Personal Worldview Paper 1.15 Submit An Essay Describing You
Personal Worldview Paper 1 15 Submit An Essay Describing Your Own
Describe your own personal worldview by answering the six questions proposed by Leo Tolstoy as mentioned in Chapter 1 of the course text. The essay should be between 1,000 and 2,000 words and explore answers to the following questions:
- Why am I living?
- What is the cause of my existence and that of everyone else?
- Why do I exist?
- Why is there a division of good and evil within me?
- How must I live?
- What is death?
- How can I save myself?
The essay must be formatted according to APA style and submitted as a Microsoft Word file on Brightspace. Late submissions are not accepted.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Understanding one’s personal worldview is a fundamental endeavor that shapes one’s approach to life, morality, and existence itself. Drawing upon the philosophical questions posed by Leo Tolstoy, this essay explores my personal worldview through a comprehensive reflection on the meaning of life, the nature of good and evil, mortality, and the pathway to salvation. These questions serve as a lens through which I examine my beliefs, values, and purpose, ultimately aiming to articulate a coherent understanding of my place in the universe.
Why Am I Living? & The Cause of My Existence
The question of why I am living strikes at the core of personal purpose. For me, life is a gift bestowed with the potential for growth, learning, and service. I believe my existence is rooted in a divine or higher purpose—an idea often supported by spiritual and philosophical traditions. My purpose is to cultivate virtues such as compassion, integrity, and wisdom, contributing positively to my community and seeking spiritual harmony. The cause of my existence, from a philosophical perspective, can be understood as an alignment with a transcendent order or divine plan that gives life meaning beyond biological survival.
Why Do I Exist? This question prompts reflection on the nature of existence itself. I understand my existence as part of a larger interconnected universe where every individual has a role. This interconnectedness implies that my existence is not accidental but meaningful, serving a purpose in the grand cosmic scheme. Recognizing this infuses my life with a sense of responsibility and intentionality, guiding my actions toward fulfillment of this higher purpose.
The Division of Good and Evil Within Me
The presence of good and evil within me reflects the dualities inherent in human nature. I believe that humans possess an innate potential for both virtue and vice, shaped by environment, choices, and inherent tendencies. This internal division challenges me to cultivate self-awareness and moral discipline to align my actions with higher principles. Understanding this duality encourages humility and vigilance, recognizing that moral growth requires conscious effort to overcome darker impulses and embody goodness.
How Must I Live? & The Meaning of Death
Living ethically involves aligning my life with principles of love, justice, and humility. I believe that living rightly requires ongoing self-reflection, moral integrity, and service to others. My daily choices and interactions should reflect compassion and respect for all beings, recognizing the sacredness of life. Regarding death, I see it as a natural transition rather than an end, a return to the universe or divine source. Death motivates me to live meaningfully, understanding that my time is temporary and precious.
How Can I Save Myself? & Pathway to Salvation
Salvation, for me, involves spiritual growth, moral integrity, and a conscious effort to align my life with divine or universal principles. This may include prayer, meditation, acts of kindness, and pursuing truth. I believe salvation requires an ongoing process of self-improvement and surrendering egoic desires to attain peace and harmony. By cultivating virtues, seeking forgiveness, and embracing humility, I hope to transcend selfishness and achieve a state of spiritual wholeness.
Conclusion
My personal worldview, shaped by these reflections, emphasizes purpose, moral responsibility, and spiritual growth. It encourages me to live intentionally, confront my inner struggles, and strive for harmony with higher principles. Through understanding my existence and the nature of good and evil, I aim to navigate life's challenges with hope and resilience, recognizing that the journey toward salvation is continuous and transformative.
References
- Kierkegaard, S. (2000). Fear and trembling. Penguin Classics.
- Lewis, C. S. (2001). Mere Christianity. HarperOne.
- Tillich, P. (2000). The courage to be. Yale University Press.
- Rowe, W. (1974). Philosophy of religion. Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing.
- Sherman, D. (2014). The problem of evil and the love of God. In D. Sherman (Ed.), The Cambridge Companion to Christian Philosophy (pp. 147-172). Cambridge University Press.
- Armstrong, K. (2009). The case for God. Anchor Books.
- Moltmann, J. (1993). The way of Jesus Christ. Augsburg Fortress.
- Nagel, T. (1979). The absurd. Journal of Philosophy, 76(6), 135-144.
- Swinburne, R. (2004). The philosophy of theism. Oxford University Press.
- Hick, J. (1977). An interpretation of religion: Human responses to the transcendent. Yale University Press.