Finding Solutions to America’s Housing Shortage

The Federalist Papers are a series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay under the pseudonym 'Publius.' These essays, published between October 1787 and May 1788, aimed to convince the public and political leaders to ratify the newly drafted US Constitution. The papers provide a comprehensive analysis of the proposed federal system, arguing for a stronger central government and the adoption of the Constitution over the existing Articles of Confederation. They discuss various aspects of republican government, including the separation of powers, checks and balances, and the protection of individual liberties. Despite their primary goal of influencing New York's ratification vote, The Federalist Papers have become a seminal work in American political philosophy and a key resource for understanding the original intent of the Constitution's framers.

Written in 1516, 'Utopia' by Sir Thomas More is a seminal work of fiction that presents an ideal society on a fictional island. The book is divided into two parts: the first critiques the social and economic issues of early 16th-century England, while the second introduces the Utopian society as a potential solution. Utopia is characterized by communal property, no class distinctions or poverty, little crime, religious freedom, and a strict egalitarian system. More uses this imaginary society to highlight the flaws of European politics and society of his time, advocating for a more just and equal world. The work is notable for its influence on later socialist and communist thought and continues to be a subject of discussion in political theory and philosophy[1][3][4].

Written between 413-426 CE, 'The City of God' is a response to pagan claims that the sack of Rome by barbarians was a consequence of the abolition of pagan worship by Christian emperors. Augustine argues that Christianity saved the city from complete destruction and that Rome’s fall was due to internal moral decay. The book divides humanity into two metaphorical cities: the City of God, characterized by devotion to God, and the City of Man, characterized by self-love. It also outlines Augustine’s theological interpretation of human history, from the Creation to the Second Coming of Christ, and critiques paganism and pagan philosophy while presenting the true history of the City of God[2][5][6].

Published in 2001, 'Life of Pi' by Yann Martel tells the story of Piscine Molitor 'Pi' Patel, a teenage Indian boy from Pondicherry. After a shipwreck, Pi finds himself stranded on a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean with four wild animals: an orangutan, a zebra, a hyena, and a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. As the story unfolds, Pi must use his knowledge of animal behavior and his eclectic religious beliefs, which include Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam, to survive. The novel explores themes of spirituality, the conflict between man and nature, and the power of storytelling. Pi's journey is a metaphor for how one practices and maintains faith during life's challenges, and it raises questions about the nature of reality and how it is perceived and told[1][3][4].

The play, written by Robert Bolt, depicts the final years of Sir Thomas More, the 16th-century Lord Chancellor of England. It explores More's principled stance against King Henry VIII's desire to divorce Catherine of Aragon and his refusal to sign the Oath of Supremacy, declaring Henry the Supreme Head of the Church of England. The play delves into themes of conscience, identity, and the conflict between personal beliefs and political pressures. It follows More's journey from his position of power to his eventual execution, highlighting his unwavering commitment to his principles despite the severe consequences[4][5][1].