Hello, can someone help me complete this assignment?
Instructions for assignment:
Understanding the Human Experience: read Chapter 1, Fiero, G. (2021). Landmarks in humanities (5th ed.). McGraw Hill.
In your journal,
· Identify a specific theme common to the human experience that was explored this week.
· Explain how examining at least two specific civilizations helped you to understand the chosen theme.
· Discuss whether you think the theme is relevant today.
· Explain why knowing how the theme was expressed in ancient civilizations helps us understand it better today.
Your journal entry should be two to three pages, double spaced, and formatted in APA StyleLinks to an external site. as outlined in the Writing Center’s APA Formatting for Microsoft Word.Links to an external site.
Discussion form:
In addition, review your participation in the three discussion forums and any observations from those discussions that have helped you understand themes common to the human experience.
Ancient China and Mesopotamia
In your initial posting, compare how your chosen theme is expressed in the two societies and through two areas of those societies.
In this discussion forum, ancient China and Mesopotamia are the civilizations chosen for analysis. When considering the “Governance” theme, an interesting difference between ancient Chinese and Mesopotamian communities is reflected in their ways of organizing society and arranging leadership. Mandate of Heaven was one of the central concepts in ancient China governing the traditional sense that the rulers were only legitimate when they received the favor of heaven (Fiero, 2021). This doctrine is visible in Chinese literature, especially in historical books such as the “Records of the Grand Historian,” which accentuates the moral responsibility of the rulers. On the other hand, rulership in Mesopotamia was to govern based on a formal set of laws as can be seen under the Code of Hammurabi. The form of governance in the Mesopotamian region is also seen in the art of that time, and it includes reliefs on walls of Assyrian palaces portraying the king as a military leader and one who acted on behalf of the gods.
How did these societies and individuals understand and express what it means to be human?
The representation and comprehension of the human condition in ancient China and Mesopotamia can be complex components. According to ancient Chinese beliefs, the Confucian and Daoist philosophies greatly influenced the perception of these claims. Confucianism endorsed morality, respect for parents, and social order, which was indicative of a collective awareness that placed value on interpersonal relations as well as societal structure (Fiero, 2021). In contrast, Daoism stresses the way of nature and its importance for a person to follow the Dao. The subtle nature of this view is also reflected in Chinese art since harmony with nature is a leitmotif there as well. The Epic of Gilgamesh gives us a glimpse and insight into the human experience, mortality, and the fact that one’s purpose in life is still undiscovered. This fine literature of the period mirrors an intellectual level of such complexity that they engage with the further questions of life. Moreover, the human figures in Mesopotamian art, especially cylinder seals and reliefs, are rarely presented without a reference to the divine. This leads to the realization that there is no separation between the world of man and that of gods.
What societies did you find most interesting and why?
Mesopotamia and ancient China are both interesting in their different ways, but personally, I find them more intriguing from the Chinese perspective because of their originality in promoting harmony, ethical administration, and the application of principles into daily existence. With emphasis on how Confucianism and Daoism have influenced societal values while, at the same time, using literature and art to help people understand human life, one is able to attain a better understanding of humanity (Fiero, 2021). However, the nature of the conception of civilization used in past Chinese societies, which considered the relationship between humanity and nature building as well as the ethical responsibilities of rulers, makes their worldview more complicated. Mesopotamia is also intriguing, but ancient China’s completely different way of living based on integrity and morality seems to complement my interests and attitudes better.
Additional discussions:
1. Good job with the analysis! It’s interesting to see how ancient Mesopotamia and China expressed their governments. The formal legal system in Mesopotamia, such as the Code of Hammurabi, contrasted with the moral duty of rulers stressed in China’s Mandate of Heaven. The differences are a reflection of the philosophical and cultural contrasts between the two groups. What it means to be human was created by the ideas of ancient China, which were impacted by Confucianism and Daoism. Daoism centered on being in tune with nature, while Confucianism prioritized social order and morality. Their works of literature and art mirrored these worldviews, with an emphasis on living in balance with the natural world. The cultural ideas and creative manifestations of both civilizations enrich our comprehension of human difficulties and provide fresh perspectives on them. It’s wonderful that the traditional Chinese value system of harmony, honesty, and morality fascinates you. Ancient Chinese culture is fascinating to study because of the impact of Confucianism and Daoism on social norms and everyday life. Any given culture has its own quirks and beliefs, and it’s only human to feel drawn toward one that captures one’s attention. The complex human civilization may be better understood by looking at ancient China and Mesopotamia.
2. Looking at how the Olmecs and Mesopotamians saw the human condition through the lens of ethics and religion, reveals some intriguing contrasts. Images of the gods in Mesopotamian art, literature, and the Code of Hammurabi point to the importance of religion in the region’s legal and ethical systems. Heroism and ethics were major themes in Gilgamesh’s epic. In contrast, the Olmecs emphasized the interdependence of humans and their natural surroundings; their religious beliefs informed their political system and the enormous heads served as a symbol of this idea. You may learn more about how other cultures portray religion, ethics, and leadership by reading about the other societies that other people choose. We get a deeper appreciation for the complexity of ancient cultures’ views on humanity through these conversations, which provide a more comprehensive view of how these communities articulated and portrayed their ideas.
3. Kindness makes people feel recognized and encouraged, so compassion and kindness have a connection. Both exhibit humanity’s goodness and our natural ability to care for others. Treating people with compassion and acknowledging their importance builds respect. These images illustrate the need for understanding, empathy, and respect for healthy connections and a peaceful society. We can create a more accepting world by being nice and respectful.
Kindness follows compassion, making people feel recognized and supported. Both characteristics exhibit humanity’s good qualities—our capacity to connect and care for others. Kindness and recognition of others’ values build respect, which is essential. Those depictions indicate the need for understanding, empathy, and respect for productive relationships and a peaceful society. Compassion, kindness, and respect may create a more compassionate and inclusive environment.
Life and diversity reflect mankind. Diversity reflects the depth, and complexity of our environment by including human experiences, backgrounds, and opinions. Life encompasses our emotions, relationships, and experiences, defining humanity. Diversity and life teach us to respect humanity’s many experiences and opinions. Culture and discovery reflect mankind. The discovery shows our curiosity and thirst for knowledge, while culture affects our identities and worldviews. Discovery helps us comprehend other cultures, which reflect humanity’s unique backgrounds and viewpoints. Diversity, culture, and discovery show humanity’s change. They stress accepting diversity, appreciating culture, and seeking information. They show our species’ complexity and evolution.