cdhundley wrote: ↑14 Jul 2019, 12:54
I only read the sample, but the component of education that made at least what I read compelling, was not just having education for its own sake, but the search for knowledge. The author's incessant questioning of his environment and inherent nature illustrated his own strong intellectual curiosity - the foundation of scientific and philosophical/spiritual inquiry. It seems like the book details a lifelong pursuit for knowledge, which is as it should be.
I like this answer the most! I agree with everything you said. It's easy to make good grades, but to be able to have it consistent even after college, to be the best in what you do, is to search for more. A's aren't the goals, and that his thirst for more knowledge, always learning, is what makes the author successful and inspiring.
"All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost"
Wriley wrote: ↑08 Jul 2019, 09:11
The author's achievements in education seems to be his natural ability not exactly from hard work. Science majors especially may have an above average ability to memorize. Frank may have wanted to be seen for who he was and not his acedemic achievements. With natural ability, acedemic are easy compared to some people who must work very hard for their education. So much emphasis was placed on education that Frank may have been seen as only that not who he really was. Frank had passion to help which set him apart from other doctors.
I agree with this as well. Hard work is only a portion of his achievements. As you've mentioned, his passion sets him apart and enables him to go through hard work. I have known people who have worked hard in their studies, harder than anyone else, and still, get the lowest scores. To be able to achieve these things like the author, passion coupled with hard work and empathy is what one needed.
"All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost"
I was impressed with the author's passion for learning. The story of how he read the same book over and over again while sitting on the steps with his sister was touching. I just finished reading Where the Crawdads Sing, and the young girl, although fictional, showed the same thirst for knowledge.
No, I do not think that the author did so because of pride. It was just his strength and his point of excellence, I rather see it as encouragement to do better at school.
oluchiokere84 wrote: ↑21 Jul 2019, 16:50
No, I do not think that the author did so because of pride. It was just his strength and his point of excellence, I rather see it as encouragement to do better at school.
I also like this angle. It's like he shows his academic success as an example of what can be achieved if you work hard, made all the more so by the fact that he came from an underprivileged background.
"...while a book has got to be worthwhile from the point of view of the reader it's got to be worthwhile from the point of view of the writer as well." - Terry Pratchett on The Last Continent and his writing.
I don’t think the author wanted to set himself apart. I think that he wanted to show that there is value in education and that he was proud of his own accomplishments. Showing that he could do it despite difficulties should help to inspire others dealing with similar issues today.
There was a definite focus on education. I feel he viewed it as a relief from his situation, and as a way to feel solace during a trying time. I’m not sure he was necessarily trying to set himself apart, but I think he used education to better himself and his life.
The focus here is education and its importance to community. I don't think the author wanted to set himself apart but his education did that. With achievement like this you are naturally set apart even if it was not your intention. It's how society views the educated.
I think he was driven to be the best. Academic settings are an easy example compared to other areas where things don't necessarily fall under your control.
Yes, it's true. Although I also read just a sample, the man emphasizes education and knowledge as something highly necessary and valuable, with which I agree. For example, I grew up in time where while I was in elementary school, the country was teeming with political tension, assassinations etc., and to this day I'm still finding out new things about all of that.
'A Hunter and a Doe,
A path with a secret covered, Like ice, like ember, They'll never be a pair.'- A Hunter and a Doe by Plavi Orkestar
I agree that there was an emphasis on the way that education allowed for more opportunity in his life. Not only did it open more doors for him, but it also stopped him from falling into the same mistakes that his peers did.
Education is meant to broaden your thinking and widen your scope of perspectives on different matters. Helps you come up with solutions to problems. But too bad some people reason like they never stepped the inside of a classroom.
