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Prompt: Comment on the proverb Death is better than a faded life
I. Detailed outline
1. Introduction
2. Body
3. Conclusion
II. Sample essay
I. Outline for Commentary on the Proverb Death is Better than a Faded Life
1. Introduction
Introducing the proverb
2. Body
- Explaining the proverb:
+ Death within: Dying for noble ideals, dying for grand ideals
+ Faded living: Living in disgrace, in humility
=> This proverb embodies the noble and grand way of human life
- The noble way of life in the past and present
- Individual and organizational responsibilities in cultivating good character:
+ Individuals:
Understanding and embracing the noble values of this way of life
Uphold righteous principles without being conservative, be open to listening attentively
+ Family:
Be more active in coordinating with schools to educate children
Live positively to serve as a role model for the next generation
3. Conclusion
Reaffirming the value of the proverb
II. Sample Essay on Commenting on the Proverb Death is Better than a Faded Life
Life is always full of challenges, unforeseen difficulties. Indeed, if one is not resilient, they may easily succumb to the temptations of life, losing their dignity and character. Everyone has a chance to live, but living in the right way, in a beautiful way, is not an easy task. And the message about the noble way of life has been conveyed through the proverb: 'Death is better than a faded life.'
Indeed, everyone must live, grow, and mature in life. However, living in the right way, living beautifully, is not an easy task. The proverb 'Death is better than a faded life' asserts a truth of life — a noble way of living, being willing to die for one's ideals, living wholeheartedly, striving to achieve those ideals. Setting a goal implies overcoming challenges, even if the path ahead is difficult, full of pain. It's a personal choice, a passion that cannot be abandoned. 'Death within' is a metaphor for a straightforward, pure lifestyle, accepting losses but steadfastly adhering to the right and ideal way of life. In contrast, 'Faded living' is living in cowardice, without effort, succumbing to fears, burying one's own aspirations, or choosing shortcuts that lead to personal degradation, turning into a criminal, a villain, degraded and dishonored. Not only that, but a faded life also represents betrayal and ingratitude, disregarding one's own honor to deceive and engage in illicit activities for personal gain.
The noble way of life, sacrificing for righteousness, choosing death over a compromised life, has been proven throughout the extensive history of our nation. This is exemplified by Le Lai sacrificing himself to save the king, and later Tran Binh Trong with the steadfast belief in liberating the South rather than becoming a Northern king. During the French resistance, when the enemy poured troops into North Vietnam, in a precarious situation, the two governors of Hanoi, Nguyen Tri Phuong and Hoang Dieu, demonstrated resilience by avoiding falling into the enemy's hands, taking their own lives without hesitation. The years of the anti-French resistance continued with challenges and hardships. In those nine years of resistance, the people of Hanoi willingly burned their homes to stop the enemy, sacrificing their wealth and lives to serve the cause of defending the homeland. Through the harsh days of the anti-French struggle, our nation once again faced the mighty U.S. empire, the strongest in the world at that time. Despite the enemy's modern equipment and state-of-the-art weapons with formidable power, our soldiers and people bravely advanced into battle, regardless of knowing that going meant not coming back, and going meant sacrificing. One of these brave figures was the hero Nguyen Van Troi, Nguyen Van Dung. They were ordinary people with flesh and blood but possessed steel spirits, courageously fighting with all their might, even if it meant sacrificing their lives. The resounding anthem of the heroic deeds of these heroes will echo forever, becoming a shining example of the noble way of life encapsulated in 'Death is better than a faded life' for the nation.
The story of this noble way of life has been preserved and passed down through generations. They taught their descendants to live in the right way, to live cleanly, educating their children based on the noble ideals of Confucianism and Buddhism. Growing up with these lofty thoughts, we learn to live worthy of our parents' upbringing, to live with noble ideals — to die within is better than living a compromised life. Not only because of these ingrained ethical values, but also our nation has immortal statues and monuments about bright lives like Tran Minh and Nguyen Trai, full of injustice. Throughout his transparent life, he was a virtuous middle-ranking mandarin with both talent and virtue, but always faced unjust grievances, leading to the unjust killing of the king and the extermination of his family.
And what about us? Isn't life pretty good now? We live in peace, with freedom, independence, and comfort. We don't have to endure unjustifiable injustices like before. So why do some of us choose a mean, submissive lifestyle, living in a dull way, and let ourselves live 'faded' like that? Faded living is no longer the story of a few individuals; it has become a significant issue that bewilders society, dominating mass media. Reading the news, we often come across infuriating stories of embezzlement, bribery, compromising construction projects resulting in slow progress, poor-quality bridges and drains collapsing—all at the expense of the blood, sweat, and tears of the people. In an instant, these villains take advantage of their positions to fill their pockets. In the end, the people suffer, we suffer, and those around us suffer. Society is filled with 'unpleasant' actions, with the saddest being the thefts committed by many young people. Despite their youth, vitality, and the ability to find a job, earn a living, and lighten the burden on their families and society, some young minds still harbor thoughts of getting rich through illicit means, robbing others for their own comfort. More dangerously, the society we live in is full of scams and fraud. Many buy and sell positions, fake scholars with real degrees, and people's lives are turned upside down because they overvalue the worth of money. They believe that having money means having everything, and with money, serious crimes become light, and light offenses are considered almost non-existent. Using money, they manipulate public opinion, creating glossy profiles. In reality, it's just a glittering cover for a deceitful person who prefers to live a 'faded' life.
So, living rightly, living worthy of the efforts of our parents, is what it means to live. To act righteously, our thoughts need to be righteous first. Maintain a firm stance, perspective, don't fear difficulties, and don't be discouraged by failures. Recognize the values of difficulties that life brings. Live harmoniously, be open-minded, and be ready to listen to contributions from others, which will help us develop ourselves and live better. Don't think that times have changed, and having money means having everything. Even as society changes, we always respect and admire those who sacrifice for the country, lifelong heroes who are transparent and bright. When the country is no longer in agony as before, we must learn to live a noble life, a life that shines through both words and actions.
But becoming a good person also requires the help of family and society. Families and relatives need to know how to educate their children, setting an example because children are easily influenced by their living environment. An essential element is finding a suitable educational environment, coordinating closely with schools to educate and develop the character of children.
Earth has over seven billion people, each with a different life, carrying different values. What makes each person have different values is their thoughts and actions. Strong and righteous thinking will help people maintain their character, their high and beautiful qualities. Overcoming challenges over time will make people stronger and more resilient to rise with their own feet. Living cleanly, living worthy of the expectations and trust of others, is what it means to live. It is also the message conveyed through the proverb: 'Death is better than a faded life.'
Here is a commentary on the proverb Death is better than a faded life. To reinforce knowledge and writing skills, you can also refer to other excellent essays for grade 10 such as a commentary on the proverb Siblings despise each other, the country despises the rear, a commentary on the proverb A hundred without hands-on practice is not as good as being familiar with it, and a commentary on the saying Opinion afterward: A peacock's feathers beautify itself, education beautifies a person. Explain and comment on the proverb Hungry for cleanliness, torn for fragrance.
