Ancient Chinese Contributions Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Ancient Chinese Contributions - Research Paper Example Modern day agricultural methods, astronomical observations, paper money, decimal mathematics, brandy and whisky, chess, umbrellas, wheelbarrows, multistage rockets, and so many other things came from China. Throughout 600 AD to 1500 AD, Chinese stood as worlds most technologically advanced society. Their frequent discoveries of scientific principles and new technologies influenced the development of societies throughout the world (Shaw, 2003, p.14). This paper briefly explores the most useful and ingenious innovations of Ancient Chinese. Chinese invented the art of paper making in 105 AD, Tsai Lun, a Chinese member of Imperial Court made it by grinding plant and then converting it into sheets of paper after drying. Writing system dates back to 3000 years in China, they used bamboos for writing before, paper was certainly more practical. Early Chinese paper was made by mulberry tree and other plant fibers. Early Chinese paper was also used for clothing and military body armor since it was very hard and strong. Paper use in writing was discovered after a century of its discovery. The earliest example of writing on paper was found in the form of an abandoned piece from military. That paper dated back to 110 AD and it has nearly two dozen readable characters (Shaw, 2003, p.16). Ancient civilizations may know the process of magnetizing iron by placing it near a loadstone, however, Chinese were the first who applied this rule to invent compass. The earliest picture of compass was from 200 BC made by placing spoon as needle on the table with compass points. Early compasses were not used for navigation but divination (Gies and Gies, 1994, p.94).Earliest Chinese compass used to point towards south and called south-pointer. In the Han dynasty (202 BC-AD 220), travelers used this compass. An American scholar, Derk Bodde (1909-2003) argues that we would have been

American Marriage Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

American Marriage - Essay Example American families are just changing as the society around them changes. Initially, marriage was believed to be challenging commitments for both the man and the woman. The man had to work hard in providing for his family, as the woman remained behind to care for both residence and the kids. However, due to apparent global economic crisis that has filtered into American marriage, women no longer remain at home due to the economic demands for their families. Women also strive to provide for their families by going to work just as their husbands. Children too are taken to baby care centers at tender age to keep them busy and away from their parents who are ever busy to make end meet especially during the day. Indeed, this can be seen as an adjustment to the changes in the modern society. It has been argued that marriages are experiencing stress in regard to socialization and communication between spouses and the children as well (Popenoe and Whitehead 146-148). However, there is an emerg ing divergence from traditional face-to-face communication to technologically supported social platforms. Most couples maintain distant relationship where, for instance, a man works in one state and the wife works in another state. The presence of various communication methods such as the social media and mobile phones has, however, improved communication between the two. Therefore, this shift in socialization is just a way of family adaptation and not as a result of stressed marriages (Schwartz and Scott 156-159). Although financial soundness was not valued in the past, it greatly influences marriage in the current society. For instance, the economic status of an individual would greatly affect the quality of the relationship. Financially stable individuals are likely to succeed in a marriage relationship. Arguably, according to Popenoe and Whitehead (146-148), families need to make extra coins today than earlier days. Although this can be viewed as a marriage stressor, it can be a rgued that input of both partners towards the economic prowess is actually an adaptation to the modern challenges. Therefore, marriages are much more likely to survive the test of the financial stressor. Marriage is no longer based on community but solely depend on individuality. However, the modern society has certainly set high standards especially in social, economic, and educational aspects. This causes American families to go an extra mile in meeting these apparent standards. Whereas this could be seen as an overwhelming challenge to the family, societal standards also act as a motivation towards a better family. Therefore, American marriages, in their endeavor to meet these standards, will come out stronger than weak (Graham 9-10). Another important factor affecting modern marriages is the issue of religion. Whereas traditional marriages were largely based on traditional religion, modernity has changed the religious aspect of marriage (Schwartz and Scott 156-159; Graham 8-11). With the uprising of many religious denominations, families experience apparent conflict of religious belief in regard to marriage and family values. However, the fact that modern religion appreciates and upholds the role of the marriage institution is actually a bonus to American marriages. Teachings and trainings on marriages boosts marriages hence making them last longer. Therefore, despite the conflicts acting as a stressing