Monday, September 3, 2007

The Achievement that Makes Us Immortal by Chris Lam

2007 North Campus
College Prep Writing Contest THIRD PLACE WINNER

What in this world of ours deserves the title of “Greatest Human Achievement?” Where can we even begin to contemplate the thought of our greatest achievement and most positive attribute to the human race? Some would perhaps say the automobile is the greatest human achievement for its way of transportation. Others would say the television or the Internet for helping them to escape their daily boredom. Then some would point to performing and visual arts because they are ways to express the inner creativity that is usually locked away inside. All of these contributions, without a doubt, are positive attributes to our society and fellow human beings, but are they truly the greatest human achievement? How can we judge what is our most positive attribute to our fellow brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers? Well, the answer to this question is really quite simple. Throughout all of time, there has been one key element to our existence. This “mystical virtue” inside all of us has lived throughout the past, and it has withstood and will withstand the test of time. That, which I believe is our greatest human achievement, is the strong and mysterious power inside of us known as Love. Yes, the ability to give, show and accept love, combined with the ability to create love when it is needed, is not only wonderful and amazing, but it is this which, I believe, is truly the greatest human achievement.

Have I lost my mind? Some of you might be thinking that I am a college student who has lost his mind over the legendary and infamous college stress; however, I am not kidding when I say love is our greatest human achievement. For one thing, love is our rock through our toughest storm. For example, we as human beings face a dark hour every once and a while. However, the element of love helps us find our way through our darkest hour. It is our guide. Love is always chipper, cheerful and gladsome. In our darkest hours, to hear, see and know that someone loves you brings a smile to any face. We may feel miserable and alone at times, but the simple fact of knowing that someone, a mother, father, brother, sister, boyfriend, girlfriend or a simple friend, loves you puts a joyous smile on your face and a wonderful warmth in your heart and soul.

The world can be cruel, but we must always remember that we are never alone in this performance called Life. In my own personal belief, a gorgeous angel of eternal love and beauty watches over us in our time of need. We may feel lonely at times, but it’s because of this angel’s eternal touch of grace, love and beauty that helps us make the right choices in life, gives us manners to be polite towards others and allows us to give and receive warm hugs. In life there will be times when the world is shrouded in darkness; however, that darkness is broken when the eternal lights of love given to us from another shine through the depths of despair. Yes, we all feel lost every now and again, but knowing that another human being bathes you in their love lights your path and makes life seem a little more bearable.

Certainly there are those who will say that the Pyramids, the Coliseum, and other monuments are the greatest human achievement. Others will point to cars, phones, trains, television, computers and other electronic devices claiming they deserve the title of the Greatest Human Achievement. Yes, all of these things are glorious and amazing inventions; however, none of these inventions have withstood or will be able to withstand the test of time. Other inventions such as the telephone, television, Internet and other modern day devices have made our lives easier, but like the Pyramids, none of the modern devices will be able to withstand the test of time. Love, however, is the eternal spring that was born in the beginning of time, and as such, will continue to live on long after we are gone. Many things have survived from ancient times; however, some of the greatest artifacts from that time are the tales of burning passionate love. King Tutankhamen and Queen Ankhesenamu of Egypt, Marc Anthony and Cleopatra of Rome, and Princess Kaguya and the Emperor of Japan are just some of the many couple whose tales of passionate love were legendary in the past and still read about in history and fairy tales books alike today.

Love is also infinite. As human beings we can make as much love as we want. Our love does not simply have to end with one person or creature. In our darkest hour, we can always make more love to fill our world with light. We as human beings may feel that in our day and age, love is a source that is slowly fading away, but as long as there is one drop of pure love in our world, it can grow and blossom into a beautiful, youthful and bountiful source of love that can fill this world with the love that it so desperately needs. We may be in the depths of chaos, destruction, death and despair now, but with the element of love on our side, that darkness will soon blossom into light. Love does change things, and when we have faith in its power, the darkness that surrounds our world will blossom into some glorious and beautiful.

This world of ours, run largely by technology, can be a dark place, and many may wonder how the word love even comes to mind in this modern day era. The answer to that question is quite simple being that love itself is our greatest human achievement. We will all face a time of darkness, and this darkness may seem deep and endless, but we must always remember that we are never alone. Even in our darkest hour, the element and beautiful infinite power of love will always guide us to safety. It’s bright and cheerful being makes us all smile in our darkest day. If we didn’t have this rare gift of love, then the world would truly be a dark place and that would be the end of it. Thankfully, we have love. It is this gift of love that makes us who we are, and it is what makes our world a bright and beautiful place to live in and raise our children and future generations to come. We have many contributions to our society, indeed, but it is because of our ability to love and to give love that makes us who we are as human beings. This attribute makes love our greatest human achievement, and it always will be for the beautiful future generations to come after us.

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