https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/10/10/are-you-the-same-person-you-used-to-be-life-is-hard-the-origins-of-you
After reading Chapter 7, the assigned article, and watching the video for the week, please address the following: 1) Do you view yourself and more specifically your personality as a continuous state that has stayed primarily stable over time? Or do you feel that who you “are” or more specifically your “personality” changes as you grow and mature? In other words, if you feel that way, then you feel that who you truly are today is different from who you were 10 years ago and that you might indeed still become someone different 10 years from now. Elaborate on why you believe this to be the case. 2) How does your view of yourself and how your personality has or hasn’t changed over time line up with what the research states for the overall personality changes we see in people over the lifespan? Please bring in specific research discussed in chapter 7 that focuses on traits over time.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
The Fluidity of Personality: Changing Perspectives
Personality is a complex and multifaceted aspect of human identity that has long intrigued psychologists and philosophers alike. The question of whether one’s personality remains stable or undergoes transformation over time is a topic of great debate. In this essay, we will explore the concept of personality as a continuous state versus a dynamic entity that evolves with age and experience. We will also examine the research discussed in Chapter 7, along with other relevant studies, to understand the overall personality changes that occur throughout the lifespan.
1) The Dynamic Nature of Personality
Do we remain the same person throughout our lives, or do we constantly evolve and change? This question delves into the essence of our being and how we perceive ourselves. While many individuals may believe that their personality remains relatively stable over time, there is growing evidence to suggest that who we are today might be different from who we were in the past or will be in the future.
Personal Growth and Maturity
One reason for believing in the fluidity of personality is personal growth and maturity. As we navigate through life, we encounter various challenges, experiences, and relationships that shape our identity. These encounters provide opportunities for self-reflection, learning, and personal development. We acquire new knowledge, refine our values, and adapt our behaviors accordingly. This continuous process of growth and maturation can lead to fundamental shifts in our personality.
Changing Life Circumstances
Another factor that contributes to the changing nature of personality is the impact of life circumstances. Throughout our lives, we go through different stages and face diverse situations – from adolescence to adulthood, career changes, relationships, and parenthood. Each of these stages brings its unique set of challenges and demands, which may require us to adapt and adjust our personality traits. For example, becoming a parent might lead to increased responsibility and nurturing qualities, while retirement might foster relaxation and a more carefree attitude.
Neuroplasticity and Brain Development
Neuroscience research has shed light on the malleability of the brain and its impact on personality. The concept of neuroplasticity suggests that our brain’s structure and function can change throughout our lives as a result of experiences and learning. These changes can influence our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, ultimately shaping our personality traits. For instance, engaging in mindfulness practices or cognitive-behavioral therapy can lead to positive changes in personality traits such as conscientiousness or emotional stability.
2) Personality Changes over the Lifespan: Research Findings
When examining the research on personality changes over time, it is important to consider both stability and change. While some traits may exhibit stability across the lifespan, others show considerable variation.
The Five-Factor Model
One prominent framework for studying personality traits is the Five-Factor Model (FFM), which includes openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. According to longitudinal studies discussed in Chapter 7, personality traits tend to show moderate levels of stability, particularly during adulthood. For instance, conscientiousness tends to increase with age, while neuroticism tends to decrease.
Life Events and Personality Changes
Life events can significantly impact personality development. Research by Roberts et al. (2006) found that major life events such as marriage, divorce, or career changes can lead to changes in personality traits. For example, going through a divorce might result in increased neuroticism or decreased extraversion due to the emotional stress involved. On the other hand, getting married may foster higher levels of agreeableness and stability.
Developmental Stages
Personality changes are also evident during different developmental stages. Erikson’s psychosocial theory proposes eight stages of psychosocial development throughout the lifespan. Each stage presents unique challenges that individuals must overcome to achieve psychological growth and maintain a sense of identity. These challenges can shape personality traits at each stage, highlighting the dynamic nature of personality over time.
Cultural Influences
It is important to note that cultural factors can influence how personality traits manifest and change over time. Different cultures prioritize certain traits or behaviors, which can impact an individual’s self-concept and expression of personality. For example, collectivist cultures may emphasize communal values such as harmony and interdependence, while individualistic cultures prioritize independence and assertiveness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question of whether personality remains stable or changes over time is complex and multifaceted. While individuals may have a sense of continuity in their self-perception, there is growing evidence to support the concept of a dynamic and evolving personality. Personal growth and maturity, changing life circumstances, neuroplasticity, and research findings all suggest that who we are today may be different from who we were in the past or will be in the future. Understanding these nuances is crucial for embracing personal growth, adapting to life’s challenges, and fostering empathy towards others as they navigate their journeys of self-discovery.
