ground.

They were never truly gone. The First Law of Thermodynamics states so. They grow. They blanket the ground. They stay there, rot, and disappear. They breathed life into the next generation and into me.

Fear of the future is certainly not unfounded, but there is no reason to restrict and shove yourself into people when unneeded and unheeded. Improve and grow. That’s what we’re supposed to do. That’s our purpose. Why we are here. Why do you think that the seasons change this way? For reassurance.

.In the season's stillness, I found solace. Just as the leaves surrendered to time's impermanence, we, too, were subject to moments like these. Something's changed, subtly shifting in the hush of the season’s rhythm. The embrace of the world around us seemed to whisper secrets of continuity and change. In the midst of this melancholy tranquillity, I felt whole. It reminded me that change, however profound, can mark new beginnings, and with resilience, one can navigate the uncharted territories of life. Something’s changed, and I could feel it. I just had to follow through.

It was then that I came to understand the very obvious paradox of perfection. It was a force that could bring tears, provoke contemplation, and underscore its own impossibility, perhaps standing as the sole unattainable ideal in the vast expanse of the universe.

My own existence was a testament to imperfection. I lived in a household with teenagers, whose daily lives were filled with danger as we championed the needs of those who often reduced our worth to media currency and service. There were clashes and tears; the occasional mishap with kitchenware, and the burn of an encounter with the stove's flame. There were times I had to contend with Hawthorne's fervour during the holiday season, Sam's idiosyncrasies, and Bast's unwavering pride. Above all, there was the formidable struggle with my own self.

Yet, I wouldn't have it any other way.

don't pay any attention to this, just my history schoolwork

There are several reasons for Britain’s success. England’s location placed it in a position to largely control trade. In the 1500s and 1600s, English merchants sent ships across the world’s oceans and placed outposts in the West Indies, North America, and India. From these settlements, England would expand into a global empire. England also offered a climate that was favourable to business and commerce, and put less restrictions on trade than other countries. Britain was also successful when European conflicts broke out. With the Treaty of Utrecht, France gave Novia Scotia and Newfoundland to Britain. In 1736, the end of the French and Indian War and the Seven Year’s War gave Britain all of French Canada. They also monopolised the slave trade (ew) in Spanish America, which brought enormous wealth to British merchants.

It seems as if Britain’s government did not care very much about the colonists themselves, and only their exports. They sent people from diverse religions and ethnic groups to one place (which eventually became semi-lawless) and social distinctions were significantly weaker than they were in Europe. There was a great deal of free discussion, and their location severance from Europe likely made them think of themselves as different than Europe (they were). The colonial assemblies had much control over local affairs, and these factors increased the colonist’s sense of their own independence.

The Declaration of Independence obviously takes heavy inspiration from John Locke, a prominent Enlightenment thinker. Jefferson writes: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Locke’s main ideas were remarkably similar, stating that everyone has a right to life, liberty, and property. Locke thinks that a government should be operated in a way that interferes as little as possible with the natural rights of the people, and believed in the right to revolution when the government violates these rights.

The American cause looked bleak in the beginning. It seemed impossible for a small group of people to win a war against an established country with a large number of trained soldiers, massive fleet, and greater as well as better resources. ⅓ of colonists were Loyalists, or those who supported Britain. The new Americans lacked resources, had significantly less money to pay their soldiers with, and did not have a strategic plan. However, they had some advantages. They were fighting on their own soil, the unique landscape of their continent, and they were familiar with its thick forests and less than mediocre roads. They also had a strong leader, George Washington. The funny part is while Americans were revolutionising, the British offered freedom to any enslaved people who were willing to fight the colonists. Obviously, the colonists won, so they won freeing slaves in the process. Their victories at battles like the Battle of Saratoga (1777) helped turn the tides for the colonists. That particular battle persuaded France to join the Americans against its rival, Britain. That brought Americans desperately needed supplies, trained soldiers, and warships. Netherlands and Spain added their support as well.

The Enlightenment ideas that inspired the American colonists can be seen in the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights as well. The Constitution established a federal republic, with power divided between the federal government and the states. This obviously comes from John Locke who started the idea of the people giving the government their power and not vice versa. A central feature of the new government was powers divided in between the judicial, executive, and the legislative branches, which was the CENTRAL idea of Montesquieu. They retained his idea of ‘checks and balances.’ The Bill of Rights, or the first ten amendments to the Constitution, recognised the idea that people had basic rights that the government must protect, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press.

