GRE备考：GRE作文范文大全（22）
Those who disagree that we tend to restrict our own freedom through our habits and
attitudes involving personal and employment relationships might cite the often-heard complaint
about life's circumstances leaving one with "no choice." One complaining person might feel
trapped in a job or a marriage, by their boss or partner. Another complainant might blame his
or her spendthrift habits on enticing advertisements, the pressure to appear successful, and so
forth. However, people in situations such as these are not actually at the mercy of others.
Instead, they have a significant degree of personal freedom, but simply choose one alternative
over others that might be less appealing or even self-defeating. For example, almost every
person who blames someone else for being trapped in a job is simply choosing to retain a
certain measure of financial security. The choice to forego this security is always available,
although it might carry unpleasant consequences.
That through our attitudes we serve to constrain our own freedom is evident on a societal
level as well. Just as children at a playground quickly develop the habit of imposing rules and
regulations on themselves, as a society we do the same. After all, in a democracy our system
of laws is an invention of the people. For example, we insist on being bound by restrictions for
operadng motor vehides, for buying and selling both real and personal property, and for
making public statements about other people. Without these restrictions, we would live in
continual fear for our physical safety, the security of our property, and our personal reputation
and dignity. Thus most of the rules and regulations we claim are imposed on us we have
ultimately imposed on ourselves, as a society, in order to protect ourselves.
In the final analysis, in contenting that our habits and attitudes "often" serve to restrict our
freedom more than restraints that others place on us do, the statement does not even go far
enough. Despite our occasional sense that others are restricting our choices, on both an
individual and a societal level we are ultimately the ones who, through our attitudes and habits,
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limit our own freedom.
Issue 37
"In any realm of life---whether academic, social, business, or political---the only way to
succeed is to take a practical, rather than an idealistic, point of view. Pragmatic behavior
guarantees survival, whereas idealistic views tend to be superceded by simpler, more
immediate options."
I agree with the speaker insofar as that a practical, pragmatic approach toward our endeavors
can help us survive in the short tenn. However, idealism is just as crucial if not more so--for
long-term success in any endeavor, whether it be in academics, business, or political and
social reform.
When it comes to academics, students who we would consider pragmatic tend not to pursue
an education for its own sake. Instead, they tend to cut whatever corners are needed to
optimize their grade average and survive the current academic term. But, is this approach the
only way to succeed academically? Certainly not. Students who eamesdy pursue intellectual
paths that truly interest them are more likely to come away with a meaningful and lasting
education. In fact, a sense of mission about one's area of fascination is strong motivation to
participate actively in class and to study earnesdy, both of which contribute to better grades in
that area. Thus, although the idealist-student might sacrifice a high overall grade average, the
depth of knowledge, academic discipline, and sense of purpose the student gains will serve
that student well later in life. 感谢您阅读《GRE作文范文大全（22） 》一文，出国留学网(liuxue86.com)编辑部希望本文能帮助到您。
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