<p>I am applying for FSU and this is the essay prompt:
Florida State University is more than just a world-class academic institution preparing you for a future career. We are a caring community of well-rounded individuals who embrace leadership, learning, service, and global awareness. With this in mind, which of these characteristics appeal most to you, and why?
I am choosing service and I have a few quotes that I want to start my essay with. I can’t decide which one to pick. I would appreciate any input!</p>
<p>Aristotle: The greatest virtues are those which are most useful to other persons.</p>
<p>Leo Tolstoy: The sole meaning of life is to serve humanity.</p>
<p>Anthony Robbins: Only those who have learned the power of sincere and selfless contribution experience lifes deepest joy: true fulfillment. </p>
<p>Persian Proverb: Every man goes to his death bearing in his hands only that which he has given away. </p>
<p>I would go with Tolstoy or Aristotle, in that order. The first suggestion I give to people trying to make a good impression is to never make the other person feel inadequate. You don’t want someone going “Huh? Who’s that?” and feel put off. Or even worse, make them think you contrived it somehow - I actually once had a professor ask if someone else wrote my paper because I quoted a relatively obscure philosopher. The flip side is choosing someone too mainstream is it loses its panache, hence Tolstoy.</p>
<p>Yes, it’s relatively minor in the grand scheme of things, but sometimes it’s the little things that matter.</p>