Thailand's Economic Development and Growth Research Paper

Thailand's Economic Development and Growth - Research Paper Example The research strategy is mainly deductive in nature. The findings from this paper suggest that Thailand has experienced a steady surge in the GDP over the years. There has been positive impact of this growth on the social factors like, level of literacy, conditions of Health and finally, the impact on poverty of the nation. This work has identified two areas of shortcomings for Thailand to improve: it has to focus on the quality of secondary education and reduce the inequality of income between the rich and the poor. Thailand has been a success story and the policies followed by it have been taken as a lesson for other developing economies to follow. Thailand’s incredible growth has put it in the league of the other Asian tigers. This work has found out that the regional pockets of poverty in Thailand needs serious attention from the Government. The government must follow inclusive growth policies to include the poorest of the poor into the formal structure of the labor market in order to reduce the income inequality. Introduction The economic progress witnessed by Thailand is perhaps one of the most interesting economic development literatures that continue to interest economists all over the world. Such in fact has been the pace of growth of Thailand’s economy, that in a recent study by the World Bank, Thailand has been upgraded to the status of a high middle-income economy from a low middle-income one in 2011 (The World Bank, 2013). So, the pertinent question revolves around the wide economic changes during the period of 1980’s to 2000 that had led the economy to achieve the status that it had achieved today. It was observed that during the specified time period, Thailand had experienced an increasing trend of capital inflows by opening up its economy and integrating it with the world economy (Beja, Junvith and Ragusett, n.d.). About two decades ago, Thailand experienced a growth that had become exemplary worldwide and since then, its su ccess story acts as a benchmark for the other economies to follow. However, right at the end of the millennium, the noteworthy rise came to a grinding halt due to the unfavorable conditions of the world economy, better known as the Asian crisis. This paper aims to understand the factors which were responsible for such high rates of growth in Thailand. For the research purpose, the period from 1980’s to 2000 has been considered. The main objective is to evaluate the growth of the economy along with studying the growth of population, in this period. Then, the impact of growth on the level of literacy and conditions of health will be analyzed in details. An inductive methodology is used for the purpose. Based on the findings, the results are drawn accordingly. The paper mainly tries to understand the reasons behind the economic growth admitting the fact that there was indeed a huge growth (Chuenchoksan and Nakornthab, 2008). The most astonishing aspect, inspite of the definite i ncome growth, is the spectacular levels of income inequality.

Music, Love, or Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Music, Love, or Art - Essay Example act that they apply logical models to their thinking basis and this facilitates in decision making and when they have to analyze things looking at it from a different perspective so to speak. Not only are the scientific subjects taken in the same esteem with the field of arts, but also the latter gains importance where the discussion is of understanding human values, emotions and sentiments. This means that there is a complete basis for understanding the individual’s very essence and how he interacts with people hailing from his own society, culture and traditions. The emotions are easily transmittable through the expression of art. This could be so very true in the wake of the different pictures which are sketched by artists and not to forget the photography done by film makers and directors alike. They also bring out a particular shade of life which has been kept non-apparent over a period of time from the people who own it. Art has no parallels when it comes to understanding human emotions, values and belief systems. (Meier, 1942) This suggests that the human basis gains more and more importance as arts attaches itself with them. One cannot fathom at any point in time that science and the related subjects gain an edge or two over the field of arts. The two remain in close connection with each other no matter what the critics and hardliners suggest every now and then. There should be efforts to mix the science classes with that of the art ones so that there is close coordination between the two and the end result is that the students gain fr om the usage of their minds in both the fields. The aspect of communication and interaction is best expressed through the usage of art and it raises no doubts whatsoever here when we put the field of arts in close contact with how communication actually comes about and benefits the people who make use of it. This is suffice to say that arts is something that brings out a deep meaning when the talk goes out loud of

