"The greedy impale themselves on many heartaches"- the Apostle Paul. Greed is the excessive desire of acquiring or possessing, especially wishing to possess more than what one needs or deserves. It is not unusual for our society to want more than what is offered. But it has gotten to the point where greed is the most prominent motive fueling humanity. The short film, "Lunch," is a perfect portrayal of humanity today. In the film, the animated character, man, tries, with no avail, to get a candy bar, when he has a perfectly good sandwich at hand. What would possess him to even attempt to obtain this candy bar? The billboard is the obvious rationale. Billboards, magazines and television are all constant reminders of what we want, and can have, if the price is right. Television shows such as "Cribs" and "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" have made it so long because it gives us all hope of the American Dream. Sadly the American Dream has been greatly distorted, once representing a content and happy life, is now seen as the ability to obtain the most expensive homes, clothing and lifestyle. This distortion has come at a great cost, the dignity of mankind.
             Our modern way of life is such a contrast those of the past, especially pre Enlightenment cultures. As a historical category, the term "Enlightenment" refers to a series of changes in European thought. Prior to the enlightenment, man focused less on rationality and humanism and more on dogma and authority. In order to maintain a stable way of life in Europe during the pre Enlightenment era, Absolutism, or a form of government in which all power is vested in a single ruler or other authority, was established. Europeans were more than willing to have local autonomy taken away in exchange for peace and safety. Eventually, however, a great dissatisfaction amongst Europeans occurred. Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke and Thomas Hobbes began ...