history work

George III was an European monarch during the time of the American Revolution. King of Great Britain and Ireland from 25 October 1760 until his death in 1820.
The Stamp Act YES okay so the Stamp Act was imposed in 1765 and imposed taxes on papers such as newspapers and pamphlets. It was an incredibly significant piece of legislation imposed by the British Parliament on its American colonies, particularly affecting the Thirteen Colonies. This act marked one of the first instances of direct taxation on the colonies and played a pivotal role in the lead-up to the American Revolution. The imposition of direct taxation without colonial representation in the British Parliament provoked intense opposition in the American colonies. The famous rallying cry “No taxation without representation” emerged as a result of this discontent. This led to widespread protests, boycotts, and acts of civil disobedience. The Stamp Act also promoted censorship, since journalists and newspapers could not pay for a lot of the articles that they could without the Stamp Act. This was also when British English transitioned to American English in the colonies. Writers removed the ‘u’s that are common in words like ‘favourite’ and the other ‘l’ in words like ‘travelling.’ so ‘favourite’ became ‘favorite,’ and ‘travelling’ became ‘traveling’ to make taxes as small as possible. Due to the economic strain and the widespread protests, the British government repealed the Stamp Act in 1766. However, they also passed the Declaratory Act, asserting their right to tax the colonies in all cases.
George Washington was a Virginian planter and soldier. He later became a political and social leader for the colonies and led the Americans to victory during the Revolution.
Thomas Jefferson is mainly known for being the writer of the Declaration of Independence, a document that reflects John Locke’s ideas ideas of the government’s obligations to protect the natural rights of the people governed.
Popular sovereignty is a principle that states that all government power comes from the people.
During the American Revolutionary War, Yorktown, Virginia emerged as a focal point of military strategy. It was here that the course of the war would take a dramatic turn, ultimately leading to American independence.
The Treaty of Paris (1783) is a monumental document, formally ending the American Revolutionary War and recognizing the United States of America as a sovereign nation. This treaty, signed on September 3, 1783, holds significance in the context of international diplomacy and the birth of a new nation.
A federal republic is a government with power divided between the federal (or national) government and the states.

Some ideas started during the Enlightenment are almost directly referenced in the Declaration of Independence. John Locke’s ideas seemed to have resonated strongly with Thomas Jefferson, because he nearly wrote Locke’s ideas word for word, instead replacing the ‘property’ in ‘right to life, liberty, and property’ with ‘the pursuit of happiness.’ Montesquieu’s ideas also make an appearance in the United State’s government, because his central idea (the division of power among legislative, judicial, and executive branches) is mirrored there. Enlightenment ideas obviously affected early revolutionaries and gave them new perspectives, and that is what led them to protest against the Stamp Act and eventually declare independence.

With a diverse population comprising various ethnicities and religious communities, colonial society was marked by a mix of agricultural economies, social hierarchies, and cultural pluralism. Self-governance through elected colonial assemblies coexisted with the presence of governors representing British interests. Tensions arose over issues of taxation, governance, and representation, leading to resistance, intellectual influences from Enlightenment thinkers, and ultimately, the American Revolution. This tumultuous period culminated in the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States as a sovereign nation, forever altering the course of history. Britain applied mercantalist policies to its colonies in attempt to strengthen their own economy. However, the policies in the colonies were not strictly upholded, so smuggling was actually common.

In 1765 the Stamp Act was passed which stressed the relationship between the colonies and the government.

A loyalist might oppose the American revolution because they are positively impacted by the British policies. A loyalist might be a governor representing British interests in the American colonies.

The Bill of Rights is to Americans because it is old.

loki rant ehehe

SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS FOR EPISODE 6 - oh my days the finale was so good and so emotional loki literally spent centuries trying to fix the loom aaggggggghhhhhh and the TREE LIKE YGGDRASIL IN NORSE MYTHOLOGY GAH AND HE FINALLY FULFILLED HIS GLORIOUS PURPOSE. i totally thought that he was going to kill sylvie lmao HE IS LITERALLY THE ATLAS OF TIME AND HE CAN'T LEAVE OH MY GOD i would get so bored respect to loki i am about to cry
“i don't want a throne” well guess what mate
AND HIS NEW OUTFIT OH GOD
i am shook
i stared at my screen for 10 minutes
NAH BECAUSE THE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT WAS SPOT ON COULD YOU SEE HIM EVER DOING THIS IN THE INFINITY SAGA AND IT WAS /CENTURIES/ LATER WHEN HE FOUND OUT THAT IT WAS ALL FOR NOTHING THEN HE DID IT AGAIN FOR SYLVIE I WANT A FRIEND LIKE HIM
I THOUGHT THAT HE WAS GOING TO KILL SYLVIE TOO JSDFKHJSD HE IS THE COOLEST!!! HE IS THE MAN
IMAGINE THOR AND ODINS REACTIONS THEY WOULD BE SO PROUD
HE PROVED THAT HE ISNT A VILLAIN
IMAGINE!!! HIM WATCHING ONE OF HIS FRIENDS STRUGGLE OR GET DEPRESSED AND HE CANT DO ANYTHING GRRRRR
MY BLOODSTREAM HAS BEEN POISONED
I KNOW I WANTED A FULL SHOT OF HIS ✨ NEW LOOK ✨ BUT THEY NEVER GAVE IT TO ME

