Instructions: Imagine being able to join a conversation between any two people, living or deceased. Describe that conversation. Identify the people and topic and express what you were able to contribute and/or what you learned. 250-1000 words
Not the greatest writer, so positive or negative feedback would be greatly appreciated.
If I could arrange a conversation between two people and myself, living or deceased, I would choose F. Scott Fitzgerald and Father Bruce Steggert, S.J. Mr. Fitzgerald is a writer commonly associated with the 1920s, whose famous novel, The Great Gatsby, epitomizes the superficial, affluent young people of the 1920s who have lost all hope in humanity. Father Steggert is my AP Biology teacher, who has devoted his life to serving others. In this conversation I will try to get each person's perspective on humanity.
Humanity is an intriguing word in the sense that it has a dual meaning. It can be defined as the collective human race, yet it is also synonymous with benevolence and kindness.
I direct my attention to Mr. Fitzgerald. The decade of the 1920s is now also known as the "Roaring Twenties," highlighting the social debauchery and moral decay that was present among the youth at that time. Based on this description of the time, what was his take on humanity? He sighs and remarks that he has been disillusioned with life as a whole following the horrors of World War I. It is terribly difficult to grasp how violence engulfed so much of the human race in conflict. He says that he can no longer live with hope for a better future because of humanity's failure in the past; he and his friends acted without any sense of purpose or direction other than for flitting moments of pleasure. His friends of the decade acted in their own self-interest; the ever-present alcohol which circulated surreptitiously throughout wealthy social circles acted as a form of rebellion against the ideals that took them into the war. There were several members of his generation who lived without consequences because they had nothing to live for.
I nod and acknowledge the underlying struggle his generation must have had with humanity. To get another opinion on humanity, I ask Father Steggert as a Jesuit lives to serve others, what is it about humanity that makes it worth serving?
Although he says that can only speak from experience, the humanity that he has seen is prone to goodwill. He recalls a time in which he was with a family in the Atacama Desert in Chile. They only had one piece of livestock to feed themselves for the next two days, but they chose to slaughter it and use it in a meal to welcome their guest. If he had denied their offer, they would have been angered and insulted by his rejection of their hospitality. Logically, the Chilean family should not have given their meager meal to a stranger; however, they would not have had it any other way.
Father Steggert says that there is something about humanity and society that gives us an altruistic tendency. If everyone acted out of their own self-interest, then society would cease to exist. He cites an example of a red light at an intersection. If a driver chose not to stop for a red light because it was impeding his ability to get where he needed to go, then they could cause an accident that would put that intersection in wide disarray.
At this point, Mr. Fitzgerald refutes this, saying his generation's early prosperity and wealth through hard work and selfish behavior; this is an example of how humans are also prone to gain wealth and security for themselves and their families. Father Steggert notes confidently that excess wealth will never be of any use if you do not use it to better mankind. He poses the question: In the end, you cannot take it all with you, so what would you ultimately want to take away from your life?
We mull over Father Steggert's observation in pensive silence. I break the silence, remarking on how I have been able to form my own opinion of humanity. I have seen several of my peers act selfishly and superficially. Some people will act purely out of concern for their social reputations; they will lie to cover their own mistakes at any cost. I have witnessed friends invest their money in underage drinking instead of giving to the people who need this money most. I am a part of a society that somewhat resembles the 1920s in its promotion of selfish behavior and actions that will not make you happy. However, I also have firsthand knowledge of humanity's inherent desire benefit others.
When I was in elementary school, my father deployed to Iraq for fifteen months. This was a trying time for my family and me. Much to my surprise, many of the families we knew began making meals for us and constantly asking us how we were doing and if there was any way they could help. They were acting out of selfless concern for us.
I have learned the importance of serving all people, regardless of their flaws and differences. Through my own experiences, I can gauge the difference between the things that will better humanity and the things that bring momentary, selfish pleasure. I can now look at others without judgment because I understand that I am just as guilty of being human as they are. I can accept their flaws and see them only for the goodness they all inherently possess. At times I have engaged in selfish action and experienced failure, but I know I am capable of selfless behavior as well. No matter how inconsiderate or selfish a person may be, I know that they are capable of being understanding, compassionate individuals.
I say that I'd have to agree with Father Steggert's opinion of humanity. It is about compassion and care for others. It is about constantly challenging myself to perform selfless actions, and challenging others to do the same through my own deeds and words.
Mankind as, Mr. Fitzgerald, notes is flawed, but as Fr. Steggert identified and observed-humanity is full of promise-for a better future and a better world.
Hello! I LOVE this. I think you've done a great job with the prompt and your use of adjectives like "pensive" shows what a strong writer you are. I think the only thing you could do to improve this is to make a point of saying how Purdue as an institution can give you the education to help make the better world you mention in the last sentence. That kind of addition would make the essay even better as a piece of your application--it's already a great essay. I think with one or two more sentences that relate Purdue and your possible experiences there to your content that you've already written, you'll be in great shape. Good luck in your admissions process!
