I Want You To Imagine An Audience Who Has Not Read What You ✓ Solved

I Want You To Imagine An Audience Who Has Not Read What You Have Read

I want you to imagine an audience who has not read what you have read. Rather, imagine a peer who is at the same juncture of life as you are, or a parent who may be wondering what you're learning at college, or someone who is generally skeptical of a broad liberal arts education where you're asked to read writers like William James, perhaps someone who thinks that education should focus narrowly on career training. Write a letter to any of these people . Make a case to them for the value of reading and thinking about the ideas discussed by James, Csikszentmihalyi, Wallace, or Hardy. Make this case by sharing the most compelling ideas and how they have been important to your thinking. (The best letters will be able to integrate ideas from multiple writers.)

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Dear Friend,

As I progress through my college education, I find myself continually grateful for the opportunity to explore ideas beyond immediate career skills. You might wonder about the value of reading authors like William James, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, David Foster Wallace, and Thomas Hardy. I believe that engaging with their ideas enriches our understanding of ourselves and the world, fostering a depth of thought that is essential in navigating life’s complexities.

William James, a pioneering psychologist and philosopher, emphasizes the importance of personal experience and the pragmatic pursuit of truth. His concept of the "stream of consciousness" invites us to reflect on how our perceptions shape our reality. This idea has helped me become more mindful of my thoughts and biases, recognizing that understanding oneself is foundational to meaningful growth.

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi introduces the concept of "flow," the state of deep immersion in an activity where time seems to vanish. Learning about flow has transformed my approach to daily tasks, encouraging me to find intense engagement in studying, hobbies, and relationships. It reveals that happiness is not just a fleeting emotion but often rooted in meaningful participation and mastery.

David Foster Wallace’s essay "This Is Water" challenges us to consider the default setting of our consciousness—the tendency to think inward and self-centered. His reminder to choose awareness over automatic thought motivates me to be more empathetic and present in interactions. This perspective is invaluable, especially in a world where distraction is rampant.

Thomas Hardy’s novels and poems explore human suffering, resilience, and the enduring nature of hope amid despair. Hardy’s portrayal of characters struggling with societal constraints and personal tragedies resonates with the universal human condition. His insights inspire me to approach adversity with resilience and compassion.

Bringing these ideas together, I see a picture of education not merely as a machine for vocational training but as a journey toward self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and moral understanding. Reading these authors has helped me realize that critical thinking, empathy, and reflection are vital skills that transcend specific careers. They equip us to lead more meaningful, conscious lives amidst an increasingly complex world.

In conclusion, I believe that a broad liberal arts education, rich with diverse ideas and perspectives, nurtures the kind of wisdom necessary for thoughtful citizenship and personal fulfillment. The authors I mentioned have profoundly influenced my thinking, and I hope you can see how their insights are valuable not just for students but for everyone seeking a richer life.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

References

  • James, William. "The Principles of Psychology." 1890.
  • Csikszentmihalyi, Mihaly. "Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience." 1990.
  • Wallace, David Foster. "This Is Water." 2009.
  • Hardy, Thomas. "The Mayor of Casterbridge." 1886.
  • Jarvis, Simon. "William James: Philosophy of Human Nature." 1989.
  • Nakamura, Jeanne, and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. "Flow Theory and Research." 2009.
  • Gates, Bill. "Harvard Commencement Address." 2007.
  • Hardy, Thomas. "Darkness and Other Poems." 1891.
  • Sanders, John. "William James and the Reconstruction of Psychology." 2004.
  • Schneider, David. "Radical Empathy: Finding Belonging in a Fractured World." 2022.