Colonialism and the Struggles of the Black Psyche Essay Example for Free

Colonialism and the Struggles of the Black Psyche Essay The book â€Å"Black Skin, White Masks† by Frantz Fanon analyzes the psychological damage that colonialism wrought on the colonizer and the colonized. Fanon also bases his analyses on his own experiences, wherein he describes how black children develop neuroses that root from their antagonism of their own skin, because of the media and their daily circumstances: â€Å"The dominant colonial culture†¦identifies the black skin of the Negro with impurity; and the Antilleans accept this association and so come to despise themselves† (Appiah ix). The source of â€Å"Black Skin, White Masks† is the psychological injury from colonialism, racism, and gender inequality, an injury that will escape recovery, unless the black psyche conquers its inner white demons and alienate all that alienates him/her. Fanon writes from the experiences and psychiatric analyses of the black skin and the white masks that black people don. He describes a girl who is afraid of black people: â€Å"†¦it is at this age that the Negro as savage and cannibal makes his appearance. It is easy to make the connection† (Fanon 184). This fear for the black skin is also emphasized and criticized in the painting â€Å"How Do You Like Me Now† (1988) (fig. 1) by David Hammons. This fourteen-by-sixteen-foot painting shows political leader Jesse Jackson with blond, wavy hair, blue eyes, pink cheeks, and white skin. The title is also a song of a popular rapper Kool Moe Dee. This painting can be interpreted from different perspectives. Barnwell and Buick argue that white viewers can see the painting from their perspective, wherein they are challenged to see through their biases and consider voting for a black man, now that he is â€Å"whitened. At the same time, the painting â€Å"asks black viewers whether they would support Jackson if he were white,† say Barnwell and Buick. On the other hand, the interpretation of the paintings also changes with the race of the artist. Barnwell and Buick explore the changes in meanings of the artwork, if Hammons race is changed from black to white. This painting has bee n attacked ten black men, who thought that it was racist and insulting, and they used sledgehammers to assail it and take it away from its scaffolding. Barnwell and Buick wonder if the black group would have still destroyed the painting, if they knew that the painter was black and that he was merely satirizing the color lines that enslave people’s minds. Clearly, blackness and whiteness release the innermost values and emotions of the people. The reactions can reflect the anger and despondency of the subjugated black race. â€Å"How Do You Like Me Now† (1988), as seen by the violent response of some people, has clearly marred the colonized. Colonialism has injured the black psyche to the extent that violence has been etched into it too. Colonialism has stripped black people of the right to define their identities, by caricaturing their existence and purpose in life. Colonialism, like slavery, skews the black people’s right to humanity and power. Violence, however, can regain this loss of power and replace the sense of loss. Through violence, the gap between power and powerlessness can be filled again. â€Å"How Do You Like Me Now† (1988) also remarks on the damage of colonization and racism to the colonizer. From the racist white perspective, this blonde man is a person who has greater potential for being a president. If faced with a black person, with black eyes and curly hair, the racist white would be offended with the overarching blackness. It will feel, like Fanon’s little girl who is afraid of black people, that they are being assaulted. The size of the painting also asserts power. But since colonial and white America would not consider any immense power from the black people, it is important to wear the white mask. With the black person masked as white, he will be accepted and he will have power. This is the same critique of Fanon of colonizers. The colonizers have forgotten that the black people also have their own identities. The whites see no black individuality and power, but only their whiteness. This seeing of whiteness on blackness marks another neurosis from the side of the whites. What is it about their whiteness that they have loved themselves too deeply and too irrationally? Following the analysis of Fanon, having power and asking for too much of it dehumanized the white race of the colonial times. That power is white has been embedded in their