“The root of education is bitter, but sweet are its fruits.” –Isocrates
ENCOMIUM: Isocrates was an ancient Greek philosopher and also a teacher. He is the perfect person to make a quote about education.
PARAPHRASE OF SAYING: At first, getting an education means overcoming tough obstacles. In the end however, the results of hard work that was put forth in trying to get an education are worth the end results.
CAUSE OR REASON FOR SAYING: Education, and the lack of motivation, are important, and well discussed topics in America. There is a lot of talk about the failing educational systems of our country. A big reason that there are ignorant people everywhere is that they are not fully prepared to take on the responsibility, or hardships of an education. So then, if they do try to go to school, they are shocked at the amount of work, and withdraw, or drop out.
A CONTRAST: If an education is not gained, then the “fruits” that Isocrates talks about can never be experienced. The great things that come from being educated are never vied by an uneducated person.
A COMPARISON: Just as a man and a woman put much effort into raising children so that they grow up well, so must a scholar put effort into achieving an education so that they might be able to experience the benefits that come with being educated.
AN EXAMPLE: It is not uncommon to read a college advertisement telling its audience the differences in salaries of a college graduate and a person without a degree. It may take 2 to 4 years to get a degree, but the end result, in this case a higher paying job, makes the journey worth it.
TESTIMONY: Like many others, I have experienced the struggle of getting through school. Last semester, I took 19 credit hours. Everyone said I was crazy, and mid-semester I realized I really was. I made sure to spend enough time on each class, however, and in the end, I earned the grades I wanted for the most part. I have been accepted to the Colorado School of Mines, and am waiting to hear from a few other prestigious universities. I know that had I not been able to get through the obstacles that a hectic schedule presented, I would have not gained acceptance to more opportunities.
EPILOGUE: This is an important concept to remember in everything, academic or not. If the road seems dark and tough to travel on at first, it does not mean that there are not brighter conditions ahead.
1 comments:
First of all, this was very insightful, and raised a few questions in my mind. You said, "A big reason that there are ignorant people everywhere is that they are not fully prepared to take on the responsibility, or hardships of an education."
I completely agree, but what exactly can we do about it? How can we educate our people about education? Are we too far in the hole already, or is there no place to go but up? What can we do to build motivation in young students? How can we place a greater value on the "fruits" of education?
Perhaps I'm just being that ancient rhetorician we all know and love, asking all the questions and providing no answers, but maybe I asked the right questions, and you may have answers for me.
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