<p>Prompt: Can knowledge be a burden rather than a benefit?</p>
<p>Although knowledge is necessary to succeed in life, learning about harsh truths often leads to emotional injury. Both basketball player Lamar Odom and my former neighbor Jonas demonstrate the pains that result from obtaining information meant to be kept a secret from them. </p>
<p>After basketball player Lamar Odom learned that the Los Angeles Lakers tried to trade him, his basketball career was ruined. The Lakers were in serious trade talks with the New Orleans Hornets for trading Odom for Chris Paul. The discussion was help privately, but as with most trades, the news leaked into the media. Even though the trade eventually fell apart, it was too late – Lamar found out that the Lakers almost traded him to the Hornets, and was deeply hurt. The following NBA season was Lamar’s worst. Burdened by the knowledge that his team no longer appreciated his services, his field goal percentage dropped from 40% to an atrocious 20%, and he was never able to recover from the harsh truth.</p>
<p>Similar to Lamar learning that the Lakers planned to trade him, my former neighbor Jonas was emotionally injured when his parents confessed he was an adopted child. Jonas’ parents veiled the secret from him for nearly 16 years, feeling that doing so would be best for their relationship. However, as Jonas was nearing adulthood, his parents confessed that they adopted him from St. Mary’s orphanage. They hoped Jonas was mature enough to understand the truth, but the news shattered him. A former 4.0 student, Jonas began flunking nearly all his tests and even doing marijuana. Learning he was adopted spoiled his motivation to succeed in life.</p>
<p>Knowledge can certainly be beneficial. However, when someone learns a secret not intended for his hears, disastrous results can often ensue.</p>