Have We Abandoned Excellence?

By Alan Brunsch

11^th grade

 

Here and now in the 21^st century, things move very quickly. In all the confusion, corners are often cut in attempt to keep up with demands of the surrounding society.  Standards have been lowered in certain instances. But, just like anything, there are different angles to view every situation. Some people believe that we have abandoned excellence in America. I think this is a matter of perspective. Nothing is perfect, thus no nation is without its problems in society. We are no exception. But if you can see past some of the negative aspects, there are many positive prospects.

 

The community I live in is very small on a national basis. Our closest neighbor is a few miles away. Because of this, my interaction with larger communities is limited. In this day and age however, television and the Internet are vital gateways to the outside world. I hear about the problems we are facing: low test scores, scandals, and other national problems. In my opinion, people like to focus on the negative things facing our nation. This is not necessarily bad; after all, how can we fix problems unless we identify them. However, we cannot allow ourselves to bypass all the positive aspects that this country holds. Many of the people in our community are self-employed. While working for themselves, it is beneficial for them to strive for excellence in their daily tasks. If they settle for less then par, the results are unrewarding. This is not true for the people working in large corporations and businesses. I believe this is where some of the nation’s problems arise. If more people were employed in jobs they found to be personally rewarding, they would care more about the level of success they obtained. If you look at the country as a whole, I do believe that we are making steps towards improvement.

 

Today in our school systems, many students are receiving grades below there potential. Many have lowered their personal standards, but not all have followed suite. For those striving to be better and brighter, there are many opportunities available. That is one of the things that make this country great. Surrounded in such diversity, with endless possibilities, one only needs to apply himself to find success. Although these resources are available, many people do not take advantage of them. With so many distractions in our daily lives, it is easy to lose track of what we want. If we do focus in a career that is beneficial, we can improve our surrounding community and ourselves. I find that doing something useful with my time provides a feeling of fulfillment. Many people with too much time on their hands are often unhappy.

 

Comparing today’s standards to the past is not always relevant. In the rapid change and innovation of the past few years, the rules have been changed. Change is not always good or bad, but it does keep things interesting. People today find themselves in completely different situations than in the past. There are definite similarities in some instances, but changes in the surrounding society have created different alternatives. Sports, for instance, have changed a lot over the years. Professional player’s salaries have increased to profound heights. This change has compromised the integrity of many players and other people surrounded in sports. In my opinion, this is one of the major downfalls in society. Athletes and entertainers have their place in society, but rewarding such large payrolls to so few people is not beneficial. Because of the benefits associated with such professions, many strive to obtain the easy lifestyles they see on television. Few succeed, and many are left disappointed in their attempts.

 

Many people criticize the large number of short term relationships found in America today. Divorces are common. Some look on this as being a major flaw in society today. In the past, many marriages may have lasted longer, but this did not necessarily mean that they were perfect. Women’s increased independence might be one possible reason for the increase in divorces. This is not completely negative, and some problems are unavoidable.

 

We have one of the strongest nations in the world. America is the result of a number of cultures blended together. It has formed through change and revolutionized through new technology. Computers and other innovations have improved our lives in many ways, but they have also created new distractions. I do not believe we have abandoned excellence; we are just taking a less direct route to it. Through change standards are altered and social structures are modified. Just because things are different, does not mean that they have become worse.

 

Questions

 

Ask Yourself:

Q1- Am I really where I want to be?

 

Yes, I believe I’m where I want to be. Although I don’t always think school is the most fun, I am learning information I will need to know in the future.

 

Q2- Am I moving in the direction that will enable me to make the greatest contribution?

 

I think the path I choose to follow will enable me to make some contributions to society, yet my goals are aimed more towards personal success.

 

Q3- If I could achieve my highest goals, what would my accomplishments look like?

 

In order to achieve my highest goals, I would need a form of higher education.

 

Q4- Do I recognize excellence and search it out or do I find mediocre acceptable and am willing to settle?

 

In certain instances I do strive for excellence, but often I find myself reaching an acceptable level and settling for less than I probably should.

 

Q5- Do I seek out people, books, movies and other things that encourage me to be the best I can be?

 

The resources I make available to myself are somewhat limited. Most of the things I seek out are for entertainment, but often I learn valuable information from inadvertently.

 

Q6- Do I recognize the best in others?

 

I try and recognize people’s better qualities most of the time.

 

Time Article

Q9- Do you agree with Morrow (paragraph seven) that: “Excellence demands standards. It does not usually flourish in the midst of rapid, hectic change. This century’s sheer velocity has subverted the principle of excellence; a culture must be able to catch its breath.”?

 

I believe Morrow’s quote holds some truth, society must be allowed time to improve on past problem, but through change new standards for excellence are sometimes reset.

 

Q7 Interpret this quote from paragraph nine: “Woe to them that are at ease in Zion.”

 

This quote means that once we reach what we believe is perfection and stop striving for excellence, we make ourselves venerable. We should always strive to be better.

 

Q8- Argue pro and con Morrow’s contention that “Americans not yet successful (the struggling, the underclass) are apt to aim at ease, not excellence”?

 

The underclass may be more appreciative of success and revaluate there goals, although some may settle for less than they are capable.

 

Q9- Explain what Morrow means when he says (A) “the confusion contaminates character and disables ambition.” Do you agree?

 

Morrow means that sometimes it is unclear what is right and wrong, and that this confusion creates problems in national character. I agree with his belief.

 

Q10- Argue pro and con the effect of over stimulation and under stimulation as discussed in paragraph 10.

 

Over stimulation provides so many directions people’s focus that they are easily distracted and unable to apply themselves to their full ability; however, it also provides many different possibilities for success and excellence.

 

Q11- Contrast practical excellence with metaphysical excellence as used in Morrow’s last paragraph.

 

Metaphysical excellence is far more valuable and rare than practical excellence. Many of us misunderstand the true meaning of excellence, and overlook it.

 

Q12- Copy and interpret your two favorite quotes. Explain why you chose them.

“Let him who would move the world, first move himself.” –Socrates (BC)

 

I like this quote because it applies is very practical. Many people speak of accomplishing many things, but all it amounts to is talk. Action is essential to success.

 

“Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

I interpret this quote to mean that only you can decide if you have fulfilled your personal standards, no one else’s opinion counts.