January 16

Lit Exploration

 The Idea that our Beliefs are Impacted by the Actions of Others.

 

What is your opinion of the idea that our beliefs are influenced by the actions of        others?

 

       Humans are a very impressionable species, once impacted by another individual then it maintains a long lasting stain on the individual. Like that of a mustard stain on a white shirt, it’s a fight to get rid of. In the novel Night, by Elie Wiesel we see this stain make its mark on a young boys life which happens to be Wiesel himself, we see how the torment and devastation of concentration camps change his life, and ultimately who he is. On the other side though through The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch the opposite is demonstrated for the reader as it’s a story about how individuals can shape you to model your inspiration after them.    

 

 In the novel Night, a young boy-Wiesel- is taken away from his family, aside from his father and the family is distributed as if game pieces to concentration camps. However Wiesel is lucky enough to stay with his father, but that is the only way in which the poor boy could be considered lucky. Beaten, starved, and made to feel as if he was less than a speck of dirt on this planet the young man is left with the question of, where is God? Why is he letting us be treated in such a way? When the true question is what would make another human do that to someone else? Because of the actions of others the young man disregarded his religion for a long time, for example he chose not to fast when others were or when if things would have still been normal he would have, not because his father told him to do so. But because of the lack of trust he has acquired in God. The absence of trust comes from the actions of those around him who hurt him so terribly he wasn’t even sure if there was a God out there for Elie to even pray to or fast for. Like Elie not everyone is as lucky to have an action of another have a positive long lasting effect on themselves but when it happens, it’s special.  

 

   In the excerpt from The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch we see the other side of the influence individuals actions have on people, were a good snap decision has the power to impact another person to give them hope and re-inspire them. In the excerpt Pausch is watching the landing on the moon in summer camp and is sent to bed by the councilors because it was thought to be 

‘Too late” so they did not witness man first steps on the moon because of a bedtime. But his father at home however took a photo so the young boy once he got back home could see and relish in the moment for himself. That choice the father made left a long lasting influence on Pausch because of his obsession with space and how later on in life he would become a scientist. “Give yourself permission to dream. Fuel your kids dreams, too. Once in a while, that might even mean letting them stay up past their bedtimes.” this quote is important because it displays Pausch’s admiration for great work that it should be witnessed by everyone. So with the influence his father taking a photo had was significant to Randy because it allowed him to dream bigger even if he didn’t give to see the product in it’s debut.  

 

  Seeing a final product in its debut is one of the most satisfying things a person can witness, so when William Forrester gets to see what Jamal becomes he is elated. Forrester had mentored Jamal and to see Jamal be successful at his new school and pursue writing it is a big moment for the former shut in. Forrester’s influence on Jamal had pushed Jamal to trust himself more and be more confident in himself as opposed to belittling himself for the sake of others. And Jamal had pushed Forrester right back with his actions of growth influencing Forrester to seek out new opportunities all over again in his life. The two men growing together to become better versions of each other demonstrates the positive effect that the actions of another person can have on one individual is by far one of the most important things that can be offered. 

 

  Not every time an individual walks into a life is it for the betterment of someone, sometimes the push is to lose your faith, make you rethink your family, but also sometimes someone can walk into your life and they open new doors create a safer atmosphere. Sometimes that mustard stain lands right in the middle of your shirt and other times you’re wearing a yellow shirt and it’s gonna blend in and only you’re gonna know about and you will be grateful for it. 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Tags:

Posted January 16, 2020 by erikacar in category Erika, Sept 2019

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*