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36. “The greatness of individuals can be decided only by those who live after them, not by their contemporaries.”
Some would argue that contemporaries can appreciate the greatness of individuals, but others would state that only people who live after the greatest people could recognize the value of them. After weighing the evidence, it is certain that people who live after those brilliant individuals could accept their greatness. Many achievements from greatest people have to wait many years, even centuries to be tested.
To begin with, people could recognize the greatness of philosophical individuals after they die. Innovative thoughts change people’s cognition of the world and undermine their sense of security. Socrates, the Greek philosopher, provides a concrete example. Socrates promotes his beliefs of reflecting oneselves and preventing from ignorance. He supports critical thinking ability and questions if god, Athena in their country exists. However, Socrates’ perspectives suffer from pressures imposed by religious institutions. People of the religious institutions insist that Socrates corrupts the minds of the youth and sentences him to death. During his lifetime, most of people in his country strongly believe in their god Athena. For centuries, people gradually realize that it is possible for people who are from other countries having different religions. Then, contemporary people realize that it is unbelievable for Socrates in the Greek period can have those bold and advanced thoughts. People in contemporary time still enjoy learning about Socrates’ philosophical beliefs. Thus, the greatness of individuals like Socrates can be accepted only after their deaths since their brilliant minds exceeds contemporaries’ understanding.
Also, the greatest artists can be accepted by those who live after them. For instance, Van Gogh, one of the best prestigious painters in the world, suffers from poverty and mental problems during his lifetime. His works are appreciated by few people during his lifetime. Most of people cannot understand his impressionable works with bold color and rough beauty. However, after his death, his works are imitated by many painters, and his paintings have a far-reaching influence on 20-century art.
In conclusion, it is clear that greatness of individuals can be discovered only by those who live after them. The stories of Socrates and Van Gogh are both exceptional examples. The greatness of Socrates and Van Gogh are decided only after their deaths. Thus, people should persist on their beliefs and try to contribute to the world although they are not understood by peers. If we are not devoted ourselves to the world, what can we left for the world when we die? |
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发表于 2013-2-4 02:49:05
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