This is my first attempt at the common app essay so far (I know that I do not have much time) anyway I was just looking for some advice on how to end on a personal note...
The Art of Argument
The beginning of all art can be found in the act of appreciation. That little subjective and nebulous feeling is perhaps the main reason for all the diversity that one encounters in today's society. There are those that take pleasure in the little things in life, others that prefer the grander themes, and those that settle for an amalgamation of both. It just so happens that my particular foible is the appreciation of a good argument.
There is, however, one myth that I must dispel before I continue and this is the idea that truth has an intrinsic value. This is simply not true in an increasingly relativistic world that bears witness to the death of the absolute. Today concepts such as right and wrong, justice and injustice carry little meaning unless in context with one another. It is important therefore to dispose of the romantic belief that argument is a search for truth rather than the imposing of ideas from one person onto another. The mental battlefield for argument is and will always be founded on the bedrock of Logic and Reason. For after all is not Reason above all else man?
And yet, in light of the harsh reality behind the act of argument, it is still the basis on which our society is built. Over the years, however, people have lost sight of the benefits of argument instead focusing on its 'Dark Side' as George Lucas would put it. Positions that once were held in high esteem in society such as lawyers, lobbyists and members of parliament are now looked down upon with scorn. It seems that the rise of the Sciences has been at the consequence of that of the Arts.
Aims & Points
- I am aware that I am yet to relate the essay to myself on a personal level.
- This is only half of the essay so far but I want to dedicate the last 300 or so words to making it personal.
- I am writing this for UPenn if you want some indication of the standard I am aiming to achieve.
- I am from the english educational system so do not know much about the common app so any advice will be thankfully received.
Oh and by the way, what length should the essay be? I have gathered that it should be around 500-600 wds but mostof the other essays that I have read on this forum seem to be much longer - should I be worried??
The Art of Argument
The beginning of all art can be found in the act of appreciation. That little subjective and nebulous feeling is perhaps the main reason for all the diversity that one encounters in today's society. There are those that take pleasure in the little things in life, others that prefer the grander themes, and those that settle for an amalgamation of both. It just so happens that my particular foible is the appreciation of a good argument.
There is, however, one myth that I must dispel before I continue and this is the idea that truth has an intrinsic value. This is simply not true in an increasingly relativistic world that bears witness to the death of the absolute. Today concepts such as right and wrong, justice and injustice carry little meaning unless in context with one another. It is important therefore to dispose of the romantic belief that argument is a search for truth rather than the imposing of ideas from one person onto another. The mental battlefield for argument is and will always be founded on the bedrock of Logic and Reason. For after all is not Reason above all else man?
And yet, in light of the harsh reality behind the act of argument, it is still the basis on which our society is built. Over the years, however, people have lost sight of the benefits of argument instead focusing on its 'Dark Side' as George Lucas would put it. Positions that once were held in high esteem in society such as lawyers, lobbyists and members of parliament are now looked down upon with scorn. It seems that the rise of the Sciences has been at the consequence of that of the Arts.
Aims & Points
- I am aware that I am yet to relate the essay to myself on a personal level.
- This is only half of the essay so far but I want to dedicate the last 300 or so words to making it personal.
- I am writing this for UPenn if you want some indication of the standard I am aiming to achieve.
- I am from the english educational system so do not know much about the common app so any advice will be thankfully received.
Oh and by the way, what length should the essay be? I have gathered that it should be around 500-600 wds but mostof the other essays that I have read on this forum seem to be much longer - should I be worried??