Common sense Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Common sense - Essay Example Common Sense was published after the eruption of open hostilities between Great Britain and the American colonies but before the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It was written at a time when the American colonists were still undecided and debating the idea of independence from British rule. Paine provided them with an argument. Many historians are of the opinion that it influenced American colonists to formally break away from Britain and inspired America during the Revolutionary War. Paine begins the pamphlet by suggesting that his readers have the right to question the King of England since his policies are affecting them. He emphasizes that one should question ideas even if they are being accepted as the truth for a long time. He also suggests that the concerns of the colonies such as tyranny, oppression and freedom will one day turn out to be universal concerns He ascertains in the end that his interests rely on a reasonable argument and have not been compromised by any political party. The pamphlet focuses on the difference between society and government. Paine wrote in a style that could be the understood by the common people. Paine wrote it like a sermon and made many Biblical references to put forh his argument and case. The importance of the pamphlet lies n the fact that it precipitated the move for independence. Even before Paine a number of people had advocated independence. But it was not until 1776, the year Common Sense was published, that a vast majority of people in the colonies actually understood the reasons for independence or a revolution. The colonies in a quandary and were debating whether they should stay loyal to England or should they press for independence. Paine’s theories of Enlightenment and independence inspired the American nation. His work fired the imagination of the people and sparked a movement by the colonists to

What Does it Mean to be Competent Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5750 words

What Does it Mean to be Competent - Essay Example The undertakings are enormous and the intensity to excel is at its best (Kincheloe 1999). This is an element of discerning success which the vocational education seekers have envisaged for their own selves with regards to their very future domains. What is even better is the fact that they know that short term educational drives would turn them into instantly successful business personnel, which would ultimately help their own cause in the long run. Vocational education is an interesting mode of learning and one that aims to build new frontiers, explore new basics and learn a thing or two about the different realms that the vocational education seekers have their hands firmly grasped upon. It was until the 20th century that formal provision of vocational education remained confined to some specific trade areas. Among these, the automobile vendors like a mechanic and a welder remained supreme. They received vocational education in order to become successful at their trade first hand. It gave them the much-needed niche as well as a point of advantage when they were compared with the educated fraternity who also knew much the same trade. The builders, joiners, mechanics and welders were specialized in their trade and hence given the respect that they deserved (Jennings 1995). This was transferred to other areas of business with the passage of time. However, one aspect that remained ingrained with these welders and mechanics was that they were from the lower socio-economic classes and hence not paid according to their labour and hard work that was put in, day in day out. There was a sense of  stigmatization within the society when it came down to these professionals, wh o attained vocational education with regards to their respective work domains. In the olden times, vocational education was directly linked with apprenticeship and hence there is reason enough to believe that the two were used in an interchangeable fashion.