Education and Determination
According to many, Confucius’ wisdom declared him as “the fundamental shaper and transmitter of the cultural heritage.” (B1090) One of his main concentrations in his book, The Analects, is on education. His very first statement says “To learn something and then put it into practice at the right time: is this not a joy?…” (B1091) There are many statements in The Analects that demonstrate how crucial education and determination are to Confucius.
Similarly, the article “Losing Leg, But Keeping His Drive To Succeed” a brave character named Jovins Dorestan resembles Confucius’ mentality on education and determination. In January 2010, Haiti was struck by a horrific earthquake. This earthquake is the cause of Dorestan’s amputated leg but is the result of him coming to New York, the city of opportunity. Dorestan was very fortunate not only to receive a prosthetic leg, but also to learn English. Once the operation was completed Dorestan began taking English classes. He knew almost no English and after only ten months now speaks and writes in English fluently. “I have determination… Education is the best way to succeed.” (NY Times)
Jovins Dorestan’s determination is similar to a statement of Confucius’, “At fifteen, I set my mind upon learning. At thirty, I took my stand. At forty, I had no doubts. At fifty, I knew the will of Heaven. At sixty, my ear was attuned. At seventy, I follow all the desires of my heart without breaking any rule.” (B1092 2.4) Having the motivation and desire to learn is extremely crucial and can benefit anyone.
Works Cited
Mascia, Jennifer. “Losing Leg, But Keeping His Drive To Succeed”. New York Times. 23 September 2010, New York ed.: The New York Times International A28 Print.
