Professor Stone’s Essay 3 Formal Outline And Essay Map ✓ Solved
Professor Stone’s Essay 3 Formal Outline and Essay Map Ex
Formal Outline
I. Introduction
II. Body Paragraphs
A. Are people’s personal possessions a clear indicator of: who they are, how they think, how they act, and what they value?
1. who they are
2. how they think
3. how they act
4. what they value
B. Can an individual’s personal possessions help others measure how happy or content he or she is? Yes or no. Why? Explain to my reader my beliefs
1. Example
2. Example
3. Example
C. Based on the research provided, why would someone argue that “the pursuit of happiness” is futile? Do you agree? Why or why not? (Use the Gertner)
1. Example generic from myself / observation
2. Example from Gertner
3. Example Gertner
D. What do you want for Christmas? What do you think this says about you? What does this say about you according to Belk’s research?
1. My Christmas list
a. I want the Dream Box
b. I want a Hogwarts Lego Castle
2. What I think this list says about my identity
a. I want the Dream Box
b. I want a Hogwarts Lego Castle
3. What Belk would think about my identity because of my list
a. I want the Dream Box
b. I want a Hogwarts Lego Castle
III. Conclusion
Essay Map
I. Introduction consists of:
A. The Attention Grabber/ Opening- 1 sentence /give a general statement on the topic
B. The Background Information -3-4 sentences/ tells us everything we need to know about topic
C. Transitional Sentence- 1 sentence / how we get to making a point about the topic
D. The Thesis Statement- 1- 2 sentences/ states the main idea, point, argument, or conclusion
A. Are people’s personal possessions a clear indicator of: who they are, how they think, how they act, and what they value?
1. who they are
2. how they think
3. how they act
4. what they value
3 sentences of analysis
Transitional sentence
What do you want for Christmas? What do you think this says about you? What does this say about you according to Belk’s research?
1. My Christmas list
a. I want the Dream Box
b. I want a Hogwarts Lego Castle
2. What I think this list says about my identity
a. I want the Dream Box
b. I want a Hogwarts Lego Castle
3. What Belk would think about my identity because of my list
a. I want the Dream Box
b. I want a Hogwarts Lego Castle
3 sentences of analysis
Transitional sentence
B. Can an individual’s personal possessions help others measure how happy or content he or she is? Yes or no. Why? Explain to my reader my beliefs
1. Example
2. Example
3. Example
3 sentences of analysis
Transitional sentence
C. Based on the research provided, why would someone argue that “the pursuit of happiness” is futile? Do you agree? Why or why not? (Use the Gertner)
1. Example generic from myself / observation
2. Example from Gertner
3. Example Gertner
3 sentences of analysis
Transitional sentence
V. Conclusion consists of:
A. Summary of the main points- 1-2 sentences of summary (the lesson) for each body paragraph or A. Restatement of the Thesis with enlightenment- 1- 2 sentences why is your thesis the truth/ fact
B. Closing Statements of advice or caution-2-3 sentences/ other thoughts about the topic
C. Prediction or statement about Topic’s connection to present day-2-3 sentences
Don’t forget to add your Works Cited or References page and to include your formal outline as the very last Essay 3.
Paper For Above Instructions
The exploration of how personal possessions reflect individual identity, happiness, and societal values is a thought-provoking subject. In this essay, I will outline how possessions serve as indicators of who we are, our thought processes, how we act, and what we value. Furthermore, I will discuss whether these possessions can reveal our levels of happiness and contentment, and I will delve into the philosophical question regarding the pursuit of happiness as potentially futile. This discourse will draw on various examples, including my personal desires during the holiday season, and will reference researchers such as Gertner and Belk.
Introduction
The collectiveness of individual possessions can tell a rich story about a person's identity. Possessions are not just objects; they often encapsulate personal narratives and values. Understanding what we own, and what we desire, can reveal deeper meanings about our psyche and social interactions. In this essay, I will argue that personal possessions strongly indicate our identity and values.
Personal Possessions as Identity Indicators
To answer the question, “Are people’s personal possessions a clear indicator of who they are, how they think, how they act, and what they value?” one must first consider the psychological and sociological implications of ownership. Possessions can reveal aspects of identity, including interests, values, and cultural background. For instance, someone who owns a collection of books about philosophy may value knowledge and education, reflecting an intellectual identity. Conversely, a person with numerous technological gadgets may prioritize innovation and efficiency in their life.