mind, an embedding that has been too violently engraved that to remove it also means to aggressively remove a part of them. Thus, the colonized is psychologically damaged too. But as the black people who hammered away â€Å"How Do You Like Me Now† (1988) showed, it is not acceptable to be a non-human being. It is not acceptable to be colonized and still feel like a normal human being. There must be catharsis. There must be freedom from all alienations. The painting â€Å"Wives of Shango† (n. d. ) (fig. 2) by Jeff Donaldson captures the liberation from three fronts- liberation of race, liberation of gender, and liberation from one’s own struggles. In this painting, three black women are adorned with bullets and money. The two are not looking back at the viewers, but have superiority in the way their chins are turned up. The middle woman at the back dares to look back at the viewers. But the expression is fierce, and it makes viewers look away. This painting is an image of power. This image breaks away the â€Å"comparaison† that Fanon talks about. Fanon argues that blacks are in the state of â€Å"comparaison,† wherein: â€Å"†¦he is constantly preoccupied with self-assertion and the ego ideal† (185-186). This preoccupation is about blacks being â€Å"always dependent on the presence of ‘The Other’† (Fanon 186). â€Å"Wives of Shango† (n. d. ) is interpreted as the shedding away of this â€Å"comparaison. It does not have a drop of submission or weakness. The women symbolize the power of their gender and race. They are willing to pay and kill to exert power. They are willing to dominate their personal struggles too, by fixing it through money and blood. But the means of money and violence, on the other hand, can also be interpreted as the product of the white gaze. Is it possible that these women are also still being white, by using the same arsenals of the white race? The white race entered and conquered through violence and money. Are the black people going to fight back with the same kind of brutal force? In doing so, they are â€Å"being white† too. Fanon argues that to be black, black people should also accept their whiteness. Fanon says: â€Å"I am French† (179), which includes being part of the white French culture. Fanon argues that the black people could not annihilate the whiteness in them. In the same way, white people can also not demolish the blackness inside them. White and black have mixed already, and this merging of two races and cultures cannot be ignored. Though the white demon has seeded inferiority complex in the black psyche, Fanon suggests that the way to recovery from the white’s subjugation is accepting â€Å"that which is white† in them. The alienation that black people feel is another problem, as it has divided the black psyche into numerous conflicting dimensions. Fanon says: â€Å"That this self-division is a direct result of colonialist subjugation is beyond question† (17). The alienation renders unspeakable psychiatric damages as it injects â€Å"compound, ambiguous, and unsettling results, both internally and externally† (Brown-Guillory 35). Fanon recommends a white mask, but not all people can wear it. â€Å"Wives of Shango† (n. d. ) detaches itself from the white mask. It stresses the power of the black psyche that can be hung outside in full glory. This black psyche might be afraid though, even when it is confident. The women wear symbols of violence and fighting. They know that re-locating their positions in power centers can have drawbacks, and they are prepared with ammunition. Alienation has corrupted the mind completely that fear has been entrenched in the actions and beliefs of the black people. This is where Fanon makes sense. Fear that alienation has created can only be undone through accepting the whiteness. It is also about mending the anger with peace, not with violence. The white mask does not represent another form of oppression. It symbolizes the feeling of safety and trust with whiteness. It signifies the end of domination of the black, because anytime, that mask can be removed. And fundamentally, it is still a white mask. Fanon makes several strong points. Racism, colonialism, and sexism have maimed the psyche of the white and black people. They are divided within, because of these oppressive experiences. But the blacks can recover from this damage, as long as they can handle wearing the white mask. At the same time, they must remember that the white mask is only a mask. It is important for the black people to also find their black identities and revel in the dignity of wearing it inside and out.

