“There is only one definition of success—to be able to spend your life in your own way.”
Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the opinion stated above. Support your views with reasons and/or examples from your own experience, observations, or reading.
In general, I agree with the idea presented; however it is extremely broad and may differ in meaning from person to person.
Because the statement is general, it can easily be taken out of context. Yes, one may agree if they consider certain cases. For example, Brad Pitt dropped out of university in order to pursue his passion - acting. Though a great many would have chosen the safe route (i.e. stay in college, get a job, get married, have 2.5 kids, etc), Pitt lived life in his own way and is now an international superstar because of it. It seems like he achieved success. However, Adolf Hitler also lived life in his own way; and killed many innocent people in the process. Few would consider his achievements a success.
The statement also hints at pursuing instant gratification. People may interpret "living life in your own way" as "do whatever makes you feel good". This, of course, can be seen in a positive light (i.e. making a donation to charity because improving people's lives brings you joy); however, others may seek instant gratification via methods that are destructive to their well-being (i.e. doing drugs to get that rush of good feelings). Is choosing that kind of life success?
Lastly, one may interpret the statement as promoting a "look out for number 1" mentality. This may seem negative on the surface, but it can be a good thing down the road. That is, you have a better chance of helping others if you are able to help yourself first. Bono is a great example of this. He worked hard to get to where he is today. Not only that, but he is now in a place where he has a greater impact on people's lives. He can use his position to efficiently reach his goals and success (i.e. a celebrity raising awareness of Darfur is more effective than joe schmoe picketing outside the white house). Conversely, this mentality can also be destructive (i.e. stealing, corruption, and crime hardly equal success).
In conclusion, I still agree with the idea presented; however like the whole "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" concept, it should be followed up with another phrase – "there is no black and white, only shades of grey,” because the statement will differ slightly in meaning from person to person.
Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the opinion stated above. Support your views with reasons and/or examples from your own experience, observations, or reading.
In general, I agree with the idea presented; however it is extremely broad and may differ in meaning from person to person.
Because the statement is general, it can easily be taken out of context. Yes, one may agree if they consider certain cases. For example, Brad Pitt dropped out of university in order to pursue his passion - acting. Though a great many would have chosen the safe route (i.e. stay in college, get a job, get married, have 2.5 kids, etc), Pitt lived life in his own way and is now an international superstar because of it. It seems like he achieved success. However, Adolf Hitler also lived life in his own way; and killed many innocent people in the process. Few would consider his achievements a success.
The statement also hints at pursuing instant gratification. People may interpret "living life in your own way" as "do whatever makes you feel good". This, of course, can be seen in a positive light (i.e. making a donation to charity because improving people's lives brings you joy); however, others may seek instant gratification via methods that are destructive to their well-being (i.e. doing drugs to get that rush of good feelings). Is choosing that kind of life success?
Lastly, one may interpret the statement as promoting a "look out for number 1" mentality. This may seem negative on the surface, but it can be a good thing down the road. That is, you have a better chance of helping others if you are able to help yourself first. Bono is a great example of this. He worked hard to get to where he is today. Not only that, but he is now in a place where he has a greater impact on people's lives. He can use his position to efficiently reach his goals and success (i.e. a celebrity raising awareness of Darfur is more effective than joe schmoe picketing outside the white house). Conversely, this mentality can also be destructive (i.e. stealing, corruption, and crime hardly equal success).
In conclusion, I still agree with the idea presented; however like the whole "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" concept, it should be followed up with another phrase – "there is no black and white, only shades of grey,” because the statement will differ slightly in meaning from person to person.
