GMAT Essays (AWA)

"When someone achieves greatness in any field — such as the arts, science, politics, or business — that person’s achievements are more important than any of his or her personal faults."

The author of this topic states that it is unjust to include personal faults in evaluating the greatness of a man. I consider "personal faults" as faults that are not illegal and are not causing any damage to any organization or society. While critics may argue that celebrities’ fault sets bad example for youth, I would contend that I agree to the author's point of view.

To begin with, one's talent is totally unrelated to one's personal behavior. We cannot simply ask somebody to step down because he has done something wrong in his private life. For example, Bill Clinton, a great US president, did not step down even he was involved in the sexual scandal with his secretary, as every US citizens knows that he is the only one to lead US to prosperity.

Moreover, nobody can make zero mistakes in his lifetime. If one admits one's wrong doings by regret and apologizes publicly, why should we keep on emphasize on his wrong doings? There are many people who committed personal wrongdoings in the history, yet their story to success inspires us. Even the China king who built the Great Wall and killed many people is praised for his greatness.

Last but not least, the uncovering of private life of anyone should not be encouraged. It is not wise to keep on annoying one's private life while he is working hard to do something good for the public. Many successful people complain that they cannot concentrate on their work due to the nuisance caused by public media.

To conclude, it is unfair to assess one's achievement with his personal faults. The logic of arguments the author made and the conclusion he reaches are both correct. We should assess one's achievement by objective criteria such as the level of achievement reached and other environmental factors.