Coming of Age Essay Example for Free

Coming of Age Essay A coming of age experience can happen any time during ones life, most often when it is least expected. It is the thread that sews humanity together, a phenomenon, which is undeniable. Society tells us, it is a defining moment in a childs life, when the world somehow becomes his or her own. Why then is Coming of Age simply relegated to the young? We all experience this phenomenon, from the tender age of four till the ripe old age of ninety-four. It is not an experience based solely on chronological milestones. Coming of age is a defining moment when a persons wide-eyed nnocence is replaced with something deeper and at times something darker and more sinister, a snapshot in life when one realized the answer rests inside us, not relying completely on God. Consequently, in that way, we are always coming of age, always-losing innocence, gaining understanding, and always discovering new truths about ourselves, emotionally, and intellectually. Coming of age is the act of experiencing a definitive shift in ones perspective, a greater realization of ones place in the world, and a further understanding of how personal actions and reactions are ntegrally linked. Thats not fair was my signature quotation as a little girl. A life full of Barbies, tea parties, and several rounds of Go-Fish card games was very demanding for a five year old. I could only assume the world revolved around which Barbie I wanted to be, what frilly dress I wanted to wear, and my pristine skills of winning every round of Go-Fish. As a little princess, fairness was vital to what made me happy. When I was eight years old, the word fair took on a whole other meaning the day my mom and her best friend, Muffy, took my sister and me to lunch. As we at down at the table, Muffy, the mother of my best friend, Sam, hesitantly twisted the diamond protruding from her gold wedding band. We waited for our lunches in silence, my sister and I only knowing that they had something to tell us, but not knowing what. The silence was unbearable; waiting for something that must have no positive outcome was definitely, as I would term, unfair. After the waitress brought our food, my moms voice filled the intolerable silence. Unlike her usual motherly lectures, my moms voice seemed Just as excruciating as the previous silence; it was uncertain, unfamiliar, and distant. My mom has always been the woman that I admire and would hope to become. The smiles and love she has given to my sister and me have been unconditional and contagious. At the moment, the slightly tilted frown and the unfulfilled eye contact was not the woman that I knew as my mother. All I wish for was to read her mind, fgure out who she had become so that I could make everything better and change her back to the woman I see myself being one day. Muffy began with her understanding voice, a quality that she and my mother share, Emily and Peggy, I can see the concern on your faces and we are here to tell ou that Sam has cancer. He will be undergoing surgery next week and all I ask from you is to be as understanding, mature, and as helpful as possible. I know you are both strong and that it is going to be hard for all of us. My best friend, at eight years old, has cancer. I continued to repeat this in my mind. There was no He will be find or Everything will be taken car of. My mind was running with questions, How long has he had cancer? Will he have to undergo chemo? Will he lose all his hair? But unfair. Two years later Sam went through his third treatment. At this point we were told hat he was not going to make it and at that moment, as a young eight year old, I began to understand that lifes trials cannot be won like a game of go-fish. I began to understand that life is not fair because I did not understand why someone so caring and loving like Sam would be put through this. I do wish that fguring these things out at such a young age would not be as tortuous as my best friend getting cancer and passing away. However, for me, maturing at that age is accepting that the world does not revolved around me. That losing in a game of go-fish is not the end of the world and to treasure every day of life.

