<p>The Prompt: Is it better for people to learn from others or on their own?</p>
<p>Why are some humans more successful that others? Why do their endeavors come through while those of others fail? What is their secret? The answer simply lies in the fact that these humans have a passion for what they learn and choose to learn on their own. Cynics of this practice maintain that if people learn on their own, they will not be willing to put as much effort into learning the material. This is why no one must force a person to learn material that he or she does not have any interest in learning. When one is truly motivated to learn a subject or practice, they will always succeed because they will never lose focus.</p>
<p>Learning on one's own can prove truly beneficial during the late school years. When I was in ninth grade, I became increasingly bored with my economics class and decided that I should supplement that class with an independent study. I became very interested in the financial market, especially concerning the stock market. I came across the site, Khan Academy and immediately became hooked on it instructional videos dealing with stocks and bonds. I made it my goal to finish all thirty videos by the end of the month. Now, exactly one year later, I am making educated investments of my own and have even advised my dad's investment club, making them five thousand dollars. I truly reached my potential in trading stocks all through my motivation to learn on my own. It is clear that when one is determined to learn by oneself, one wil always grasp the material coherently.</p>
<p>The fact that some people are forced into learning a practice, has proved detrimental to America. President Taft was forced, by the Republican Party, into learning and enacting all of Teddy Roosevelt's ideals and philosophies. As Taft wanted to be his own president and not one that mirrored Roosevelt, he did not holistically grasp Teddy's ideals of "trust-busting." Taft could not distinguish "good" trusts from bad ones, and therefore dismantled all trusts that came in sight. One of them was the Steel Trust. The steel trust accounted for most of the jobs in America and when it was dismantled, Taft sent America out of halcyon times and into an economic turmoil. Taft was not determined enough to focus on learning the righteous ideals of Teddy Roosevelt, and in turn made America pay. It is clear that when one is forced into a practice, the effects of such a cohersion can prove detrimental.</p>
<p>Learning is necessary and vital for the development of America. The people must be motivated and determined to learn, for the material to truly stick in their minds. Forcing people will not get them anywhere. People will only learn and better themselves if they themselves set their mind to the task ahead.</p>
<h2>Out of 12</h2>
<p>I BS'ed the Anecdote</p>