<p>I wrote two essays, they are from the may 2006 sat. I ordered the QAS so I used the prompts I didnt get to practice. Anyways, the first prompt basically asks if there is such as thing about too much honesty, the second asks if the success of a community depends on people's willingness to limit personal interests. I almost reached 400 words for each which makes me happy because I'm usually a slow writer. Well, here goes.</p>
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<p>Although lying is condemned as a sin, everywhere we look, it occurs. The reason for this is that people often need to hide the truth from others. Therefore, there is such as thing too much honesty, as small lies are frequently necessary to prevent fights, hurt feelings...etc.</p>
<p>One of the greatest sources of lies comes from National Security. The American government has not yet admitted, for example, the existence of Area 51. The whole world might know of it, but the United States must lie to protect its own interests. The reason for this is obvious. If everyone were forced to tell the truth, North Korea could simply ask the White House where we store all our nuclear weapons, and subsequently, the White House would be forced to divulge secret locations. As one can see, our world is still not ready for such genuine communication.</p>
<p>Another example of the uses of lies can be seen in many parent-teen relationships. Often teens are forced to lie to their parents about their activities, knowing that their gaurdians would disapprove of last nights party from which the teen arrive back at 1 AM. In this scenario, a lack of honesty prevents fights and helps maintain a certain amount of peace between the parents and the teens. Though many people will argue that such as relationship is unhealthy, they must realize that if parents knew all the dangerous/stupid/crazy activities their teens do, our society would melt under extreme tension between parents and teens.</p>
<p>A historical example of a necessary lie can be seen in Christopher Columbuss voyage to the new world. When he landed, he suffered many hardships, and the Native Americans he met did not seem willing to aid him. Thus Columbus predicted a lunar eclipse that he knew of beforehand, thus tricking the natives into thinking he was a god. In this case, the lie was necessary as a tool for survival. Had Columbus not used this lie, his men would probably have perished and the discovery of the New World where we now live would have been delayed.</p>
<p>It is clear that from the way society is built, people need to use lies to cover up truths. The lack of genuine communication is often necessary for issues such as relationships, National Security, and even survival. Thus, there can be such as thing as too much honesty.</p>
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<p>For a community to survive, it must have the support of individuals willing to limit their personal interests for the good of the group. This is obvious as individuals all have different ideas, but a group or community must move forward with one uniting idea for it to be recognized as an effective community.</p>
<p>First, I would like to point out that a total restriction of freedom within a community is also detrimental, as can be seen by the collapse of totalitarian nations such as the Soviet Union. However, in all successful nations, we see examples of peoples interested limited not completely restricted for the good of the entire country. For example, the United States is a thriving democracy built on a capitalist idea where people are usually free to pursue their goals. Nonetheless, even the most successful citizens must obey the law. Everyone must pay taxes to keep the government running, for without a system of government, the community in this case the United States would collapse. Furthermore, no on in the country is allowed to drive while under the influence of alcohol. Certainly nobody enjoys having to pay taxes, and many people are capable of driving short distances after a few drinks. However, these limits of personal freedom are necessary to ensure a stable overall community.</p>
<p>Another example of individuals having their personal interests can be seen in the military. The ordered hierarchy in the army or navy is maintained by having the freedoms of the lower ranks limited by those in the higher ranks. This is necessary as the idea of a military is to collect the masses and unite them towards a single goal to protect their home country. If Private Atkins did not listen to Sargeant Smith, confusion would take over from order and the effectiveness of the entire military would be compromised. Once again, privates certainly do not always enjoy following the orders from higher up, but still choose to have their freedoms limited for the good of the entire community in this case the military.</p>
<p>By observing successful communities, be they nations of militaries, we can see that they depend on their individual members, and their willingness to limit their freedoms and personal interests for the good of the group. Only after this can a group move forward with a single united goal and become recognized as an effective and successful.</p>
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<p>Thanks!</p>