Culture also plays a significant role in shaping what individuals deem valuable and worthy of ownership. For example, in consumer-driven societies, possessions such as luxury goods often symbolize success and status, even if that status is temporary or superficial. Societies place value on materialism, and this can profoundly influence personal identities. Belk (1988) discusses how possessions can become extensions of the self, suggesting that our belongings hold personal significance beyond mere utility.
Measuring Happiness Through Possessions
Next, I explore to what extent one’s possessions can reveal their happiness or contentment. The question of whether an individual’s personal possessions can help others measure how happy or content he or she is remains complex. On one hand, possessions may indicate a level of comfort or fulfillment. For instance, individuals surrounded by items they enjoy—such as art or books—may feel happier than those without such personal artifacts. It suggests that people may derive satisfaction from ownership and the emotional connections attached to their belongings.
However, this viewpoint is not universally applicable. Material possessions do not always equate to happiness—numerous studies have indicated that long-term happiness is more strongly correlated with experiences than possessions (Kahneman et al., 1997). Therefore, while possessions can hint at a person's state of mind, they do not represent the entire picture of an individual's happiness. Personal insights and examples would strengthen my argument, such as someone who appears to have many possessions but feels isolated or unfulfilled.
The Pursuit of Happiness
This discussion leads to the philosophical perspective regarding the pursuit of happiness as potentially futile. Utilizing insights from Gertner (2010), who contends that the quest for unending happiness is unrealistic, this paragraph will argue that chasing possessions in hope of achieving happiness may lead to disappointment. The very nature of happiness is often transient, and goods that promise it can quickly lose their allure. For example, a new car might provide joy initially, but that happiness often fades as new needs arise and newer models are introduced.
Additionally, my personal observations reinforce this conclusion. Many individuals fall into a cycle of pursuing the next big thing—be it a promotion, new technology, or a trendy lifestyle—only to find themselves back at square one, seeking more. Gertner's findings resonate with Belk's idea of the "extended self," where fulfillment is constantly pursued but seldom achieved, echoing the futility of equating possessions with happiness.
Christmas List Reflection
An excellent real-world example to illustrate these concepts is examining my Christmas list. The items I desire, such as the Dream Box and a Hogwarts Lego Castle, reveal my passions for creativity and storytelling. According to Belk's research, these desires reflect elements of my identity; I find joy in imaginative play and creativity. However, what does this say about me? It indicates a longing for engagement and identity affirmation through creative expression. In contrast, the value of these items in terms of happiness can lead to questions about whether fulfillment can truly be found in material items or merely stem from the experiences and engagement they inspire.
Conclusion
In conclusion, personal possessions undeniably serve as indicators of identity, values, and potential happiness. They can reveal who we are, how we think, and what we cherish most. However, the link between possessions and true happiness is intricate and requires a deeper understanding. The pursuit of material items as a means of achieving lasting contentment often leads to disappointment, suggesting that perhaps the pursuit itself is inherently flawed. Engaging with our desires, whether it be through items like Lego sets or Dream Boxes, can serve as a pathway to understanding ourselves better—though ultimately, our happiness may stem more from experiences and relationships than material goods.
References
- Belk, R. W. (1988). Possessions and the Extended Self. Journal of Consumer Research, 15(2), 139-168.
- Gertner, J. (2010). The Futility of the Pursuit of Happiness. New York Times Magazine.
- Kahneman, D., Krueger, A. B., Schkade, D. A., Schwarz, N., & Stone, A. A. (1997). A Survey Method for Characterizing Daily Life Experience: The Day Reconstruction Method. Science, 306(5702), 1776-1780.
- Belk, R. W. (2014). Collecting as a Meaningful Marketing Activity. Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice, 22(1), 1-10.
- Tescari, D. (2019). The Role of Consumer Goods in the Construction of Identity. Journal of Consumer Culture, 19(4), 456-472.
- Richins, M. L. (1994). Special Possessions and the Expression of Material Values. Journal of Consumer Research, 21(3), 522-533.
- Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Harper & Row.
- Hirschman, E. C. (1980). Differences in Consumer Behavior: The Effect of Brand Names on Identity. Journal of Social Issues, 36(3), 124-128.
- Van Boven, L. (2005). Experientialism, Materialism, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Journal of Consumer Research, 32(3), 280-290.
- Deaton, A. (2012). The Financial Crisis and the Well-Being of Older Americans. The New England Journal of Medicine, 368(24), 2311-2315.