Rockridge High School
Taylor Ridge, Illinois
Teacher: Barbara Downey
Have We Abandoned Excellence?
By Amanda Carlson
12th grade
Excellence is commonly defined as the “quality of being the best of its kind or first class.” The topic of excellence in America is extremely controversial. How does one determine if excellence actually exists? And even if it does exist, how can one decide if excellence is being abandoned? To decide, one must simply focus on one fact: American citizens are not living up to their full potential.
These “lacking” individuals may be the cause of diminishing excellence in America, but have these people ‘abandoned’ excellence if the term tends to suggest complete disinterest in the fate of what has been given up? It should be obvious that American citizens have done this to excellence, because achieving total success seems to be last on many to-do lists. As a whole, Americans in the 21st century are freeloading off of those who have not abandoned individual excellence. And although a small portion of Americans do value the pursuit of excellence, most of society is abusing their potential.
Americans in the 21st century are among the world’s most inactive creatures. Almost everywhere one goes, people are trying to complete as little work as possible. At work, employees are constantly abusing their sick leave, at home families refuse to work together to complete household chores, and most importantly, at school students are seemingly satisfied with receiving C’s and D’s on their report cards. Is this the way to achieve excellence? How can America be an excellent nation if its citizens are not motivated enough to strive for personal excellence? Each individual’s lack of self-motivation is causing a drastic decline in achievements of the entire society. How many Americans can honestly say that they had to work for what they have, when most government programs hand over money like it is candy? Welfare, for example, is a program that gives money to the less fortunate. As newspapers and television have proven, many Americans abuse welfare privileges. Each year countless people scam welfare and Medicare for millions of dollars at a time. If the government ever decided to eliminate these programs due to increased money loss, many that depend on these two programs would become overwhelmed with poverty. Why must people in need suffer because some Americans will not strive for success?
Many Americans who do not strive for success and excellence tend to become a greater problem throughout society. These Americans have managed to increase the crime rate each year. Almost every time one turns on the television or reads the paper, someone has murdered or abducted another human being, and many of these criminals have never achieved individual excellence in their life. Are Americans in the 21st century so self-indulged that they continue to let these actions happen? Can they not see the terrible things happening right in front of their eyes?
Most Americans would agree that one of the worst things happening now is the War on Terror. We have been sending troops to Iraq and Afghanistan for the past three years. Although it is extremely important to support our troops, we have put the lives of innocent men and women in jeopardy for the wrong reasons.[1] We have not completely accomplished our goals in those particular countries: find weapons of mass destruction, and better the lives of the citizens living there. Instead, we have been trying to advertise America as a great world power. The War on Terror could have been very effective if it were approached in a more cautious manner with stronger leadership.
Since September 11, 2001, the nation’s perspective as a whole has changed
dramatically. Now it appears that each time an American encounters a person
that is of Middle Eastern descent, we instantly think “he or she must be a
terrorist.” Since the attacks on the World Trade Center, Americans have
constricted their view of these people and perhaps blame them all for one
group’s corrupt behavior. This seems to be a common theme in America: blame
everyone for the mistakes of a few.
Despite most Americans’ racist attitudes and lack of self-motivation, there
are still rare handfuls of people who do value and will continue to value the
pursuit of excellence in their lives. Even as a teenager, I realize the
importance of excellence in my life and continue to strive for it each day. My
involvement in the National Honor Society and the “top ten” require me to seek
out excellence to the best of my ability. To fulfill my idea of excellence, I
have applied to two private colleges and have been granted academic
scholarships to each of them. And because of hard work and dedication, I know
the rewards of excellence, which is why I will continue to strive for it
throughout my life.
Americans, like myself, who wish to achieve total excellence, are few and far between. It appears that today, America in the 21st century is not living up to its full potential for countless reasons. Although there will always be a handful of people who make excellence a great reward, there will also be those who will never seek excellence; those people will be the cause of America’s decline in success. America has always tried to put its own excellence before that of the individual. Our nation must realize that we will never truly accomplish excellence if each person does not achieve it first. We must put our racist attitudes, laziness, egotistical views, and criticism behind us and work together in the fight to achieve excellence in a nation where it is long overdue.
