"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."
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.
Response :
When individuals have become successful at what they do and have attained the zenith of their achievements, it is imprudent to point out their personality problems or idiosyncratic natures. Every individual has his or her own faults, but to use it to weaken their achievements and contribution to society is not permissible. I firmly believe that the issue, although a contentious one, needs to be addressed.
History is witness to many famous individuals who have made huge contributions to the fields of art, music, science, research, politics etc., and who have also suffered from problems that plague the common man. For example, M.F. Hussein, the world renowned painter, was a true artist. He created numerous paintings in his lifetime and even today, his paintings sell at high prices. But, because of his liberal opinions on Islam, and the creation of paintings that hurt Muslim sentiments, he was banned from entering his own country, India. But, his role in bringing art to the masses cannot be ignored.
Additionally, there have been famous musicians such as Elvis Presley, who have revolutionized music and who now come to be known as Gods of music.But, on a personal level, Elvis Presley suffered from many health problems due to his obesity and unhealthy lifestyle. But, one cannot take away his achievements because of his personal problems.
One can even cite the example of Mahatma Gandhi, a man who struggled for India's independence for thirty years or more. He was the all-important freedom fighter who fought against the British to give India her independence. Although, he could never call himself a good husband nor a responsible father, he fought for what he believed in and never gave up.So people today remember him as the Father of the Nation ; they do not remember his personal failings as a family man.
Some critics might argue saying that these individuals' lives need to be under scrutiny because they are role models for the youth of the country. So their personal failings will have to be highlighted when mentioning their achievements. But this point is flawed simply because the critics fail to understand that it is these personal failings that have formed the basis for the achievements.
In conclusion, I will reiterate the point that an individual's personal tragedy, cannot be used as a weapon against his accomplishments. His contributions to society and his success are far more important.
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.
Response :
When individuals have become successful at what they do and have attained the zenith of their achievements, it is imprudent to point out their personality problems or idiosyncratic natures. Every individual has his or her own faults, but to use it to weaken their achievements and contribution to society is not permissible. I firmly believe that the issue, although a contentious one, needs to be addressed.
History is witness to many famous individuals who have made huge contributions to the fields of art, music, science, research, politics etc., and who have also suffered from problems that plague the common man. For example, M.F. Hussein, the world renowned painter, was a true artist. He created numerous paintings in his lifetime and even today, his paintings sell at high prices. But, because of his liberal opinions on Islam, and the creation of paintings that hurt Muslim sentiments, he was banned from entering his own country, India. But, his role in bringing art to the masses cannot be ignored.
Additionally, there have been famous musicians such as Elvis Presley, who have revolutionized music and who now come to be known as Gods of music.But, on a personal level, Elvis Presley suffered from many health problems due to his obesity and unhealthy lifestyle. But, one cannot take away his achievements because of his personal problems.
One can even cite the example of Mahatma Gandhi, a man who struggled for India's independence for thirty years or more. He was the all-important freedom fighter who fought against the British to give India her independence. Although, he could never call himself a good husband nor a responsible father, he fought for what he believed in and never gave up.So people today remember him as the Father of the Nation ; they do not remember his personal failings as a family man.
Some critics might argue saying that these individuals' lives need to be under scrutiny because they are role models for the youth of the country. So their personal failings will have to be highlighted when mentioning their achievements. But this point is flawed simply because the critics fail to understand that it is these personal failings that have formed the basis for the achievements.
In conclusion, I will reiterate the point that an individual's personal tragedy, cannot be used as a weapon against his accomplishments. His contributions to society and his success are far more important.
