Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Journal #3: Literary Response to a Quote

"We make the world we live in and shape the environment." -Orison Swett Marden

I feel that this quote is very true and that its message is overlooked too often in our society. Each human being that walks this earth must realize that they have a responsibility toward their own environment. With this being said, I don't think anyone should take a clean and safe earth for granted. I think it happens too often in today's world where people have the attitude that "I am just one person. What difference can I really make?" I personally feel this is a 'glass half-empty' attitude and it should be looked at differently. Not only can one person make a big difference by the choices they make, but they must realize that their choices can influence others. Whether these are good or bad choices, others will notice them and the attitude of the people making these choices and this can definitely have an impact on the environment.

Continuing with the idea that individual environmental actions have influence on others, I think the most common application is when young children watch the action of adults. The teaching profession definitely illustrates this, as educators must realize that their students are watching their every move, and listening to the words they speak. Teachers can certainly take a proactive approach to shaping the environment by providing a good example for their students. They also can inspire them to take their own action, such as planting a tree, recycling, and not littering. These are just a few of the many suggestions a teacher can make to their students. They also can make a huge impact by setting a good example, through actions such as turning off the lights when the classroom is not in use, unplugging unused electronics, disposing of waste, etc.

This quote has a deep connection to environmental science, but definitely can be applied in other aspects of school and life as well. For instance, I think this could be applied in schools in social situations, such as anti-bullying. Students must realize that the way they treat others 'makes the world they live' and can influence the atmosphere or 'environment' of the school. Students and Teachers can also approach this quote from an individual perspective, and connect it to personal academics. Students can realize that they can make their own career and future through the effort and hard-work that they put in. No matter how this quote is interpreted, it involves personal devotion by an individual, as a way to promote common good for many. With this being said, this is what I feel makes this quote so powerful.


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