Importance of Political Theory

Importance of Political Theory POLITICAL THEORY Political Theory is generating an endless debate about its comprehensive definition; there are several views by theorists in understanding the nature of the discipline. There is need to clarify the meaning of key political ideas such as freedom, equality, justice etc. in a systematic manner. There is need to examine the arguments put forward by various political think-tanks in the justification of these concepts. In examining arguments, there is also need to reflect upon our modern political experiences and spot out trends and expectation for the future. Political Theory â€Å"is the combination of two words, ‘politics’ and ‘theory’. The word ‘Politics’, here stands for an identification of that which is to be â€Å"theorized† or â€Å" understood,† while ‘Theory’ comes from a Greek word called â€Å"theorema† which means what emerges from â€Å"theorizing.† ‘Theoros’ which means an intelligent observer, one who looks at what is going on, asking questions about it and tries to understand it. (LSE 1/1/54. Autograph).† John Plamenatz described political theory as the ‘systematic thinking about the purposes of government’ (Plamenatz, 1960: 37) and I think this definition is just as apt today as it was then. Political theory is, however, usually regarded as a distinctive approach to the subject, even though, particularly in the USA, it is seen as a subfield of political science involves the analytical study of ideas and doctri nes that have been central to political thought (Heywood, A. 2004). Political theory According to Farrell C. (2004), Political theory is thus a normative discipline; it is primarily concerned with how things ought to be as opposed to how things actually are. Leftwitch (1994), points out that one of the main contribution of political philosophy to our understanding of politics, is the potential for developing consistency and clarity of thought and judgment and that this process of clarification is not about analytical or explanatory activity: it is also about listening. According to Leftwitch politics is about conflict and its resolution, and resolving conflicts of interest occurs in all societies at all levels. Philosophical questions such as the nature of truth, will, determinism, etc. play a crucial role in argumentation, but we prefer the term â€Å"theory† because it seems less daunting and abstract; however we don’t see any substantive difference between theory and philosophy (Hoffman, etal, 2009). Political theory is not a question of whether political animals follow theory, but a question of which theory or concept is supported when they present policies and undertake actions (Hoffman, etal, 2009). Theory and concept are tools used interchangeably for political analysis with which we think, criticize, argue, explain and analyze to guide and inform political action. To argue that something is true is not to cast out all doubt, if something is true this does not also mean that it is not also false. It simply means that on balance one proposition is truer or less false than the other. To argue otherwise is to assume that a phenomenon has to be one thing or another; philoso phers call this dualistic approach (Hoffman, etal, 2009)†. Theorists are not only important to politicians: our notions of common sense and human nature are heavily infused with the views of thinkers we may never have heard of, for instance, Ben Barber tells us in his website that he was an informal advisor to President Bill Clinton between 1994 and 1999 because of his ability to bridge the â€Å"world of theory and practice.† I can contest as to whether the political leaders, acts according to the right political concepts, but it is irrefutable that their dealings are connected to theory. In relationship to what Hoffman says, to point out that â€Å"democracy† is good is both true or false, because even the true democrats would acknowledge some shortcomings of democracy and even the aggressive critics would agree that it has some positive component. According to Friedman, this vital freedom is found only in free market capitalist economies, in which ‘freedom’ in effect means the absence of government interference’. According to Mills (1859), â€Å"if all of mankind minus one, were of one opinion, and only one other person were of the contrary opinion, mankind would no more be justified in silencing that person, than he, if he had the power, would be justified in silencing mankind.† Thomas Hobbes for instance, described freedom as the ‘silence of the laws’. John Locke suggested that law does not restrict liberty as much as defend or enlarge it. Therefore I can argue that while I agree that individuals should be forced to be free on the other hand unconstrained freedom or liberty could amount to the infringement of other people’s rights. For example, people should be forced or encouraged to express their freedom of expression or movement or demonstration while taking into consideratio n the rights of others without infringing their rights. The idea of equality is perhaps the defining feature of modern political thought (Heywood, A. 2004). The most noticeable, and perhaps most imperative, manifestation of formal equality is the principle of legal equality, or ‘equality before the law’. In constructing his theory of ‘justice as fairness,’ Rawls appeals to the idea of the social contract. Cohen, portrayed legal equality as ‘market’ or ‘bourgeois’ equality, and argued that it operates as little more than a facade, serving to disguise the reality of exploitation and economic inequality. In constructing his theory of ‘justice as fairness,’ Rawls appeals to the idea of the social contract. A liberalist view, every person is blessed with reason or will, which hinges on individual rights, beliefs of rationality and self-interested. In true sense, however, equality does not mean the same treatment in as much as there can be no likeness of treatment as long as peopl e differ in want, capacity and need etc. As Walzer argued, different principles of justice may therefore be appropriate in different spheres of life. Rawls’s theory of the difference principle does permit inequality it does so only when such inequalities benefit everyone, especially the least advantaged. Dworkin’s principle, (2000) of equal concern requires us to compensate those who have handicaps and little native (or non-marketable) talents, there is a difference between someone who is less advantaged as a result of circumstances beyond their control (for example, being born with a severe handicap) and someone who is less advantaged as a result of their own choice (for example, choosing to live off welfare payments instead of working). For instance, when the government distributes fertilizer-subsidy or food items to the disadvantaged- I slightly agree with Rawls difference principle on one hand I do not agree on the other, especially the identification of the least advantaged. It is a little bit tricky for someone to qualify as a genuine needy person because it could encourage laziness to those who pretend to be the poorest. It is better for anybody to sweat in order to get something rather than getting anything on silver tray. History is evidently important, as part of exploration into modern challenges. My view, ‘political theory,’ is the ability to inquire into the political activity by using analytical tools such as concept, model and theory to dissect by believing the answers to the questions examined to have an important impact of what goes on in the real world. It is important for political academics to develop the critical skills necessary to explore new experience and new knowledge through the analysis of political ideas and their relationship to political practice. This experience in-turn informs the future. I can argue that academic political theory should ascertain to enhance the quality of public political debate. BIBLIOGRAPHY Farrelly C. (2004). Introduction to Contemporary Political Theory. Heywood, A. (2004). Political Theory: An Introduction, 4th edn. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Hoffman J and Graham P. (2009). Introduction to Political Theory. Leftwitch A. (1994). What is Politics?

