Wentao Jiang

Janna Storer
English 3 Honors Block 5
1/21/20
Socratic Circle Reflection on Nature
During this Socratic circle, we discussed the questions 1 and 2 for “Nature”. We
discussed how Emerson’s ideas are true for us. I pointed out that truth can only be
seen by a few people. Most of the others are only able to see how they want to see.
Then my classmates in the circle raised up the opinion about how materialistic lives
occupy the sight of people and we have agreement and disagreement on if we should
or we should not put us back to nature and cleanse us. On the other hand, I identify
that I disagree for the conception of God in Emerson’s article. For the inner circle, we
do well on we bring out different opinions and supplement each other’s statements.
For example, I remembered how Jannah add deeper understands on the relationships
between nature and people. And because I am the only one who’s not a catholic, I
brought out the idea of disagreement about Emerson’s opinion. Secondly, my group
members listened to my statements carefully and then mark them down. They gave
me their unique, powerful suggestion during the break time so that I was able to
specify my words. For example, they told me I should give some different opinions
that it would diversify the conversation. Teamwork is important in the Socratic circle,
they hearten me and encourage me in circle, they gave me the accurate information of
my speak and tell me how to make it better in the next round, I greatly appreciate both
of them as a good team worker and supporter.
Personally, I started the conversation and said my opinion: only a few people can
see the truth through layers. Then the others led the conversation of relationship
between nature and people. After the discussion of agreement, I brought my point to
the disagreement as a non-Catholic. I did well on pointing out different opinions with
specific evidence instead of repeating the others or adding meaningless argument. For
example, I support all of my statements with textual evidences. Next time, I would
improve my participation, give more opinions in the circle.
Here is my thesis statement for my essay: put ourselves into the nature mildly
would effectively help us to realize the truth of existing of nature. In the circle, we see
how the difference of opinions. Especially a group of people suggest that discard
everything on people and back to the forest should be the way of meaningful life;
another group stated that we do not need to abandon all of our duties, we can still
back to the nature without being isolated with society. I want to support that we do not
have to give up everything and we can still hold our duties to embrace the nature.
I would use the textual evidences from the article to support my claims; the
greatness of nature that is equal to the holy God for Catholics and we find more
meaningful life in the forest rather than in cities.
To relate the thesis with my experience, I will say my story that when I was in
elementary school, I was fully refreshed during the summer after staying old home in
countryside with my grandparents; all of sceneries and weather cleanse my exhaustion
for school and games.