I. Detailed Outline
1. Introduction
2. Body
3. Conclusion
II. Sample Essay
I. Detailed Outline Reflecting on the Perspective: I can also become a happier and more successful person...
b. Discussion
- When we live for others, open our hearts generously, give without expecting in return, we feel joy. Our souls become tranquil and at ease, our lives gain meaning, and the world appears brighter and more beautiful (provide examples).
- Those who live for others are loved, respected, gain trust, expand social connections, and experience a more dynamic and harmonious life.
- Living not only for oneself is commendable. However, those who extend a helping hand and then consider themselves superior or harbor malicious intentions never deserve the happiness they seek.
- A kind heart must find its rightful place, the right moment, and the right individuals. Before dedicating life for others, one must thoroughly ponder over one's own conditions and family's situation. Simultaneously, it's crucial to scrutinize one's actions to ensure they bring about positivity rather than being susceptible to exploitation and wastefulness.
3. Concluding Thoughts
- Express personal sentiments.
II. Sample Essay Reflecting on the Opinion: Each of us has the potential to transform into a happier and more magnanimous individual...
Every child born has the right to happiness, to receive the best education where parents and teachers not only impart essential knowledge from books but also teach basic life skills. Teaching a child to eat, speak, and awakening their instincts for survival are crucial aspects of education. Another equally important part of education is instilling life philosophies in children from a young age, making it an integral part of their lives. Nurturing their souls and guiding them towards virtuous paths allows them to shape their own futures with minimal external intervention. I admire the approach of foreign parents who, instead of resorting to punishment, patiently explain right and wrong to their children, letting them discover on their own or engaging in heartfelt conversations about life. Despite their tender age, children possess certain awareness. One piece of advice I'd like parents to convey to their children is: 'You can become a happier and more significant person when you live not just for yourself.'
It's an encouraging and advisory statement. In reality, children prefer affectionate and gentle treatment from adults rather than facing scoldings or punishments for unintentional mistakes. However, before offering advice like this, parents need to truly understand the meaning behind the words. What is happiness? It's the feeling of joy, contentment, and long-term satisfaction with life. For a happy child, it's simple: being well-fed, warmly clothed, receiving love and care from both parents, going to school, playing with friends, and living a carefree life. However, that's the happiness a child needs at the moment, not the entirety. As parents, everyone wishes for more for their children. They want to build a brighter future for them. The essence of the statement is that a child can become a happier and more accomplished individual. This isn't just the parents' desire; it's also the child's aspiration when they grow older and develop their own thoughts. Gradually, they will yearn for a larger, more meaningful life. Parents need to anticipate these needs and aspirations, laying a solid foundation for their children. Define happiness positively, spend time with your child, and explain that happiness isn't just about satisfying personal needs but also about living for others. Teach them how to share and contribute to the happiness of those around them. Parents, don't hesitate to be examples yourselves before letting your children step into society.
In reality, the phrase is parental advice, yet it serves as a life lesson for all of us about the concept of happiness. Let's discuss why it's said that people become happier and more noble when they live not just for themselves. There's a saying in Bulgaria that goes: 'A hand that gives roses always carries a faint scent of fragrance.' Human nature tends to be selfish; individuals often prioritize themselves before considering others. This is a common psychological instinct. What I want to emphasize here is that when we live well, perhaps we should also share with others, offer someone a fragrant rose, bring a bit of joy and happiness to others. Some may mistakenly believe that living and sharing for others too much may lead to personal loss. However, it's possible that those who hold such views have never truly helped anyone before, never experienced the feeling themselves. While I'm not someone who frequently assists others, I do occasionally gift someone a rose if they genuinely need it, whether a friend or a stranger. The feeling is truly wonderful. When I give a meticulously prepared birthday present to a friend, witnessing their happiness gives me a sense of elation. I even feel happier than the person receiving the gift. It makes me feel that I've done something meaningful, made someone else happy. Suddenly, life seems more beautiful, brighter, and, of course, my friendships become stronger and more enduring. Or, if I encounter an elderly person selling sweets, I sometimes give them money without taking any candy because I don't like sweets. Friends often say I'm falling for scams, just wasting sympathy, but I don't see it that way. Regardless of whether they are truly in need or not, the important thing is that I've done something I feel is useful. At least 50% of the time, they genuinely need that money from me. In general, whether living for oneself or for others, the ultimate result comes back to serving the emotions of the soul, serving your own self. I say this with a basis; don't rush to oppose it because when you give someone a candy, it's because you want to, and after giving, you feel your heart is at ease. Or when you sacrifice, live for someone else, you also feel your heart lightened because it's something you willingly do. The happiness you receive may differ slightly, but there's something grand and special about it. Some say that living for others is about giving without expecting anything in return, sacrificing for others' thoughts and needs. But, it's not entirely true that you don't receive anything, even though it may not be material. You can feel it through spiritual values, like the sense of joy and contentment within your soul that I mentioned earlier. Second, do you realize that people who know how to live for others often receive love and respect from those around them? In the eyes of others, you become more beautiful, lovable, everyone likes to be around you, play with you, and even trust you with important tasks. You may not notice it day by day, but gradually, you suddenly discover that life has become more vibrant, full of vitality, and you seem to have become more significant in society. That is the manifestation of the grand happiness that you often think about.
Living not just for oneself is admirable, but those who extend a helping hand and then believe they are superior or have malicious intentions don't deserve the two words 'happiness.' Happiness is reserved for those with a pure, beautiful heart, who give without expecting anything in return, learning to give wholeheartedly instead of offering empty gifts in hopes of receiving something else for personal gain. Additionally, I don't endorse excessively naive, 'kind' individuals who believe they're living and giving without expecting anything in return, yet in reality, they're being used and exploited every day. Therefore, a good heart must be placed in the right context, the right place, and with the right people. Before living for others, it's essential to carefully assess one's own conditions, family situation, and scrutinize one's actions. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you bring about something good or simply allow others to take advantage and waste your efforts.
The given statement is originally parental advice, but I believe that at any age, one should consider and apply it because whether you're eight or eighty, you're still a human being. And being human inherently entails a desire for happiness and pursuing good things in life. Opening one's heart, living not just for oneself, has become a factor that makes people happier and more profound in life.
Here, Mytour has introduced to students the content of the essay Reflecting on the Opinion: Each of us has the potential to transform into a happier and more magnanimous individual... In addition, students can also refer to some excellent essays for grade 11 such as: Reflection on the statement: Don't wait for life's surprises..., Reflecting on the advice: Don't live by habit, live through experience, Reflection on the statement: Human life is measured by thoughts and actions, Reflection on the statement: Don't be ashamed of not knowing, only be ashamed of not learning.
