Question

Ethos: Character Molding / Habituation

1. What I would like you to be sensitive to while reading the Douglass Narrativeis his ethos, i.e., his character and spirit; his ability to persevere, and his hunger for knowledge. Here, think about the dialectic as a method of division: dividing a confused Self into clear lines of descent and ascent.
2. What characteristics, qualities, and attributes do you see in Douglass that you yourself would like to possess or do possess? We can learn much from Douglass’s work ethic and temperament.

QUESTION (JOURNAL PROMPT):

1. Is there such a thing as a substantial external model?
2. Must each individual ultimately generate their own conception of a good life?
3. What has the Douglass Narrative revealed to you in regard to a proper way of living?

Answer 1

1. Fredrick Douglass will always be memorised for the courage is reflected. Confidence, fearlessness, determination, bravery, honesty, kindness, curiosity and politeness are the characteristics/ qualities that can be seen and observed in Douglass.

But politeness and curiosity are the best traits/qualities to be taken from Douglass and worth implementing to cultivate the psyche.

Douglass was very curious to read, write and learn when he was a child. This curiosity fetched him knowledge and expertise. I wish that this trait of curiosity would have been imbibed in me to practise wholeheartedly.

His assertion that he will not be with the spontaneous counter opinion with Mr.Lincoln as there are numerous people who possess affinity towards him and are eager to see/ meet him.

2. Yes, of course there is a thing called "substantial external model" as the benefits to be reaped in this very life are not from mere the inward facets but the outside world as well. The possibility of benefiting the psyche and then transforming it into the behaviours tend to be substantial externality.

3. Of course, every individual must generate their own conception of a good life because everyone is given a mind and wisdom to distinguish between what is good and bad and on other hand what is right and wrong. Using the two entities- either rationality or faith, one can attempt to cultivate the psyche and thereby lead to a just life with utmost contentment.

4. Douglass's narrative conveys that knowledge is the backbone of a proper/ good life and ignorance leads to a dreadful, bad, wrong life. Freedom is the first prerequisite for a proper way of living. Acceptance of bondage denotes the insult to self esteem and human dignity. Therefore Douglass's narrative is relevant for a good/ proper way of life..