history

Cooperation: France saw an opportunity to weaken its longtime rival, Great Britain, by supporting the American colonies. A successful American Revolution would undermine British power and potentially shift the balance of power in Europe. Supporting the American colonies offered France the opportunity to strengthen its potential diplomatic relations, both with Europe and the new United States. Benjamin was appointed as one of the commissioners to France by the American Continental Congress. Along with John Adams and Arthur Lee, he was tasked with seeking French assistance and support for the American Revolution. Franklin played a key role in negotiating two critical treaties with France, the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, and the Treaty of Alliance. He was popular in France because of his intellect and wit, and became a skilled diplomat. Those who admired America and it’s goal of attaining freedom also admired Franklin.
Conflict: Any one of Thomas Hobbes’ ideas, because they would go against the Constitution.
Impact of the Individual: I’m going to go with George Washington since not only was he the biggest general in the Revolution, he also met up with James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, and others to redraft the articles of the new constitution. He was very inspiring to the colonists.

Connections to Today

Democracy: Still Strong Today:

For many different countries, the United States of America and its Constitution stand as a beacon of inspiration for the ideal democratic government. Many nations have looked to the U.S. as a model for democracy, individual rights, and the rule of law. While no two countries are identical, the influence of American ideals and constitutional principles has resonated in different corners of the world.

The global appeal of the American Constutution can be seen in several key areas:

Constitutional Framework: Many countries have drawn from the American model in structuring their own constitutions. They have embraced principles such as bicameral legislature, independent judiciary, and a strong executive branch.
Protection of individual rights: The Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments in the U.S. Constitution, has served as a template for guaranteeing fundamental rights. Freedom of speech, religion, and assembly have been aspirations for many countries.
Rule of law: The idea that no one, not even the government, is above the law has inspired countries to establish legal systems that hold all people accountable.

Germany has firmly embraced the principles of democracy and the rule of law, largely influenced by the American Constitution. Germany is a democratic and federal parliamentary republic, where federal legislative power is vested in the Bundestag (the parliament of Germany) and the Bundesrat (the representative body of the Länder, Germany's regional states). After the devastation of World Wars I and II, Germany underwent transformation, adopting a new constitution that drew inspiration from democratic ideals championed by the United States. Germany’s constitution is actually much more in depth than the United States’. Germany’s constitution has 141 articles, the US has 7. Germany also has an article about the flag, and the US does not. Germany has a “compulsory military and alternative civilian service,” whereas the US military is voulunteer.

After World War II, Germany lay in ruins, both physically and politically. The Allies, particularly the United States, attempted to shape the post-war landscape. After the Potsdam conference, Germany was divided into four. A new constitution was eventually introduced that laid the foundation for the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany).

Today, Germany is a flourishing democracy, known for its commitment to individual rights, the rule of law, and a robust legal framework. The influence of the American Constitution in shaping Germany’s political and legal landscape is evident in its enduring commitment to democratic values.

(Germany is also the world’s worst-performing major developed economy, but we won’t talk about that)


Culture: Modern Salons:

The internet is extremely large. With the addition of social medias like X (twitter) and Reddit, we have quite a few people online discussing politics and sharing ideas online. In fact, ideas are exchanged almost constantly, whether complex philosophical ideas or Taylor Swift theories. Alas, people have to be stupid online and spread false information and arguments containing very faulty logic and statements that are really just offensive and annoying. We have people that are so stupid, in fact, that they are impossible to be convinced to even consider an alternative perspective. No matter how annoying these people are, I firmly believe that the internet is a better forum for sharing ideas. It is simply too expansive to be seen as inferior to a salon.


Federal republic
Montesquieu
Rococo
Joseph II
Yorktown, VA
John Locke, natural rights
He believed that a government should interfere as little as possible with the people. He thought that everyone had natural rights that should be protected rather than violated by a government.
The laissez faire policy allows businesses to operate with minimal government interference and supports free trade while opposing tariffs.
Rulers who supported Enlightenment ideas were called enlightened despots. They usually implement policies suggested by philosophes, but don’t go as far as to actually abolish absolutism.
Taxation is literally what sparked the American Revolution. They were already on edge from all of the new ideas and the taxations really set them off.
The key Enlightenment idea that I believe this question refers to is natural rights. The Bill of Rights protects an American citizen’s natural rights by outlining them and setting clear laws.
They gave them the ideas in the first place which made the revolutionaries aware of what they deserved to have for the first time.