<p>Prompt: Is conscience a more powerful motivator than money, fame, or power?
Essay:
Power can be addictive and sometimes people neglect or abuse their power in order to gain more power and wealth. Yet there are many leaders that disprove this notion. Leaders like George Washington, Bill Gates, and John Adams have shown that conscience is a more powerful motivator that money and fame.
When the Revolutionary War was over, George Washington was the most popular man in America. Washington could have easily proclaimed himself king, yet he returned to his home in Mount Vernon. This shows that Washington was humble despite his remarkable achievement. When George Washington was president he could have proclaimed himself king, but instead he strived to set precedents that would limit the power of the president. For example, he set the precedent that president’s serve two terms. Washington was able to walk away from power because he was balanced and wanted to uphold the republican principles America was founded on.
Likewise billionaire Bill Gates is motivated by his values rather than money. Bill Gates is the founder of Microsoft, one of the most powerful companies in the world. He gained wealth at an early age; he was a multi-millionaire by the time he was thirty. But in recent years, Bill Gates has retired from Microsoft and has dedicated his entire time to philanthropy. Bill Gates and his wife started a foundation that helps third-world countries. The foundation deals with issues like eradicating polio, funding schools, and providing prenatal care. In several interview, Gates has acknowledged that helping people makes him happy rather than money. Gates uses his power, wealth and fame to help others.
John Adams was also influenced by his values as opposed to fame. Second President of the United States, John Adams was considered an unpopular president during his term. When France was seizing American ships and kidnapping American soldiers, many Americans wanted to go to war, but Adams knew that the United States was too weak to go to war. His decision was unpopular with many of his contemporaries and he lost the election of 1800. Yet many historians agree that Adams made a good decision. Adams knew what was best for the country and didn’t allow fame, popularity, and wealth to sway his decision.
These great leaders exemplify how one’s conscience can be a more powerful force than selfish desires.</p>
<p>You’re a strong writer but you’ve made scant connection to the notion of conscience as a “force.”</p>
<p>^agree
Only your Bill Gates example strongly motivates it, George Washington is a little weak and John Adams isn’t supported that much
Intro and conclusion can be better
8/12</p>