<p>Practicing for the october SAT I...will be my 1st time</p>
<p>Prompt: Is it important to question the ideas and decisions of people in positions of authority?</p>
<p>My Response:</p>
<p>Principles and edicts established by leaders are nearly always heralded as true and absolute. Nonetheless, it is deceptively easy to passively accept what is the norm. This type of attitude is dangerous for a multitude of reasons. Most significantly, such a doctrine only stifles discovery and progress. To ensure the societal advancements that modern society necessitates, it is vital to question the ideas and decisions of leaders.</p>
<p>First, take the instance of Columbus's voyage across the Atlantic from Spain. At the time, late 1400s Europe, the economic lifeline for the European populace was trade with the Far East, namely China and the Dutch East Indies, an area presently known as Indonesia. Explorers and monarchs of wealthy nations alike had established that the most effective way to facilitate trade between East and West has to haul goods across the entire continent, on what is referred to as the Silk Road. Columbus dared to challenge the status quo and proposed a voyage to discover a westward water route to the Far East. His ideas were rejected by leaders, but persistent questioning yielded Columbus success with Ferdinand and Isabella, the rulers of Spain. Columbus's voyage did not result in discovering China; he instead discovered the Americas. This catalyzed European expansion to the New World resulting in colonization and intercontinental trade. These advancements would never, or not as soon, have been realized had Columbus not set out to challenge the norm established by the social elite and sail west.</p>
<p>Secondly, consider George Orwell's classic novel Animal Farm, an allegory of the Russian Revolution. In the novel, abused and neglected farm animals rebel against Mr. Jones, the farm's owner. Despite the difficulties and hardships of the revolution, the outcome is at least initially positive. They adopt universal principles, improve their general living standards, institute welfare programs, and begin to become self sustaining. In this example, the animals collectively question authority, in this case Mr Jones. Had the animals not questioned his authority and decisions, the revolution would have failed. Likewise, later in the novel, Napoleon, a leader of the revolution, becomes an autocratic leader. No one dares question his leadership, and the farm devolves into chaos, illustrating what happens when authority is not rightfully questioned. </p>
<p>In conclusion, it is absolutely necessary to question the leadership and decisions of authority figures. Doing so cultivates change and discovery, which in turn allow for advancements, as evidenced by both the examples of Columbus's groundbreaking voyage and an important theme of Animal Farm. Failure to question authority is dangerous, as it almost certainly results in stagnation and monotony.</p>