Business plan
City development: should we keep the grid pattern or move to the new approaches to city planning?
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
Title: City Development: Embracing New Approaches to City Planning
Introduction
City planning plays a crucial role in shaping the development and functionality of urban areas. Traditionally, many cities have followed the grid pattern, characterized by a network of streets intersecting at right angles. However, with the changing needs and aspirations of modern communities, it is essential to explore new approaches to city planning. In this business plan, we will discuss the advantages of embracing new approaches to city planning over adhering strictly to the grid pattern.
Analyzing the Limitations of the Grid Pattern
Lack of Adaptability
One of the main drawbacks of the grid pattern is its lack of adaptability to diverse terrain and varying community needs. The rigid structure of the grid limits the potential for organic growth and innovative urban design. As cities evolve, they require flexibility in their layout to accommodate changes in transportation, infrastructure, and community spaces.
Monotony and Lack of Character
The grid pattern often results in repetitive and monotonous urban landscapes. The uniformity can lead to a lack of identity and character within neighborhoods, diminishing the overall appeal of the city. By adopting new approaches to city planning, we can create unique and vibrant spaces that reflect the local culture, history, and values of the community.
Embracing New Approaches to City Planning
Mixed-Use Zoning
New approaches to city planning emphasize mixed-use zoning, which combines residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within the same area. This approach encourages walkability, reduces dependency on cars, and fosters a sense of community. By integrating different functions within neighborhoods, we can create vibrant and sustainable urban environments that cater to the diverse needs of residents.
Placemaking and Public Spaces
Placemaking focuses on creating vibrant and inclusive public spaces that enhance community engagement and well-being. By prioritizing public spaces such as parks, plazas, and community gardens, we can foster social interaction, promote physical activity, and improve overall quality of life. These spaces become gathering points for residents and contribute to a sense of belonging within the city.
Sustainable Design and Green Infrastructure
New approaches to city planning prioritize sustainable design and green infrastructure. Incorporating features such as green roofs, urban gardens, and renewable energy sources not only mitigate the environmental impact but also improve air quality, reduce urban heat islands, and enhance overall livability. By embracing eco-friendly practices, cities can become more resilient and environmentally conscious.
Economic Benefits
Embracing new approaches to city planning can have significant economic benefits for both businesses and residents.
Increased Property Values
Innovative and well-designed urban spaces attract investment and drive up property values. Creating aesthetically pleasing environments that prioritize quality of life can lead to increased demand for housing and commercial spaces. This boost in property values benefits both property owners and local governments in terms of tax revenue.
Enhanced Tourism Potential
Cities that adopt new approaches to city planning often become more attractive tourist destinations. Unique urban landscapes, cultural diversity, and vibrant public spaces can draw visitors from around the world. Increased tourism contributes to the local economy through spending on accommodation, dining, entertainment, and other related services.
Conclusion
As cities continue to evolve, it is essential to move away from the limitations imposed by traditional grid patterns and embrace new approaches to city planning. By prioritizing adaptability, character, mixed-use zoning, placemaking, sustainable design, and economic benefits, we can create cities that are dynamic, inclusive, environmentally conscious, and economically prosperous. By investing in innovative city planning strategies, we lay the foundation for vibrant communities that meet the needs and aspirations of residents while fostering sustainable growth for years to come.