Confucianism, Daoism & Legalism Essay -- essays research papers

Amidst the chaos of political instability and constant warring of the Zhou era, arose many intellectual thinkers that brought such profound impact in the field of politics, religion and philosophy. Even to the day, their influence can be espied in the many matters of China. Confucianism became the paramount school of thinking and later significant philosophies such as Daoism and Legalism gained immense recognition as well. Each party had their own proposals for creating an idealistic political society where the many problems they faced in their everyday lives could be eliminated. All three approaches were very distinct but at the same time, they contained certain similarities as well. In my reasoning, I find that Confucianism and Daoism could be paralleled in many ways to find several common grounds. On the other hand, Legalism goes on to take a more unique approach which was much different from the previous two. Kongzi (Confucius, a Latinized name) was born in 551 B.C.E., to a poor family of the lower nobility. Throughout his life, he relentlessly tried to gain an office with a prominent ruler of the time who was willing to adopt his various concepts. Unfortunately, Confucius died in 479 B.C.E., before such a change ever took place. However, he succeeded in winning over a handful of devote followers who continued his legacy and Confucianism later went on to become one of the most influential thought systems of Chinese history. Of his followers, Mencius and Xunzi became the most renown. Since Confucius did not succeed in completing a manual of his views, these followers had to derive their own interpretations of the system which now formulate, the Analects. The Analects portray an idealized gentleman, and his various duties in terms of the society, family and the rituals. Confucius explains about the way (Dao) which he believed, that if the people accepted its terms and were willing to a bide, they would succeed in creating a utopian society. By the beginning of the common era, another philosophy emerges and gains wide acceptance among the commoners. Daoism, just like the predecessor and also as the name implies, puts emphasis on "the way," that a certain individual is to abide to. Even though the two systems had different concepts about the way, the common denominator of both schools ... ... Morality and benevolence were crucial factors for a successful state, according to Confucianism and Daoism. They also placed great importance for rituals and other traditions. Many practices were continued throughout generations. Legalism believed that such aspects should have no role in the government. According to them, a strong rule with a strict hand was necessary in order to keep the citizens from growing lazy and disrespecting the authority. Out of the three different thought systems, Legalism was a success in the sense that it achieved what the other two systems desperately strove for - the unification of China. "Qin conquered Yan in 226, Wei in 225, Chu in 223, Qu in 221. Now, in 221, it ruled the entire Chinese world and was ready to make that world over in the image of Qin" (Wills 41). Many of the Legalist ideas were quite thought provoking and praiseworthy; they believed in equality for all and government according to merit. However, the system gained a rotten reputation according to the ruthless rule of the First Emperor. Confucianism thus became the official Philosophy, gaining wide acceptance in China.

A Comparison Of The Knight And The Squire In Chaucers The Canterbury Es

In the medieval period that is described by Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, chivalry was perhaps the most recognized quality of a true gentleman. This quality is explored in Chaucer's two characters of the warrior class, the Knight and the Squire. The squire is the son of the Knight; both ride gallantly and have the air of true gentleman warriors. However, the two are very dissimilar despite their appearances. The Knight possesses the true qualities of chivalry, devotion to service, constancy in humility, and honesty. The Squire possesses none of these qualities truly; instead his demeanor is one that is less honorable and virtuous. Although both claim the same vocation, the Squire and the Knight display contradicting attitudes in respect to dedication, material possessions, and sincerity. The main point in the description of the Knight was the abundance and importance of his battles, while it was the least mentioned aspect in the Squire. The entirety of the Squire's military experience is named in two lines, "he had seen some service with the cavalry/ If Flanders and Artois and Picardy," perchance a direct consequence of the Squire's youth (5). The list of the Knight's battles clearly dominates the text of his description, running many lines. He had embarked ".along the Mediterranean coast" to such places as Alexandria, Lithuania, Russia, Granada, Algeciras, North Africa, Benamarin, Anatolia, Ayas, and Attalia (4). Not only were the battles of the knight more numerous, they were more extensive and required lengthy travels to far-away lands. The Squire had "done valiantly in little space" in these battles, but had not distinguished himself from his peers. This is implied when it is said that he had only seen "some service with the cavalry" (5). The Squire had pursued no noteworthy errands in the interest of chivalry like his father. The "distinguished knight", on the other hand, was very chivalrous because of his unconditional dedication (4). He had been in "fifteen mortal battles" and "always killed his men" which supports that he is committed to his work, as opposed to the Squire, who possessed a distracted attitude (4). "He could make sons and poems and recite, / Knew how to joust and dance, to draw and write" and so has focused his time and energy to many other things (5). The S... ...agility", he did not use it to the full extent that his father used his own. In all aspects, in comparison with his own contradictory behavior, and in comparison with the Knight's behavior, the Squire is shown to be less than sincere in his chivalry. The Knight and the Squire have distinctly different attitudes towards their vocation. As a result, they are complementing images of the medieval warrior. The Knight is the romantic image that all true knights aspire to, generously practicing such chivalrous qualities as dedication, humility, and sincerity. Contrasting this, however, is the image depicted by the Squire, that of an imperfect knight who was to some degree boastful, lusting, or superficial. The Squire was never directly criticized by Chaucer, but the implications that resulted from the description amounted to an extravagant, un-chivalrous image, perhaps a reflection of the actual knights of Chaucer's day. Therefore, Chaucer was not merely comparing two knights and defining the virtues that comprised chivalry, but on a bigger scale was revealing the corruption of humanity by comparing the difference between the realities of our humanity with the ideal of perfection.