2012 – Most Philosophical 5th Grader in America

Andrew Tai, New York.

Journey in Search of the Meaning of Life?

Throughout history many great philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, Edmund Burke, and Epicurus have thought about the meaning of life. In order to answer this question, people usually seek an education. Plato, Aristotle, and Edmund Burke believed that education was the key to an accomplished life. Obtaining the most knowledge during one’s lifetime promotes happiness, ensures a better life for future generations, and allows individuals to discover the meaning of life. The meaning of life is to absorb the most knowledge in the time given to ensure that future generations will prosper.
The pursuit of an education is fundamental in people’s lives because it enables them to study all academic areas and to learn how to solve problems. Additionally, education provides socialization so people learn how to interact well with others. Plato believed that the intellectuals should rule society because he felt they would make better choices. He referred to individuals as “philosopher kinds” because of their intelligence. He opened an Academy, which became the first college to provide schooling to society. Plato, a Greek philosopher, believed, “by maintaining a sound system of education you produce citizens of good character and citizens of sound character, with the advantage of a good education, parents produce still better children in their turn.” He stressed education was essential for life and for future generations. Education is important, and is helping newer generations to live better lives than their parents.
Most parents desire that their children will have a better life than they had, so they work extremely hard to give their children as much as possible. Parents accomplish this by passing on their knowledge and fortune to their children as a way to ensure their children’s success in life. Edmund Burke, a Greek philosopher, believed that society developed over a long time and that people accumulated experience and knowledge along the way. Burke remarked, “Each generation needs to regard itself not as owning the assets of society but as taking care of them.” It is very important to foster the development and education of children to improve their quality of life. Some people do not think the same way.
It can be argued that education isn’t the to the meaning of life. The Epicureans believed that the most important thing in life is happiness. Epicurus, a Greek philosopher, boasted that, “What is good is what is pleasure.” He would suggest that it is not important to work hard in school and that it is more vital to have fun. But, if people do not work hard in school, they will not attend a credible college and gain knowledge. Without knowledge, obtaining a job and money can be difficult. Knowledge provides comfort and meaning to life.
The meaning of life is to collect the most wisdom to ensure that future generations will thrive. Absorbing the most knowledge will bring happiness to the next generation. Plato stressed that education was essential for life and for future generations. Aristotle believed everyone crave knowledge. Edmund Burke thought that people passed on knowledge and then was used to develop society. Famous Greek philosopher, Aristotle, stated that, “All men by nature desire knowledge.” This knowledge ensures that the next generation will be successful.

 

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