Top 7 Essays on the Argumentative Topic 'Don't Strive to Become Famous, First Be Useful' (Grade 9)

When a person is born, they are just an ordinary child. As they grow, they might become famous, or they might remain an unnoticed shadow. When they pass away, will there be anything left for others to remember them by?

Time continues to pass, and the span of a human life seems ever shorter. In the face of that infinite stretch of time, humans appear small and insignificant. We only exist within the framework of time by asserting our true value. 'Live true to yourself, don't strive to be famous, but first strive to be useful.'

What is your goal in life? Is it to become famous? But do you really understand what fame is? A famous person is someone admired by others, known for their talent and success in a particular field. On the other hand, a useful person is someone who contributes value to society through concrete actions. Ultimately, the message here emphasizes the true worth of an individual, which is realized through their contributions to family and society.

People always have dreams and hopes, and everyone wishes to become famous. It is a legitimate desire, but not everyone has the ability, qualities, and conditions to achieve it. Becoming famous is not something that can happen overnight. First, the individual must possess a special quality or talent that sets them apart, gaining public attention through their abilities, or their exceptional qualities must lead them to accomplish something significant that others will recognize. Each discovered genius didn’t they do so because they had a natural talent in a certain field? Therefore, the first condition is entirely subjective. Geniuses are extremely rare—could you be one of them? But the road to fame is like a rose garden: beautiful yet full of thorns. Having talent alone without the opportunity to cultivate and showcase it is of little use.

Conditions include many external factors, such as financial capability and the environment in which one is nurtured. For example, a famous singer is not only known for their singing ability but also for the significant investment put into making them known to the public. A pianist, even with talent, must practice tirelessly for many years to gain recognition. Even for a genius, only 1% is talent, and 99% is effort. Do you have the patience to persevere?

Many people dream of fame like a moth to the flame, seeking glory by any means, even at a great cost. Their desires overpower their reason, blinding them to their true selves. They become lost in illusions, enslaved by their own fantasies. These individuals often fall into envy, disappointed by their unrealistic self-confidence, and take extreme actions that harm themselves and others. Dreaming is a right, but when dreams are unrealistic, they can ruin one's life. Therefore, the more dazzling fame is, the darker and scarier its shadow.

However, if one doesn’t become famous, for many, it doesn’t matter. They don't yearn for fame; they simply wish to contribute their small efforts to make society better. These actions might seem ordinary, such as protecting the environment, supporting students during exams, or volunteering to help poor children—but their value is undeniable. They lead a life without regret, for they have done meaningful things for the world. Their quiet contributions may not make them famous, but they affirm their value to the community. That, in itself, is what makes them truly precious. And who knows? Perhaps fortune will smile upon them, and they might one day find themselves famous. So, being useful might still open the door to fame. But remember, being useful is just the condition for fame. If you desire to be famous, first be useful. 'Don’t live by desires; live by what you can achieve'—this makes you valuable to life.

However, society also contains individuals who are content with what they have. Such a life feels dull and boring; it causes people to fall behind, lacking ambition for progress. To them, 'the self' is paramount. By settling for a passive existence, they lose the will to live better and to live beautifully. Losing ambition means they have reached a dead end, becoming mere shadows of life. They live quietly, not understanding the joy of life that comes from making meaningful contributions. To them, life is just about surviving. They won’t find real meaning in existence. Their hopes of becoming famous will slowly fade, and eventually, they will be abandoned by this desire. They have unknowingly crushed their own belief in life.

Many have lost their way because they chased after fleeting desires. Some have smiled as they passed away, for they lived truly and meaningfully. Life is a gift for all, so why is there such a difference between those who live for fame and those who live meaningfully? The answer lies in their different life goals. Therefore, as the younger generation, we must define our purpose in life. More importantly, we must recognize that the key to a meaningful life is to assert our value through positive contributions to society. How wonderful it will be when there are young citizens who are useful and dedicated to their communities.

A tree cannot grow when it is merely planted in the ground. It must be watered, nourished, and cared for to flourish. Similarly, humans must constantly nurture their aspirations to progress in life. Only then can they assert their place in society and create opportunities for fame on their own terms. The desire to advance in life paves the way for our future, guiding us to a better life. Don’t strive to be famous; first, strive to be useful. It is a guiding lesson for a meaningful life. Fame fades, but useful deeds are forever remembered.

The true value of a person is not in their fame, but in their contributions to society. Life is finite in the face of infinite time, so leave something meaningful behind. 'When you were born, you cried while everyone around you smiled... when you pass away, others will cry, but you will smile' (Bailey).

“Like the silent night guards who are so beautifully still, oh land of ours.” The lyrics of the song “Passing Through the Grasslands” echo in my mind as I ponder the statement, “Don’t strive to be famous; first and foremost, be a person of value.” Fame is a dream for many, especially young people at the crossroads of life, eager to prove their worth. This aspiration is entirely justified, but not everyone can achieve it. However, being a person of value to both family and society is something every young person is capable of. Thus, we can see that the concepts of “fame” and “value” are intertwined and should be examined from various perspectives for a deeper understanding.

A famous person is someone who is admired, recognized for their talent and success in a particular field; whereas a person of value is someone who contributes to society by providing tangible benefits through their actions. Essentially, this viewpoint highlights the true worth of an individual based on their contributions to family and society.

