Neon lights. A luminous-tube that is bent into a shape and filled with neon or other inert gases and glows when voltage is applied. They can often be seen from a very far distance, and even shine brightly in the light of day. It is these lights that surround one of the buildings in the Jacob's School of Engineering at my college. This art piece is titled Vices and Virtues, where 7 vices flash in neon colors, and then 7 virtues. They soon begin to increase their spead and flash ontop of one another until the word is unrecognizable. On different sides of the building it is displayed: FAITH/LUST, HOPE/ENVY, CHARITY/SLOTH, PRUDENCE/PRIDE, JUSTICE/AVARICE, TEMPERANCE/GLUTTONY, and FORTITUDE/ANGER.

It really makes you think. It was 9:45 as I began to write down the glowing phrases. Their light lit up the whole courtyard. The words were reflected on the glass of the surrounding buildings. I was suddenly abandoned. There was only my mind, the words, and the stars above me. You see, this place is in the engineering part of the campus, where we struggle with technological advances clashing with our ethics and morals. Which side do we stand up for? What if Im presented with the obligation to invent a technology, microchips and microprocessors, that will later be used to persecute the generations after me?

Anyway, I'm thoroughly glad that this reminder will be with me throughout my college experience. Its really a great place to stare at and think. I'll show you all if you come to visit. Along with the other secrets of the campus... such as the singing tree.




Avarice: Greed, the selfish desire for or pursuit of money, wealth, power, food, or other possessions, especially when this denies the same goods to others.
Justice: Goodness, the quality of being just; righteousness, equitableness, or moral rightness.
Gluttony: to gulp down or swallow, the over-indulgence and over-consumption of anything to the point of waste, the excessive desire for food, or its withholding from the needy.
Temperance: moderation or self-restraint in action, statement; self-control.
Anger: wrath; a strong feeling of displeasure and belligerence aroused by a wrong; ire.
Fortitude: patience, mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty, adversity, danger, or temptation courageously
Lust: intense sexual desire or appetite. a passionate or overmastering desire or craving.
Faith: confidence or trust in a person or thing. belief that is not based on proof.
Envy: a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, or possessions.
Hope: the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.
Sloth: habitual disinclination to exertion; indolence; laziness.
Charity: generous actions or donations to aid the poor, ill, or helpless. Something given to a person or persons in need; alms.
Pride: a high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, or conduct.
Prudence: gentleness, caution with regard to practical matters; discretion.