After viewing the Tedx Talks video featuring Stephen Baldridge, discuss what caused you to pause for reflection and why.
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
Reflection on Stephen Baldridge’s TEDx Talk
After viewing Stephen Baldridge’s TEDx Talk, several ideas resonated deeply with me, prompting moments of pause and reflection. His insights on leadership, vulnerability, and authenticity particularly stood out, leading me to reconsider my own perspectives on these topics.
Key Takeaways That Sparked Reflection
1. The Power of Vulnerability
Baldridge emphasized the importance of vulnerability in leadership. He argued that showing vulnerability can foster deeper connections and trust within teams. This idea challenged my previous notions that leaders must always project strength and confidence. It made me reflect on my own interactions—how often do I allow myself to be vulnerable or share my uncertainties? Recognizing that vulnerability is not a weakness but rather a strength can significantly enhance team dynamics and create a safer environment for open dialogue.
2. Authentic Leadership
Baldridge discussed the significance of authenticity in leadership roles. He pointed out that leaders who are authentic tend to inspire greater loyalty and commitment from their teams. This notion prompted me to think about the leaders I have admired throughout my life. Many of them were not only skilled but also genuine in their approach. This realization reinforced the idea that authenticity can lead to more impactful and meaningful connections, encouraging me to prioritize this quality in my future endeavors.
3. The Importance of Connection
The talk highlighted how effective leaders prioritize building relationships and creating a sense of community within their teams. This message resonated with me as I considered the current climate of remote work and virtual teams. It reminded me of the necessity to intentionally nurture connections, even when physically distant. Reflecting on this, I recognized opportunities in my own life where I could invest more time in fostering relationships, both personally and professionally.
4. Leadership as a Continuous Journey
Baldridge conveyed that leadership is not a destination but an ongoing journey of growth and learning. This perspective encouraged me to embrace challenges and setbacks as valuable learning experiences rather than just obstacles. It instilled a sense of resilience and a willingness to evolve over time, which is particularly relevant in today’s fast-changing world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Stephen Baldridge’s TEDx Talk prompted me to pause and reflect on the profound impact of vulnerability, authenticity, connection, and the continuous journey of leadership. These insights challenge conventional views of leadership, advocating for a more human-centered approach that fosters trust and collaboration. As I move forward in my academic and professional pursuits, I aim to integrate these principles into my interactions and leadership style, recognizing the strength that lies in being genuine and open with others. Baldridge’s message serves as a powerful reminder that true leadership is about connecting with people on a deeper level and cultivating an environment where everyone can thrive.
