A Philosophy Degree as an Investment: Is Seeking a Philosophy Degree a Waste of Time?:

Getting a degree in philosophy is definitely not a waste of time. In fact, taking the time, energy and money to do so, could prove to be the best investment that you could ever make as a student.

But, be aware that pursuing a degree in philosophy is not an easy, academic undertaking for most students because it involves a high level of knowledge, understanding and comprehension with regard to what has been already been written by philosophical thinkers, from all ages.

At times, it can be difficult for a student to comprehend the philosophy of our own era. Many students are not ready, willing or able to do the amount of reading necessary to obtain a philosophy degree. This kind of education entails vast amounts of academic research. Being able to sort through and recognize what is important in each era, is something that a philosophy student needs to be able to do.

There is invariably a philosophy behind everything that we undertake to do in life.

Philosophy, by its very nature, pertains to life, but is perceived from different directions including perspectives from northern, southern, eastern and western parts of the world. Whether it is ancient, modern or contemporary, philosophy teaches a student how to think, understand and perceive the world around him or her. It also helps students to relate to others. This kind of progressive thinking is compatible with life.

Do you, as a student, have serious, deep, unanswered questions about life or death? Perhaps you have some unique and exciting insight or answers for questions that others may have and have not yet found answers for.

Every philosopher has natural, inborn curiosity and harbors many questions about life and death.

Many different aspects of human life are revealed through philosophical writings, as philosophers are actively engaged in philosophical discourse with other thinkers. Philosophy is intriguing because it is historical in perspective, but invariably, it has a contemporary application. In other words, what does it mean to us, as well as to others, in our world of today?

There are times when a gifted student will be able to relate to the philosophy of any age or thinker. In fact, this might present an exciting challenge. These are gifted students who should study philosophy and to obtain degrees in this realm of inquiry.

For others, it may appear to be a waste of time, but on the other hand, it may also open the eyes of those who tend to see any academic pursuit as a waste of time.

Is philosophy your challenge? If it is, you will know.         

Writing for the Internet: Does Writing for the Internet Inhibit Creativity?

If writing for the Internet inhibits creativity, then the Internet is doomed, as it is a platform of expression for creative writers. Writing for the Internet does not inhibit creativity. In fact, just the opposite happens; it encourages ongoing creativity in writers.

This is not suggesting that the Internet does not pose some areas of concern for creative writers. For example, some writers may not feel comfortable with publishing on the Internet, particularly if this is a relatively new mode of publication for them.  The writer’s audience may appear to be far too vast, limited in scope or unknown.

The creative writer may feel threatened, thinking that his or her creative writing skills are not significant enough to compete with the work of other creative writers. Fear of intimidation by other writers, readers or other critics may enter into the picture.

One must argue that any true creative writer will not hesitate to use an updated mode of publication and communication which includes the Internet, particularly if this person is a professional writer. A person receiving financial remuneration for his or her creative writing is a professional writer, as opposed to an amateur writer, who writes and publishes his or her work, but does receive payment for it. Everyone starts out as an amateur writer with some degree of creativity that should continue to be developed.      

Creativity has more to do with the spirit of the writer.

Some writers are naturally more creative than others. Understanding what creativity means in terms of writing has a lot to do with how the writer views the publication of his or her work. Many writers seek creative modes of expression and publication in order to expand their writing horizons and advance their careers.

Readership on the Internet is continually expanding. Thus, writing for the Internet increases the demands made upon creative writers as a whole.

Part of the difficulty with publication on the Internet is the reality that websites come and go. In other words, a creative writer can publish his or her writing on a website, only to find out later that his or her work has disappeared. The website may be gone forever.

Will his or her creative writing be located in the Internet archives? Maybe that is possible, but maybe not.

The creative writer is a genius in some sense of the word, as he or she continues to draw from the well of creativity found deep within him or herself. There is no limit to creativity in writing.

Creative writing is an exciting form of artwork, an outward expression of the individual writer’s soul manifest in written words.

Understanding the creative writer’s need and desire to write, as well as to share his or her writing with others is important.

Every creative writer needs a platform on which to express and display his or her thoughts and feelings. The Internet provides such a platform. Perhaps it is only a platform in time and maybe it is destined to become obsolete. Eventually, the Internet may be replaced by a newer platform of some kind that is better and more appropriate for creative writing.

In the meantime, creative writers should continue to do creative writing and use whatever writing platform of expression is available to them. Instead of giving up, surrendering or submitting to the concerns and shortcomings of the Internet, creative writers should seek higher and better platforms from which to express their creativity.

Does writing for the Internet inhibit creativity? It is more likely to be instrumental in challenging, enhancing and expanding writers’ creative genius and creativity even further. 

Write on, creative writers.  

The Effects of the Recession on University Based Education: University Based Education as a Commodity

University-based education as a commodity, is probably one of the best investments in the world, even though it is not a physical commodity like copper, wheat or oil; nor is it a typical, stock market commodity, and it is not recession proof.

University education represents a service to the community, as opposed to being a material good or marketable substance.

