<p>Here it is. Could you guys grade from 2-12? Thanks</p>
<p>The essay topic: Do success and happiness depend on the choices people make rather than on factors beyond their control?</p>
<p>People achieve success when they have the bravery and strength of character to stand up for their beliefs and challenge what is, because only by pursuing their own personal morality can they transcend the external factors that are beyond their control. For example, both Benjamin Franklin and Galileo Galilei stood up for theirs views on liberty and scientific liberty, respectively, in order to brighter, more politically and intellectually enlightened futures for themselves and everyone else. Only by facing the crucible of societal doubt with a relentless and harrowing drive can people attain success and happiness.</p>
<p>The conflict between Galileo and the Church perfectly exemplifies how intrepidity in face of ignorance can lead to success no matter the possible occlusions. Galileo was a sixteenth century philosopher, physicist, and astronomer, who proved the heliocentric model: the Earth and other planets orbit the Sun. To us, today, this revelation barely warrants notice. In the dark ages, however, cosmology was heavily intermingled with religion, and Galileos conception of the cosmos contradicted the supreme authority of the Church. When Galileo first presented his findings, the Church threatened to execute him for heresy, so he backed down and his views were ignored. However, Galileo realized that he had stumbled upon an insight into the very nature of the cosmos, and felt it his duty to promulgate this information to the public. Galileo steeled his resolve against the Church and bravely presented scientific truth to the world no matter the possible punishment. Without such courage gleaned from the fiery furnace of dogmatic oppression, Galileo would have never attained the renown and reverence he enjoyed in his lifetime. </p>
<p>Bravery and resolve even against tyranny also guided one of our Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin, to a world changing and historic future. In the colonies, when the British impose unjust taxes, violated the sanctity of citizens private residences, and threatened liberty, Franklin knew it was his duty to free his people from the shackles of oppression. At first, Franklin decided to initiate rebellions against the Crown; however, his initial efforts were in vain, for they only achieved a million pound bounty that placed on Franklin. Nevertheless, Franklin had the courage to once again stand up to Crown and rally support for the American Revolution, which, this time, was successful, leading to the first democratic republic in the world since the fall of the Roman Empire under Julius Caesar. Franklins bravery, despite the external factors that arose from fighting the British tyranny, led to a freer, more just present for us and an unparalleled legacy for him.</p>
<p>Some may argue that external factors can have an effect on a persons ability to find true happiness and success. But then how could have Galileo Galilei presented his heretical findings in defiance of the Catholic Church? How was it possible that Benjamin Franklin was able to attain freedom and liberty when facing the leviathan that was the British monarchy? If we allow ourselves to succumb to the plethora of external factors that we face, we are doomed to live in a dark age, bereft of scientific truth and liberty. Only with the courage to stand up for our beliefs are a brighter and more successful present and future possible for all of us!</p>