Eric Marcus

Jacques Derrida The Gift of Death

I was introduced to this book originally through my high school debate team. It was not
read as part of a course. A large portion of this book is dedicated to describing Derridas
conception of the word justice, which, to put simply, he describes an unconditional
openness to the differences of different peoples. Thinking about this concept of justice
influenced my personal philosophy by making me question my own implicit
assumptions about the best ways for the world to function, both in terms of
governments and interpersonal relationships. I believe that after having read this book,
I am now much more open to different ideas of many kinds.

Jacques Derrida Acts of Religion

I read this book by Derrida in preparation for last years debate season, which dealt with
questions of the legality of certain actions. This book was also not read for a class. The
part of this book that resonated most with me was the chapter in which Derrida
described deconstruction of the law. Deconstruction can best be boiled down as a
process of constant questioning of the implicit assumptions of an idea, and not
accepting things as absolute truths at face value. I believe I am a much more analytical
thinker when I think of things in a deconstructive sense, and I now realize things about
everyday events that I never had before. I also think about the legal system in a
different way than before, and although I have never acted in a way that attempts to
confront the law, I am now much more skeptical about many institutionalized laws.

Frank Wilderson Red, White & Black

This is another book that I read as preparation for debate tournaments, and thus, was
not read for any class. This book is an analysis of the structural antagonisms present in
American society, with a primary focus on the race relations between white and black
Americans. For me, this book was incredibly eye-opening, as it exposed me to forms of
privilege that I did not know previously know that I had. I am now am a more socially
conscious person than I was previously, and I think that strengthens my ability to be a
positive influence on the world.

Steven Landsburg The Armchair Economist

I read this book as part of my high school economics course. This book provides a
somewhat comprehensive look at the way in which modern capitalism operates through
many different stories that pertain to different economic phenomena. Some of the

concepts discussed in the book include incentives, taxes, and environmental solutions.
After having read this book, I have a much better idea of why the world operates in the
way that it does. For example, from a governmental perspective, I understand why it is
so hard to craft solutions to climate change. I also believe, however, that because I now
know the economic background behind decisions, I can now attempt to use alternate
forms of problem-solving to try and create solutions which can circumvent these
problems.

Malcolm Gladwell Outliers: The Story of Success

I believe I could accurately describe this book as the first one to have a substantial
impact on the way I viewed the world. I read this book for an English class I was in all
the way back in the beginning of Middle School. The book combines several anecdotes
and scientific studies to craft conclusions about what it is that leads to success. Gladwell
ultimately concludes that a combination of 10,000 hours of work in any given field and
being born in the right place at the right time is the most effective means to achieve
success. The way that reading this book changed my personal philosophy is that it made
me realize that coasting through life was not an option, and that I truly needed to put in
large quantities of hard work to reach my goals. Up until that point, I had coasted
through school, but after reading the book, I approached whatever I was involved in
with a newfound vigor.

Eric Marcus

1. Precipitation forming in clouds causes rain to fall into groundwater reservoirs.

From those reservoirs, different mechanical systems are used to suck up and
filter the water, where it is transferred through pipes to individual water-using
machines like sinks and washing machines.
2. 1
3. Mineral soil
4. 100 inches
5. Mid-August
6. Lots of agricultural farming, lack of industrial farming
7. Sunflowers, peach tree, pecan tree, tomatoes, basil every season but Winter
8. Northeast
9. Landfills
10. 9 months
11. December 21st Winter Solstice
12. Georgia Mountains in Northeast Georgia
13. Bluegrass, green grass I dont know any other types, but I believe bluegrass is
native
14. I dont know
15. Before the area became extremely urbanized, the fertile lands in the area were
used for growing purposes, and society was very agrarian
16. Tectonic plate shifting it was the longest lasting event, affected all of the
surrounding areas, and changed the quality and types of soil in the area
17. Several bird and eagle species
18. I dont know
19. Pointed in the right direction confirmed on phone compass
20. Daisy