Jeremy Thompson
Mrs. Coppoc
Composition I
11/01/2007
Reading: The Key to Unlocking the Door to Self-Knowledge
“Among all knowledge that can be gained through reading, self-knowledge is eminent.” a quote by William H. Brown which in my opinion should be equally famed as “Reading is fundamental.” Self-knowledge can be taken into consideration in many ways, but I have chosen simply three types of self knowledge that can be identified through reading and help in both the short and long-term development of success. Measures of one’s Determination, Responsibility and Imagination are all things that are rarely and most often marginally viewed in people from the outside, through acts of heroism, demonstrations of great thinking, and extraordinary stick-to-itiveness but majority of people miss the chance to see these things as they happen. It is through reading that many are able to truly understand these ideals and search for them inside of themselves. I have selected several selections which can be located within The Longman Reader through which I hope to enlighten, even if only one person, to the availability of reading to allow an individual to look inside oneself as they bear witness to his or her own measures of determination, responsibility and imagination and broaden not only those qualities but simultaneously improving their quality of life in doing so.
Beth Johnson tells a story of resilience, and determination in an essay entitled “Bombs Bursting in Air” (p.209) she tells of people’s ability to stay strong in times of adversity and focus on staying positive. In a quote found within the essay Johnson states, “We fall in love, we bring our children into the world, we forge our friendships, we give our hearts, knowing with increasing certainty that we do so at our own risk. Still we move ahead with open arms, saying yes, yes to life.” (p. 212). She admires how so many people are determined to continue to stay optimistic no matter the circumstance...