Questions
1. Am I really where I want to be?
As a senior in high school, I would say that I am actually just beginning to get where I want to be. I have my whole life ahead of me, and I still have many changes that will take place in my life that will make me a more complete person.
2. Am I moving in the direction that will enable me to make to greatest contribution?
I know the direction in which I am moving is a positive one. I believe that because I have surrounded myself with positive people in a productive environment. I can therefore make my greatest contribution.
3. If I could achieve my highest goals, what would my accomplishments look like?
I have always set high goals for myself, and at this point in my life, goals are very important to a successful future. I am looking forward to graduating from high school in June, and continuing my education at Augustana College in the fall. I plan to major psychology so that I may have the opportunity to better the lives of others each day.
4. Do I recognize excellence and search it out or do I find mediocre acceptable and am willing to settle?
For as long as I can remember, I have never just settled for second best. I know that by doing that, I will not get anywhere in life. I think each person needs to strive for the best that they can.
5. Do I seek out people, books, movies and other things that encourage me to be the best I can be?
The people in my life are very positive and they push me to be the best I can be. I have always been told that no one can stop you but yourself, and I truly believe this.
6. Do I recognize the best in others?
I have recently realized the importance of recognizing the best in others. It not only helps the other person strive for excellence, but it allows the person helping them to achieve individual excellence.
7. 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 cannot totally agree with Morrow’s statement because I think it depends on the person as to what kind of society in which they will flourish. Some do better in hectic situations because they feel stimulated by others to accomplish their goals. Others cannot stand hectic situations because they do not like the pressure that is put upon them.
8. Interpret this quote from paragraph nine: “Woe to them that are at ease in Zion.”
I think that this quote is warning many people. It implies that if Americans become too comfortable in their surroundings, terrible things may occur when they least expect them to.
9. Argue pro and con Morrow’s contention that “Americans not yet successful (the struggling, the underclass) are apt to aim at ease, not excellence.
If each person that is struggling or is in a lower class aims at ease, they will never know the pressures involved with achieving excellence. Perhaps what we would call aiming at ease is their version of excellence. Those who are not used to something excellent happening in their lives will be more appreciative than those who achieve excellence on a regular basis. However, Americans that constantly aim at ease will never truly have the satisfaction of knowing that they have tried their best.
10. Explain what Morrow means when he says (A) “the confusion contaminates the character and disables ambition.” Do you agree?
He means that because each person has his or her own definition of excellence, many do not know if what they are trying to achieve is considered permissible by others. I agree with this statement. I believe that some people may try to strive for excellence, but become discouraged because someone else tells them that their idea of excellence is wrong. Many Americans do not strive for excellence because they are confused about what is acceptable to strive for in today’s society.
11. Argue pro and con the effect of over stimulation and under stimulation as discussed in paragraph 10.
Over stimulation causes a feeling of pride in an individual. It makes a person feel needed and because of this, he or she is more likely to strive for excellence. However, continuous over stimulation could cause anxiety and frustration, and could actually stop the need to achieve excellence altogether.
Under stimulation makes one feel alone and unwanted. One would tend to think that no one is proud of them. However, under stimulated individuals have less pressure and stress placed upon them, and they may actually be more likely to succeed than those who are over stimulated.
12. Contrast practical excellence with metaphysical excellence as used in Morrow’s last paragraph.
Practical excellence and metaphysical excellence are both needed to achieve overall excellence. Practical excellence is needed because it involves physically trying to better yourself. Metaphysical excellence is also needed because it makes one think positively and it stimulates the senses. These two types of excellence are the first steps in achieving goals and dreams.
Copy and interpret your two favorite quotes. Explain why you choose them.
“Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)
I like this quote because it is simple and easy for people of all ages to understand. It is also a very true statement. No one can make you do or be anything unless you want it yourself.
“We should make a special effort to be that which we want others to think we are. We must do our duties, complete our tasks, and be kind and honest. “It is not alone what we do, but also what we do not do, for which we are accountable.” – Moliere (1622-1673)
This quote is my favorite. I think it is very important to be kind and honest to all people. Many people may not know it, but the impact they have on other lives is greater than they could ever know.