"It seems to me incumbent upon this and other schools' graduates to recognize their responsibility to the public interest... unless the graduates of this college... are willing to put back into our society those talents, the broad sympathy, the understanding, the compassion... then obviously the presuppositions upon which our democracy are based are bound to be fallible."
John F. Kennedy, at the ground breaking for the Amherst College Frost Library, October 26, 1963
In less than 300 words, respond to the quote in a personal way (not just an argumentative essay).
Intellect means nothing if there is no humanity attached to it. People can learn and learn, but without the desire to share it, the knowledge goes to waste. As members of society, people have a responsibility to humanity. I want my education to be worth something to me and to the world. My love for foreign languages drives me to learn them, but I find motivation in another source. Speaking another language is a way for me to share culture, information, and thoughts with more people. I think that what society needs most of all is understanding. Such drastic cultural differences exist today, even though the world is smaller than ever. With the connections that come from shared language come compassion and acceptance.
To me, contributing to society does not have to mean giving up one's personal life to join the Peace Corps or create a charity. Simple acts of compassion and empathy can go further than people realize. The uniqueness of the human race gives everyone something important to offer. Whether it is writing bestsellers or playing guitar, building a particle accelerator or teaching kindergarten, every contribution counts. The only factor that matters is the amount of heart put into it. I put myself into everything I do; I want what I do to matter. Not only does it improve society, it gives me the satisfaction that I am helping the world, even if it is on a minuscule scale. The real way to obtain the knowledge and success that people strive for is to share what they have with others.
I think my first paragraph is stronger. I don't know what I think about the second...help!
Thank you!
John F. Kennedy, at the ground breaking for the Amherst College Frost Library, October 26, 1963
In less than 300 words, respond to the quote in a personal way (not just an argumentative essay).
Intellect means nothing if there is no humanity attached to it. People can learn and learn, but without the desire to share it, the knowledge goes to waste. As members of society, people have a responsibility to humanity. I want my education to be worth something to me and to the world. My love for foreign languages drives me to learn them, but I find motivation in another source. Speaking another language is a way for me to share culture, information, and thoughts with more people. I think that what society needs most of all is understanding. Such drastic cultural differences exist today, even though the world is smaller than ever. With the connections that come from shared language come compassion and acceptance.
To me, contributing to society does not have to mean giving up one's personal life to join the Peace Corps or create a charity. Simple acts of compassion and empathy can go further than people realize. The uniqueness of the human race gives everyone something important to offer. Whether it is writing bestsellers or playing guitar, building a particle accelerator or teaching kindergarten, every contribution counts. The only factor that matters is the amount of heart put into it. I put myself into everything I do; I want what I do to matter. Not only does it improve society, it gives me the satisfaction that I am helping the world, even if it is on a minuscule scale. The real way to obtain the knowledge and success that people strive for is to share what they have with others.
I think my first paragraph is stronger. I don't know what I think about the second...help!
Thank you!