emperors club Essay -- essays research papers

Success is the motivation that inspires all human beings to reach great achievements and leave an indelible mark on society. Success is not merely a destination but a journey that one must travel in order to obtain it. Since success in one’s own life is not explicitly defined, we must find objective ways of measuring it, and ultimately come to a conclusion on who has been more ‘successful,’ Sedgewick Bell, or Mr. William Hundert. As is often the case, the answer lies in the past, as Deepak Mehta is quick to point out, â€Å"To know not what happened before you were born is to be forever a child.† As was the case with Shutruk Nahunte, undoubtedly a great emperor and sovereign over an entire region of Ilam, not one history book has documented his life or significance to the world. Mr. Hundert subsequently provides his scholars with this gem, â€Å"Ambition and conquest without contribution is insignificant. What will your contribution be? How will history r emember you?† Ultimately, success is not merely wealth, fame, or political status rather it is living virtuously, conducting one’s self honorably, and making significant contributions to the future generations, who will determine the future prosperity of our nation. In every way, Mr. Hundert, through a consistent display of morality, consciousness, honor, and respect, as with the revered Roman Emperors before him, has achieved success that far surpasses the boorish Sedgewick Bell, and his posh, immature, arrogant lifestyle, which, besides short-term financial comfort and reward, does nothing to foster morality and ideals that will benefit the world once he has departed.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The teaching profession is one of the most under-appreciated yet spiritually rewarding jobs that exist. Every great scholar and tremendous achiever in the world gets his or her start from the great, inspiring teachers before them. Teachers inspire their subjects to learn about the specified material, but also about themselves and the world around them. From the ages of five to twenty-two and sometimes beyond, young adults spend 7 hours daily, 180 days a year expanding their minds, and ultimately using their education to be productive members of the work force. Never in someone’s accomplishments is there a footnote giving proper credit to the teachers that preceded him or her. Therefore, Mr. Hundert’s success cannot only b... ...ct of his younger son, and if Hericlites was correct is stating a man’s character is his fate, Bell’s future career will inevitably perish. While Hundert doesn’t seek material reward for his contributions, he is satisfied with the fact that he has led an honorable life, given others an opportunity to thrive in the world, and fully embodied the spirit of the Roman greats who he teaches about and brings to life, in terms of conviction, civic virtue, and respect in the eyes of others. Wealth is not eternal. If Bell and his family continues to do nothing productive to protect their wealth, many generations into the future the wealth will be recycled back into society and into the hands of those who truly deserve it. A man’s epitaph often represents a man’s impact on the world, and is more indicative of one’s character than his status in society. History books will cast the final judgment, and most definitely, Hundert will be revered for his s elflessness, academic enlightenment and contributions to others, while Bell will be condemned for his egotism, selfishness, arrogance, and failure to make meaningful contributions to others, when he was in more of a position financially to do so.