<p>Please score this practice essay out of 12. It was written in 25 minutes and is reproduced letter for letter below. Any feedback is appreciated!</p>
<p>Prompt: Does every individual have an obligation to think seriously about important matters, even when doing so may be difficult?</p>
<pre><code> Society is the makeup of a collection of individuals and the ideas they contribute. Without insightful thought, society surely deteriorates. It is for this reason that all individuals have the obligation to think and consider important issues that significantly affect society. Reknowned thinkers such as Voltaire and Newton, as well as literature like “Of Studies,” by Francis Bacon certainly demonstrate that thinking is critical.
During the 17th century in a period known as the Enlightenment, Voltaire arose as a prominent philosopher. He was widely known for advocating freedom of speech and expression. Europe had lost a sense of purpose and meaning. Voltaire and other philosophers filled the void with thoughtful ideals concerning important issues in society, like freedom of speech. As a result, his impact can still be felt today in the foundations of American government.
In a similar time period, Sir Isaac Newton contributed just as much to the fields of physics and math. In his 20’s Newton locked himself in his room for 2 years of deep thought in search of a tool that would help him solve his physical theories. In that time, he had invented from scratch a branch of math called Calculus, and in doing so continued research in physics that would lead to the development to his three laws of motion. Certainly not an easy feat to accomplish, but by challenging himself to consider the seemingly impossible, Newton created the foundation for modern science to exist.
Finally, Francis Bacon reiterates these principles in his modern essay “Of Studies.” In this piece, her argues for intellectual pursuit to benefit the whole of mankind. He claimed that all knowledge can be in someway beneficial to mankind. By strongly advocating practical applications to intellectual finds, he strengthens the idea of contributing to society.
Intellect can be greatly influencial when individuals take on the duty to benefit society with it. Through historical figures like Voltaire and Newton, and literature by Francis Bacon, one is prompted to consider what modern society would be without them.
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