Christine Jamie Melchor - Reaction Papers

Christine Jamie M. Melchor
2013-37871
Sir Juned Sonido STS-X2

Reaction Paper about “Life of Mammals”

Animals always have the initiative to live. They use what they have to survive daily. It is true that animals are varied into different categories but they all know how to take advantage of that difference. As observed, animals have developed skills according to their distinctiveness which harnessed them to adapt in their environment. These skills also build relationships among their kind and other species, be it as predator or prey.

Examples shown are the actions and behaviors of apes. Apes use their brains to acquire knowledge from their environment. As such, monkeys immediately seize opportunity when it appears. Their inquisitiveness to respond for their need of food is supported by their sharp eyesight and use of brain. It helped them expand their food sources from plants to meat. The use of tools, a knowledge acquired from the actions of humans, is also a benefit for them in searching for food. To add, in taking the meat out of seashells is accompanied by their use of hands and wit. This knowledge is shared to other monkeys, thus, the cracking of seashells disseminated to the group.

Given that there are many variations, apes developed distinct qualities that made them adapt better than the others. One of the examples is a spider monkey. Spider monkeys live in tropical places especially in Central and South America. They have long arms and gripping tails that can make them reach treetops to find fruits and nuts. Another is the pygmy marmoset which are mostly found in South America. Their light weight and small size make them reach high treetops that can’t be climbed by other species of monkeys. They can eat insects from atop and tree gums. Last two of the species of monkeys that caught my attention are owl monkeys and howler monkeys. Both monkeys can communicate by their “voices.” Howler monkeys “howl” when their territory is being taken while owl monkeys amplify their voices to call out other family relatives.

Relationships in the family and with other species may have been smooth or rocky for certain monkey species. Orangutans have long relationships with their siblings and baboons maintain friendship as long as grooming is maintained. Other monkeys follow hierarchy which separates the privileges of the lower-born to the high-born. High-borns can do whatever they want to the lower-borns. Sometimes, a monkey needs to prove his self-worth before joining the social circle.

It can be concluded that monkeys do behave to live and grow. The adaptation, use of distinct skills and learned knowledge, communication, socialization and reproduction are ways to do so.  It is no different to human living. As a human, I can say we almost do everything like them but in a more sophisticated and advanced method. “Humans have larger brains,” they say and it’s a pro. However, if humans behave as lowly as animals no matter how large their brain are, they are no better than animals. Therefore, the tiny gap we have with other animals depend on our behaviour and actions.

References:

"Spider Monkey," Animals: Mammals. Accessed May 9, 2014. http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/spider-monkey/

"Pygmy Marmoset- The Smallest Monkey." Last modified October 22, 2013. Accessed May 9, 2014. http://www.amusingplanet.com/2013/10/pygmy-marmoset-smallest-monkey.html

"Howler Monkeys." Animals: Mammals. Accessed May 9, 2014. http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/howler-monkey/

Christine Jamie M. Melchor 

2013-37871
Sir Juned Sonido STS-X2

Reaction Paper on “A Beautiful Mind”

It is automatic to think that any person with disability may not have the capacity to pursue their passion and dreams, let alone succeed on it. However, big names emerged that their disability is an inspiration to prove how they can be something in the world and their existence is just as relevant as somebody else’s. One of the great names who has risen is John Forbes Nash, Jr., a greatly known Mathematician. His illness was discovered later when he has already pursued his passion in Mathematics. Schizophrenia was his disease and its struggle with it didn’t become a hindrance to continue what he had started.

John Nash’s life was featured in a biographical drama “A Beautiful Mind” by Director Ron Howard. It portrays the true story of John Nash and his struggle with paranoid schizophrenia. His illness made him create “imaginary characters” whom he believes has been real. These characters are Charles Herman, William Parcher and Charles’s niece, Marcee. They appeared when Nash had his mood set on an event. Charles Herman appeared when he needed a friend in Princeton. William Parcher was there when he felt his work is trivial. Marcee came when he wanted to have a family. His wife, Alicia, helped him through when he finally accepted he was sick. The delusions didn’t leave him until he got old but he learned how to live with it. He didn’t take the medicinal procedure to cure his disease but rather he tried to live with it normally. In 1994, Nash won the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics because of his work on “Game Theory.” 

Nash is indeed one of the models whom anyone can idolize. His determination on his work, his unending passion on work, his desire to regain control on himself and his disease, and his effort to fight and live for the people he loves and believes in made him a winner and survivor. He converted the support and love of his family and friends as cure and weapon to his delusions caused by schizophrenia. His work on Game Theory created an impact that people of today follow its dynamics.

His paranoid schizophrenia caused distortion between what’s real and not. It’s an illness that is seriously lifelong that’s why he was unable to get rid of his delusions even at old age. It’s said that with effective treatment, the patient can live a happier and healthier life. Nash lived a healthier life with the support he received from his relationships.

A man with an illness has got nothing to do with success. In success, everyone has equal possibility of achieving it. The only differences are struggles and bumps every person must face. In doing so, if a person can make most of what he has been receiving from others and what he knows and has been making, he surely can achieve his goal, with or without disease. What I learned from Nash: No matter what I am going through, motivation, determination and inspiration can lead me to greater places.

References:

“A Beautiful Mind.” Accessed May 9, 2014. http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/beautiful_mind/

“Paranoid Schizophrenia.” Diseases and Conditions. Last Modified: December 16, 2010. Accessed May 9, 2014. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/paranoid-schizophrenia/basics/definition/con-20029040

Kuhn, H.W. and Nasar, S. The Essential John Nash. New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 2001. Accessed May 9, 2014. http://press.princeton.edu/chapters/i7238.pdf