The Universe in Essays

Prompt: To what extent did Peter the Great change Russian society? Written: May 2015 Peter the Great (1672-1735), towering over his peers at nearly seven feet, was one of the most influential Tsars of all time. Prior to his reign, Russia was steeped in economic downturn, rampant poverty, and widespread famine. [1] Under Peter’s direction, Russia was pulled out of its medieval stupor, westernized in every conceivable way, and transformed into a power to be reckoned with. Specifically, Peter the Great revolutionized Russian society through domestic, military, and government reforms.

Abstract: Fiction embodies religion and philosophy just as much as any other human creation. Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath is no exception. Detailed analysis of the beliefs of ex-preacher Jim Casy shows that Steinbeck creates the character of Casy to serve as an advocate for his (Steinbeck's) philosophical persuasions; namely, atheistic humanism. The atheistic humanist worldview is critiqued and found wanting. Written: May 2015