Assignment: Can knowledge be a burden rather than a benefit? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experiences, or observations
Essay:
Knowledge can never be seen as a burden, but only as a benefit. Having any knowledge at all, or having more knowledge has never had a detrimental effect but can only help; it doesn't pose itself as a burden. One example of why knowledge is a benefit and not a burden is seen through my lab mentor, a post doc at Columbia University. The amount of time and energy she puts in her work reaps her benefit only. Another example that supports this claim is that my grandfather was the only one who got a master degree in Commerce in the family and this proved to be very beneficial for him and his family, in the long run.
One example of how knowledge is not a burden but rather a benefit is that my lab mentor spent most of her post high school years simply studying biology. She went to college, then completed her masters, and then went on to complete her PhD. She spent endless hours at her lab at Columbia University. As is commonly known, lab experiments don't always yield, fast and easy results, experiments take months, and not always do they produce the results being looked for. She has a complete knowledge in the field of biology and this can only be seen as a benefit. One day, maybe three months from now, or three years from now, all that time and energy she spent studying towards her degrees will reap its benefits when she gets the results she needs from the experiments. All the knowledge she has acquired does not pose itself as an unnecessary burden on her, but rather as something that will prove its existence in the future, benefiting her greatly, for making a breakthrough in the field of science.
Another example that illustrates the idea that knowledge is not a burden, but a benefit is that my grandfather was the only one in the family to get a Master degree in Commerce. Through this, he was able to get a job on Wall Street, through which he was able to lead a very successful life, with a stable family. The time and energy that he spent on studying and the amount of knowledge that he gained, worked to help him, not burden him, because he powered it in the correct direction. The knowledge benefited him because he was then able to have a steady income and have a stable home, with a well-off family.
Knowledge can never be seen as a burden because it is the one thing that man can control the input and output of. We can gain knowledge, and filter what we want out of it, and use it to help, but knowledge cannot seem to act as a burden. Humans have gained immense amount of knowledge in all different areas of study be it science or industry. We are able to control the amount of knowledge we have, allowing for it to benefit us, and not burden.
Thank you.
Essay: Can knowledge be a burden rather than a benefit?
Knowledge is often hailed as a powerful tool that empowers individuals and societies to progress and achieve great accomplishments. However, some argue that there are instances when knowledge can become burdensome. Upon careful examination, it becomes evident that knowledge, in its essence, is always a benefit and never a burden.
One compelling example that highlights the benefit of knowledge can be seen through my lab mentor, a post-doctoral researcher at Columbia University. She has dedicated years of her life to studying biology, progressing from college to Masters and finally obtaining her PhD. Her countless hours spent in the lab may appear exhausting to outsiders, as experiments do not always yield immediate results. However, her solid grasp of biology and the expertise she has acquired through her academic journey ultimately prove to be a tremendous benefit. The knowledge she possesses enables her to design innovative experiments and approach research from a comprehensive perspective. While it may take months, or even years, for her experiments to bear fruit, her extensive knowledge is a valuable asset that propels her towards making breakthroughs in the field of science. Therefore, her knowledge serves as a significant benefit rather than a burden.
Another illustration of knowledge as a benefit arises from the experience of my grandfather. He was the only individual in our family to pursue a Master's degree in Commerce, which ultimately led to securing a job on Wall Street. Despite the years of hard work and dedication he invested in acquiring knowledge, the results were far from burdensome. On the contrary, his knowledge opened doors to a successful career, enabling him to provide for his family and lead a stable life. The insight and expertise gained through his education proved to be an invaluable asset. His knowledge empowered him to have a steady income, a secure home, and a comfortable life for his loved ones. Thus, his knowledge served as a significant benefit rather than a burden.
Furthermore, knowledge is a unique attribute that humans can control, shaping their understanding of the world and influencing their decisions. Individuals have the capacity to acquire knowledge, filter the information they receive, and apply it wisely. It is within our power to determine the extent and nature of the knowledge we possess. This control allows us to leverage knowledge as a tool for our benefit, utilizing it to progress, innovate, and solve problems. By harnessing knowledge effectively, individuals and societies can overcome challenges and make advancements in their respective fields.
In conclusion, knowledge should never be perceived as a burden but rather as a beneficial asset that drives progress and success. The experiences of my lab mentor and my grandfather exemplify the immense benefits that knowledge can bring. Both individuals dedicated significant time and effort to attain a deeper understanding in their respective fields, and this knowledge served as a catalyst for their achievements, rather than weighing them down. It is important for individuals to recognize the immense potential and power that knowledge holds, allowing them to harness it for their own benefit and the advancement of society as a whole.