<p>I know that there’s a group for this, but I’d rather have people like stupak give me harsh criticism. I’m hoping this scores at least 9.</p>
<p>“Can success be disastrous?”</p>
<p>In today’s world, a person is often judged by measure of his or her success. Wealth has become the standard of success, distinguishing hard workers and visionary leaders from indolent minds. However, this narrow-minded view is misleading. Success doesn’t shape a person’s character. Rather, it blinds a person from motivation and leads to catastrophic debacles.</p>
<p>The Roman empire was one of the most wealthy empires in world’s history. Conquering its enemies with superb leadership and overwhelming groups of skillful swordsmen, the Roman empire devoured the continent of Europe with sheer determination. After the empire was restored to order under Caesar and Augustus, it suffered a fatal blow. Unbelievable success of the Romans had left them with quixotic consciousness; they believed that their vast empire couldn’t be defeated. Starting from the city of Rome, the Roman empire fell to never-ending festivities, ignoring all the work to be done in order for the government to function. Under Nero’s cajoling command, the Roman empire descended to savagery and crumbled down to pieces. Too much success halted the Roman’s vision of their paradise, disintegrating the whole empire right before its completion.</p>
<p>Similarly, a successful campaign leads to complete mayhem in “Their Eyes Were Watching God.” Janie, the protagonist, runs away with Jodie, a charismatic and charming businessman, after she finds her first marriage in debacle. Settling down in a new town, Janie and Jodie set up a market store for everyone to use. It soon lands them with enormous fortune, and also foreshadows their troubled relationship. Jodie buys a palatial mansion, elegant and expensive clothes for Janie, and a gigantic property for investment. His attempt at aristocratic lifestyle soon alienates the couple from the town, resulting in nasty rumors. Jodie also loses his focus on his marriage, becoming a workaholic. Lachrymose and devastated, Janie realizes that wealth, an object that she desired so passionately, couldn’t bring ever-lasting happiness to her. </p>
<p>Success is something that we all would love to have. Wealth, after all, fills our desires of buying European sportscars and buying expensive designer clothes. However, we must recognize its downfall. Success tempts us to take a step too far from our fate, corrupting us with failure. Instead, we must utilize success with moderation and philanthropy for moral enlightenment.</p>