<p>I would greatly appreciate it if you took the time to grade this essay. Thanks!</p>
<p>A colleague of the great scientist James Watson remarked that Watson was always “lounging around, arguing about problems instead of doing experiments.” He concluded that “There is more than one way of doing good science.” It was Watson’s form of idleness, the scientist went on to say, that allowed him to solve “the greatest of all biological problems: the discovery of the structure of DNA.” It is a point worth remembering in a society overly concerned with efficiency.
Adapted from John C. Polanyi, “Understanding Discovery”*</p>
<p>Do people accomplish more when they are allowed to do things in their own way? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.</p>
<p>A man's personal creativity is essential to success, and rigid rules limit creativity. Through exploration of Ayn Rand's Anthem, and Thomas Edison's success, one can see that people achieve more when they are permitted to do things their own way. </p>
<pre><code>In the society of Ayn Rand's Anthem collectivism is worshipped whereas individualism is looked down upon. However, Equality is different from the rest. He is very creative individual - which is shown very early in his life. When he is in school, his teacher reprimands him for asking too many questions. Because of this, although he had great scores in math and science, he was forced to be a street sweeper. But this did not discourage Equality. He knew that he could accomplish something more than being a street sweeper by doing things his way. With the help of his friend International, he creates a secret abode for doing science experiments. In his lab, he discovers electricity and the lightbulb - a discovery only possible with his creativity. But his invention, because it was created individually, is shunned by the public. In response, Equality leaves the society, to continue doing things his own way. Although his idea was not well received, it still proves that he could accomplish a lot by doing things his own way.
In our society, the lightbulb was discovered by a person with a similar plight. When Thomas Edison was in grade school, he was diagnosed with ADHD. Because of this, his teacher - and everyone in his class thought he was stupid. But he was not stupid - the school was counter intuitive to his learning style. He wanted to freely explore math and science, but they forced him to study remedial education. Edison's mother realized this - and quickly pulled him out of school. It was then that Edison reached his full potential, because he was allowed to do things his own way. He went to the library and freely studied science and math. He became a master at advanced chemistry and physics - at only age 12! With no one holding him back, he was able to use this knowledge to create thousands of inventions - including the lightbulb.
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<p>Unrestricted creativity is important to bring out the best in man. Rules only limit one's creativity. Through Thomas Edison and Equality in Ayn Rand's Anthem, one can see that when people accomplish much more when they are allowed to do things their own way.</p>