Monaco Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 16250 words

Monaco - Research Paper Example The political world is represented as contained by big nations, but there are a number of smaller states and territories (SSTs) with political and/or economic influence in the global political landscape (Paul: 1). Altogether there are 56 smaller nations and over 100 smaller territories that are controlled by larger states. A vast majority of SSTs are islands such as Fiji or Barbados. However, there are some states that are landlocked or surrounded by larger countries or located on the coastlines of larger states. These SSTs are countries such as Brunei or the Principality of Monaco (Paul:1) What separates Monaco from a majority of SSTs is that while many of these states recently enjoyed independence in the post-colonial era, Monaco has enjoyed seven centuries of independence (Paul: 1). Monaco also enjoys the distinction of having a forward economy and thus is an SST worthy of closer examination (Paul: 2). This case study is organized and presented in six main parts. The six main parts are: geography, history, political system, economics, culture and tourism and gastronomy. In discussing each of these areas of the Principality of Monaco, a detailed country profile is created that provides an understanding of how and why, the world’s second smallest independent county has managed to secure a place of prominence in the international order. Monaco is a sovereign nation located in the French Riviera (the south-eastern most portion of France, wherein the region is referred to as CÃ ´te dAzur in French and CÃ ²sta dAzur in Occitan, both of which translate into Azure Coast) at the foot of the Maritime Alps. Because of its location Monaco is bordered by France thrice over (to its north, south, and west), with what remains as its Mediterranean coastline, The city-state is notoriously small, being second only to The Vatican City at 1.9 km squared in surface area (King: 15). As a city-state, Monaco is

What is the purpose of life Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

What is the purpose of life - Essay Example This section is subdivided into three subparts which include religious, atheist, and modernity views on life. The literature review presents an argumentative perspective on the topic as the sources used in this essay have contradicting perspectives with regards to the purpose of life. The conclusion part summarizes the contents of the literature review and presents the author’s take on what can possibly be a personal account of the purpose life – choice made with regards to the sources. Introduction The purpose of life is a mixture of mental reactions and personal perceptions as people and societies have tried to be productive to fulfill their personal needs. Three views exist with regards to the purposes of life and personal perceptions as they affect different portions of the society. For example, the purpose of life with regards to possessions has been projected by societies as the major goal of life as people and the community as a whole fight to be successful, prod uctive, and wealthy within the society. On the other hand, an opposing view on the purpose of life goes beyond the possessions that human beings consider to include the spiritual stances that a community believes in. For example, spiritual people live to embrace the guidelines provided by their religions and their goals in life include the ultimate reward of spirituality, life after death. It is obvious that people in a society try to achieve as much as they can to fulfill their desires (Nostra, 12). One of the most controversial views on the purpose of life comes from an atheist perspective as it sets the benchmark of understanding life and making priorities with regards to life and its rewards. While Christians and other spiritual denominations appreciate the lives they live as a function of their spirituality, atheists take life as an experiment the human race is subjected to. One of the most phenomenal vies of the atheists is that God has no place in defining the purpose of life as everything in existence is a result of sheer circumstances. The result of all the views regarding the purpose of life is a conflict rather than a solution to the question, ‘what is the purpose of life?’ Some societies live to thrive in terms of possessions, others in terms of spirituality, and another group subjects its beliefs to chances as they believe there is no purpose of life. Thesis Statement The purpose of life is a function and an extraction of meaning from routine beliefs that societies have with regards to spirituality, material possessions, and unexplained phenomena perfected by chances. Statement of Problem Understanding the purpose of life is a difficulty undertaking as different societies have different views regarding the purpose of life and life itself. For example, suicide bombers represent part of a society whose believes do not sync with majority of the society’s view. Anybody considering death as a function of his beliefs can be a subject of misinformation, lack of understanding, or a victim of brainwashing. Therefore, to understand the purpose of life, a decision has to be made amongst spiritual, atheist, and contemporary views (modernity). Objectives To understand the purpose of life, this research does not embark on case studies or sample groups to