University-based education is subject to the whims of the world economy. In other words, when there is a surge in the economy of any country, it leads to a reduction in the cost of university-based education or at least, it should. A decline in the economy leads to an increase in the cost of university-based education.

University based education operates, at least to some extent, on the principle of supply and demand in the sense that if there are not enough university graduates in some part of the world, country or academic field, the demand for them increases. If there is an excess of university graduates, the demand declines.

Normally there is a continual demand for university graduates, in every country of the world. This brings about a continual demand for university-based education.

When there is a high demand for university-based education and the economy of the country is in a state of financial crisis, university-based education may suffer immediate cutbacks because it is funded, at least in part, by the government of the country.

For universities to remain operational and to be able to provide university-based education to prospective students, a consistent and reliable source of income for the university is essential.

Where does a university obtain sufficient resources to remain functional, when a country is failing in terms of its financial structure?

When any corporation or organization like a university makes a huge profit, that profit is absorbed by them, in such a way that keeps them relatively dependent upon the source of their resources. If the source of the resources disappears, the corporation, organization or university may suffer a financial collapse. 

Ongoing expansion is one of the ways that a university manages to continue to stay afloat financially. This can include expansion in terms of academic research.

The university can change its fee structure or increase its fees. It can also offer advanced programs to potential students living in out-of-country regions of the world at a higher cost, if necessary, in order to stay operational.

By doing this, the university cuts back on the opportunities offered to potential students within their own countries, which is not necessarily a good thing for them or their countries. It may also increase the economic recession over time or force them to leave their countries to find employment as new graduates.

Effective resolution of the global economy is essential for governments to be able to support university-based education everywhere, unless the universities can come up with better, financial solutions. Outreach on a global basis by universities, can bring some degree of resolution, but may create additional problems for countries, at the same time. The influx of students from other countries, when there are already not enough jobs, adds to unemployment.

At the same time, outside input into the academic system, opens the eyes of those who are in a university-based, educational system. No university has access to all knowledge. No university is totally functional and fully operational, in terms of everything that can be known about a subject or in terms of research. There is always room for growth and expansion in the educational system, but growth and expansion leads to increased cost for the university, as well as for its students.

There are scholarships, bursaries, and grants available to prospective students, even when the cost of university-based education is high. Corporations or organizations that need ongoing research may fund university-based education for those who qualify. Students can do comparative shopping elsewhere in terms of the cost of university-based education. They can also seek university level employment. If necessary, they can reduce the number of courses that they take at one time and study on a part-time basis. They can also participate in research, even that which is global in perspective. They can seek mentors or student advisers for guidance in their specialty areas and work directly with them. 

University-based education seems like a vicious cycle, in terms of cost factors. Meeting one need often goes back to creating other needs that have to be met, but the same is true in terms of commodities of any kind. The commodity referred to as university-based education is marketable all around the world. Like any other commodity, it will experience highs and lows.

It is important for prospective students not to panic, when there is a lull in the economy of a country. The economy of every country will always rise and fall, as will the cost of university-based education. 

The Freelance Writer's Choice: Helium as a Global Platform for Freelance Writers

The majority of freelance writers know that the time and effort put into writing articles on Helium is worth it, because experience is a great teacher. Why does doing this have merit? Putting time and effort into article writing on Helium is particularly worthwhile for those who are serious writers, interested in having positive and constructive, freelance writing experiences. Of course, it is always the freelance writer’s choice, but anything doing, is worth doing well.

Helium offers a broad-based, global platform for freelance writers, in conjunction with the possibility of continuous exposure to other freelance writer’s work. This includes a vast realm of professional and non-professional expertise, on various topics. International networking with other freelance writers is encouraged and there is the opportunity to have contact with potential publishers.

Helium offers freelance writers the opportunity to develop their personal profiles. Every writer has to begin somewhere and this is an excellent place for new writers to start. Since Helium is an interactive web site, exposure to other websites is possible. There is a supportive community of freelance writers on Helium, as well as the opportunity to dialogue openly with others. Freelance writers can receive help on various subjects, feedback on their writing, as well as peer-based rating.   

Helium offers a wide range of opportunities for active participation in different kinds of freelance writing projects including journalism, debates, contests, etc. It is also possible to receive bonuses and awards. For those seeking fame and fortune on the Helium.com website, remember that while dedication and hard work go a long way towards success, there are never any instant guarantees of fame and fortune.  

Over time, freelance writers can become website channel managers, in their own areas of expertise and develop their professional writing skills through ongoing research. Writing always includes a wide variety of responsibilities, plus the possibility of developing new skills or expanding freelance writing horizons Mentoring others is also possible on Helium. Those who choose to become mentors, tend to be more satisfied with freelance writing, because in encouraging and helping others, they further their own career development also.

Success as a freelance writer depends to some extent upon the dedication of the writer, as well as the writer’s degree of artistry and creativity in writing. Is the time and effort put into article writing on Helium worth it? There is only one way to find out and that is to try freelance writing and publishing on Helium.