Two Speeches - Essay Example

 Upon comparing Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address" To Thucydides' "Pericles' Funeral Oration", the audience has the capacity to undoubtedly notice the similarities between the two speeches. Even if there is a tremendous difference in length between the two speeches, what is contained in the two speeches is fairly identical. All through Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address", he evidently reiterates Pericles, modify the ideas and words of his predecessor, and makes the content of his speech be similar to that of the Athenian ruler. Even though there is a great difference between the periods these two speeches were made, it is clear that Lincoln reiterates Pericles' Funeral Oration". One occasion in which Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address" reiterates this famous ruler is when he asserts, “our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation.” (Boritt 1). Similarly, Pericles started his speech in this way when he claimed, “I shall begin by speaking about our ancestors.”  (Halsall 34). Another instance is when Lincoln claims, “we cannot consecrate -we cannot hallow-this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it.” (Boritt 1). This is also evident in Pericles' speech when he argues that the people being honored have proved themselves valiant in the war zone and that their victory shall not be illustrated through a speech given by a single man, but by action (Halsall 34).

In addition, in Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address", Lincoln also reiterates Pericles’ recognition and admiration of democracy. The famed conclusion of the speech, “government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth,” exhibits Lincoln's view on democracy (Boritt 1). Similarly, Pericles appears to embellish democracy when he claims, “power is in the hands not of a minority but of the whole people our political life is free and open” (Halsall 38). Also, Lincoln modifies the ideas and words of Pericles while making his "Gettysburg Address". He achieves this by asserting that “all men are created equal.” (Boritt 1). This is identical to Pericles' phrases of “what counts is not membership of a particular class, but the actual ability which the man possesses” and “everyone is equal before the law.” (Halsall 40). In conclusion, the purpose of both Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address" To Thucydides "And Pericles' Funeral Oration" was to honor those who had perished in the war

Friendship as comprehended by the most famous theologians, philosophers, and church illustrates an association in which there is a shared significance in attaining the good. Every participant is expected to assist the other in their development of virtue, or good behavior, in a true friendship (Sachs 14). This explanation aids in developing peaceful relations between people, thus serving the common good in an adequate way. This part addresses Machiavelli’s and Aristotle’s views on friendship (Marriott 52).

Machiavelli: I would not want to observe fruitful, peaceful relations between people because an integrated populace is not easily dominated. Therefore, to me, friendship is an association in which the prudent member uses the other to ally with if in need, gain favors, and attain power. Aristotle: In my view, friendship lies squarely within the political arena. True friendship in a similar fashion to a political alliance, is an activity that is functional in the polis and depends on committed reciprocity. Friendship is part of righteous behavior whose conclusion is goodness and happiness because it appears in a community of beings.

Machiavelli: Friendship does not exist where there is nothing to be offered that could help in the search for power. It is essential to sometimes jeopardize the love of others so as to attain significant success. I believe that happiness and power do not necessarily lie in being righteous but at least in seeming to be righteous.

Aristotle: In spite of the community of beings, friendship is only probable with a few others. In their interactions, individuals can possess three objectives in mind; they include good, utility, or pleasure. In the initial part of Book 8 of the Nichomachean Ethics, I illustrate that friendship is an activity with three identical objectives. Individuals become friends because they find their friends significant, good or pleasant, and righteous. It is also significant to note that the form of friendship formed on the basis of good is primary friendship.

Machiavelli: Regrettably for me, power has all to do with being happy. I am only interested in gaining political power in any way necessary. Therefore, it may be concluded by many that I do not possess any morals as I largely perceive the world as a place that is in constant hostility.