“This is the true joy in life,
the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty
one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on
the scrap heap; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish
selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining
that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.”
With these words, George Bernard Shaw begins his play Man
and Superman. The kind of gusto with which Shaw experiences
life can exist in each of us.
But finding that purpose, bringing it out,
and putting it to extraordinary use can be some of the most tremendous
challenges we face. Essays explaining one’s own internal
development, either personally or professionally, and the role
that purpose has played in that evolution would constitute one
type of structure for this type of essay.
A more public form of personal reflection—that
is, a sermon—would also be welcome. These inspiring religious
speeches, which have fallen out of favor as a literary form in
the last number of decades, may provide entrants with a lively
alternative to the more introspective personal essay.
Entrants may want to consider the idea
of vocation. Traditionally a religious concept, in which men and
women were literally supposed to find their “calling,”
vocation has become an important notion for people of various
faiths and spiritual beliefs who are trying to discover their
natural talents and enjoyments. What kind of life gives you the
most fulfillment? How do you know? How has your life changed since
you discovered your own purpose? How have you changed the lives
of others? As in all of the genres, using concrete notions to
clarify this difficult concept will be appreciated by the judges.
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