<p>Do society and other people benefit when individuals pursue their own goals?</p>
<p>Essay:
As John Quincy Adams once proclaimed: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are on the right way”. Nowadays, it is more important than ever that by following their dreams resolute and determined individuals continue to move the progress forward and set an example for society. This universal notion is exemplified throughout history and literature.</p>
<p>One compelling illustration how society can benefit from people who attain their goals is seen through the Civil Rights Movement. In 1955 Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat for a white passenger. By refuting the racial superiority of whites, she set off a chain reaction of non-violent protests, later known as Montgomery bus boycott. Her fearless divergence from accepted rules and perseverance to put an end to racial segregation inspired then unknown minister Martin Luther King to start the Civil Rights Movement. His unforgettable speech “I have a dream” inspired thousands of people to stand up for what they believe in. Rosa Parks’ and Martin Luther King’s fearless efforts helped get the Civil Rights act of 1964 passed. Against all odds, their actions helped to transcend widely held unjust beliefs and put an end to racial discrimination.</p>
<p>The importance of achieving one’s goals is also portrayed in literature. In Nathaniel Hawthorn’s novel “The Scarlet Letter” Hester Pryne, the protagonist of the book, commits adultery and is forced to wear an embroidered letter “A” on her dress. Stigmatized by society, Hester is determined to clear her name by charitable actions. Eventually her giving personality and helpfulness make people refer to her “A” as “able”. By fulfilling her aim, Hester not only gained a new reputation, but also helped a small puritan community in the times of hardship. </p>
<p>One final example how people help others by attaining their goals is the life of Albert Einstein. A prominent scientist, Einstein is most well known for his theory of Relativity that challenged the conventional Newtonian physics. However, by bringing up such an unorthodox approach in science, he invoked the ire of traditional scientists. For years, Einstein’s theory was labeled as absurd at worst end erroneous at least. Despite these difficulties, Einstein refused to give in to the majority. By diligently collecting more proof for his theory and holding numerous conferences, he managed to justify Relativity. In 1915 came out the publication called “The General Theory of Relativity”, changing the worldview of people forever. By pursuing his aims, Einstein made an immense contribution that progressed technology, space exploration and our understanding of the universe. </p>
<p>As we have seen in history and literature, by fulfilling their goals, tenacious and resolved individuals change society and people around them for the better. As Ayn Rand once said: “The greatest men are motivated by the desire to help others”. </p>