In this post, we will be discussing the GRE ‘Analyze an Issue’ essay prompt which states, “The greatness of individuals can be decided only by those who live after them, not by their contemporaries.” This prompt raises the question of whether an individual’s greatness can truly be determined by their peers or if it is only truly recognized by future generations.
Understanding the Prompt
In order to fully understand this prompt, it is important to break it down and analyze its key components. The first part of the statement asserts that the greatness of individuals can only be decided by those who live after them. This implies that contemporaries, or those who live in the same time period, are not able to accurately judge an individual’s greatness. The second part of the statement emphasizes the importance of future generations in determining an individual’s greatness.
Arguments in Support of the Claim
- Contemporaries may be biased or influenced by personal relationships, making it difficult for them to objectively judge an individual’s greatness.
- Future generations have the benefit of hindsight and can evaluate an individual’s impact on society over a longer period of time.
- Greatness is often subjective and can be interpreted differently by different individuals. Therefore, it may be more accurately determined by a larger and more diverse group of people.
Arguments Detracting from the Claim
- Contemporaries may have a deeper understanding of the individual’s actions and accomplishments, as they are witnessing them in real-time.
- Future generations may not have all the necessary information or context to accurately judge an individual’s greatness.
- Greatness can also be recognized and celebrated during an individual’s lifetime, indicating that it is not solely dependent on future generations.
Ultimately, I believe that while future generations play a significant role in determining an individual’s greatness, the statement that it can only be decided by them is not entirely accurate. Contemporaries can also provide valuable insights and perspectives on an individual’s impact and legacy. It is important to consider both viewpoints and the potential limitations of each when evaluating an individual’s greatness.
Example of a Perfect Essay Response
The concept of greatness is a subjective and elusive one, often defined by a combination of tangible achievements and intangible qualities. Some may argue that greatness can only be determined by those who live after an individual, while others may contend that contemporaries are in the best position to judge an individual’s impact and influence. In my opinion, I believe that the assessment of an individual’s greatness is a fluid and ever-evolving process, influenced by both contemporaries and future generations.
On one hand, it can be argued that the measure of greatness is best determined by those who live after an individual. This is because the passage of time allows for a more comprehensive understanding of an individual’s impact and legacy. Contemporaries may be too close to the individual to fully grasp the extent of their achievements and contributions. For example, during his lifetime, Vincent van Gogh was considered a mediocre artist, but after his death, his works became some of the most celebrated and influential in the art world. It was only through the lens of time that his greatness was truly recognized.
In addition, future generations may have a more objective perspective on an individual’s greatness. They are not influenced by personal relationships or biases, and are able to assess an individual’s impact and influence with a more critical and detached eye. This is especially true in the case of historical figures, where their actions and legacies are analyzed and debated by scholars and historians long after they have passed away. For example, the founding fathers of the United States were initially viewed as revolutionary figures by their contemporaries, but their true greatness and impact on history was only fully understood by future generations.
However, it is also important to consider the role of contemporaries in assessing an individual’s greatness. They are the ones who witness and experience an individual’s actions and achievements firsthand, and their perspectives can provide valuable insights into an individual’s character and impact. For example, Mahatma Gandhi was revered and celebrated by both his contemporaries and future generations for his peaceful activism and contributions to Indian independence. It is through the recognition and admiration of his contemporaries that Gandhi’s greatness was first acknowledged and established.
Furthermore, the measure of greatness can also be influenced by societal and cultural values. What may be considered great in one era may not hold the same weight or significance in another. For instance, during the Renaissance period, artists were highly esteemed and their works were seen as a reflection of their greatness. However, in today’s society, technological and scientific advancements are often viewed as the markers of greatness. This highlights the ever-changing nature of greatness and how it is perceived and judged by different individuals and societies.
In conclusion, the assessment of an individual’s greatness is a complex and multifaceted process, shaped by both contemporaries and future generations. While the perspective of future generations is crucial in recognizing an individual’s lasting impact and legacy, the opinions and insights of contemporaries also play a significant role in shaping the perception of greatness. Additionally, societal and cultural values can also impact the measure of greatness. Ultimately, it is through a combination of these factors that an individual’s true greatness can be understood and appreciated.
Why This Essay Earns a Perfect Score
This essay earns a perfect score because it effectively addresses the prompt and presents a well-structured argument with strong supporting evidence. The author demonstrates a clear understanding of the complexities of measuring greatness and effectively considers multiple perspectives. The essay also showcases a strong command of language and sentence structure, making for a cohesive and engaging read.
Key Takeaways
1. Greatness is a subjective and ever-evolving concept, influenced by both contemporaries and future generations.
2. The passage of time allows for a more comprehensive understanding of an individual’s impact and legacy.
3. Contemporaries can provide valuable insights into an individual’s character and impact.
4. Societal and cultural values can also shape the measure of greatness.
5. A combination of perspectives is necessary to fully understand and appreciate an individual’s true greatness.