<p>Throughout history, creative endeavors have been consistently prized as some of mankind’s greatest achievements. Yet, originality is never completely true. As evidenced by literary efforts following the Gilgamesh Epic, the role of the University of Chicago in the second ghettoization of urban Chicago, and the technology approach of Apple, complete originality cannot be found in the world today.</p>
<p>The Gilgamesh Epic—which entails the adventures of king and comrade—is commonly recognized as the first written narrative. Following this achievement, however, literature was denied the capability of being truly original. Every man-and-friend tale, from Huckleberry Finn to Lord of the Rings, has somewhere in its origins the delightful camaraderie found in the Gilgamesh epic. While both Huckleberry Finn and Lord of the Rings are innovative in certain respects, they nevertheless lack complete originality for the motifs and witticisms of each work have a foundation in history. Yet, to call the Gilgamesh epic utterly original would be erroneous as well. Even Gilgamesh—the first substantial work—finds its character from previous oral recollections and the environment of the time.</p>
<p>While the rhetoric of literature often proves to lack originality, the same can be said of the rhetoric of history. In the 1950’s, the University of Chicago attempted to smokescreen the residents of Chicago into believing that it was supportive of an interracial community. Even though the liberalism of the institution shrouded the university’s intentions, people ultimately saw through Chicago’s chicanery and realized that their main intent was to drive blacks out of the “classy” Hyde Park region. Indeed, Chicago’s attempt to ostensibly appear integrationist—and hence original—was seen through by an angered community. The residents of Chicago saw through the University’s ploy and realized that the University, despite its progressive posture, was no less racist than the rest of Chicago. It became clear that even a university lacks true originality for the cultural environment is so strongly engaged.</p>
<p>Even in the modern era, pragmatic concerns override the need to produce works that are unique. Indeed, the business strategy at Apple is designed not to envision completely new ideas, but to make improvements on old ones. Even innovative products like the I-Pod are merely amalgamations of previous ideas. The capability of Apple to envision these products is certainly noteworthy. Yet, to call them original would be a slap in the face to both Apple executives and former designers alike.</p>
<p>Originality is a fickle thing, and it is hard to come by in a world where so many ideas already exist.</p>
<p>^essay is from the link given above...its not mine, just one i thought was interesting</p>
<p>i just want to hear any comments on this one... especially regarding the 1 sentence conclusion (i think due to lack of writing space. this is a 423 word essay). what makes this essay great + how could it be better?</p>