Let us first examine the idea of “striving to become famous.” The desire for fame is a legitimate one. If someone has talent in a certain field, it is natural for them to aspire to succeed and become an object of admiration. This ambition is a powerful motivator, encouraging them to work diligently. However, the road to fame is often fraught with challenges, and not everyone has the necessary skills, qualities, or opportunities to shine.

This inevitably leads to a situation where many young people resort to underhanded tactics to become famous, or, driven by misguided self-illusion, they end up harming themselves or society. Perhaps many are familiar with the so-called “hot girls” or “hot boys” who claim fame on social media. Their “greatest contributions” to society might include posting revealing photos, singing like “Lệ Rơi,” or engaging in relationship scandals to boost their fame. They may gain attention, but it is notoriety, not true fame. The true value of a person cannot be built on falsehoods and such cheap foundations. True fame can only be achieved through sweat, tears, perseverance, innate talent, and favorable conditions for growth.

So why not seriously reflect on the second part of this statement: “Be a person of value.” Each individual, through their ordinary thoughts and actions, can assert their worth and contribute to society, becoming a person of value. For instance, there are countless people around us, such as teachers, janitors, shopkeepers, and motorcycle taxi drivers, who, though not famous, are valuable because they quietly contribute their efforts to building a better world, much like “bees in the deep night.” Living a life of value is also a prerequisite for becoming famous, so before aspiring to be famous, one must first be a person of value.

Everyone knows that Professor Ngô Bảo Châu, who won the prestigious Fields Medal in Mathematics, was once just an ordinary university professor. Living a life of value is a simple attitude that does not require grand gestures to seek fame, but it is important to distinguish this from a mindset of complacency. A life without ambition and desire loses its meaning, and there is no hope of becoming famous.

From this analysis, it is clear that the statement holds true. Every young person must define their purpose in life, understanding that the most important thing in life is to assert one’s worth through positive contributions to society. They must continuously nurture the ambition to rise, not just to be famous, but to become a person of value.

In conclusion, “fame” and “value” are not conflicting concepts but are deeply intertwined. Living a life of value is the foundation for becoming famous, and fame is an opportunity to do even more good. If you cannot achieve fame, why not strive to be the person who contributes the most in your field?

Becoming a famous pop singer like Michael Jackson? A legendary footballer like Maradona or as wealthy as Bill Gates? If someone posed that question to us, I’m sure most people would dream of being famous in that way. Life is full of different beliefs and dreams. Some dream of becoming a famous scientist, others aspire to be successful entrepreneurs. I’m no different; I once dreamed of becoming a famous writer. But it wasn’t until I came across the phrase, “Don’t strive to be famous, first and foremost, be a person of value,” that I began to seriously reconsider this desire.

So what exactly does “fame” mean that makes everyone yearn for it? A famous person is someone who has achieved great success in their career or in a particular field, someone who is widely recognized, admired, and respected. Take Bill Gates, for example, the American businessman, philanthropist, author, and co-founder of Microsoft, the global software company. He’s always featured on the list of the wealthiest people in the world. Or consider Professor Ngô Bảo Châu, the first Vietnamese to win the prestigious Fields Medal in mathematics, an honor not easily attained by every mathematician.

Professor Ngô Bảo Châu is not only famous for his mathematical achievements but is also a renowned lecturer at prestigious universities in the US and worldwide. He’s a symbol of Vietnamese intellectual pride on the global stage. Likewise, musician Đặng Thái Sơn is an extraordinary talent in the world of music. His performances are eagerly awaited by music lovers in Vietnam and around the globe. Concert halls are packed, and millions of hearts beat in unison with the rhythm of his virtuoso piano playing. Isn’t Đặng Thái Sơn a musical genius?

Becoming famous is a dream many of us share. But if you can’t achieve that fame, don’t be disheartened, because you can still lead a meaningful life. Don’t try to become famous like some young people do, by imitating others' strange fashion choices or doing attention-grabbing acts to gain fame. The price you pay for such fame can sometimes be too high. Some young people seek recognition from friends and lovers by performing dangerous stunts on highways, racing with death just to get noticed. They might achieve fame, but it will be the kind of fame that causes their loved ones endless pain and sorrow.

This quote made me rethink my own dream of becoming famous. Each of us can be famous if we have real talent, but before that, we must strive to be good people, to be people of value. Society needs famous people, but it needs people of value even more. Let’s make our lives better by doing meaningful things, by being people who contribute positively.

The phrase “Don’t strive to be famous…” has left all of us with a valuable lesson about the meaning of life and our perspective on living. I remember a quote by a famous writer: “In this life, no one may remember your name, but the things you do will be indispensable to their lives.” Of course, keep dreaming about becoming famous. With enough effort and talent, one day, you may become famous in your chosen field. But perhaps, this quote is also valuable advice for each of us as we step into life.

The true measure of life is not time, but contribution. Therefore, it is often advised: "Don’t strive to become famous; instead, aim to be a person of value."

A famous person is someone well-known for their talents and achievements in a particular field, whereas a person of value is one who brings meaning, benefits, and positive impact to themselves, their family, and society through concrete actions.

The phrase “Don’t... but instead…” is often used to offer wise advice, affirm a perspective, or persuade others. It urges us to prove our worth through positive contributions to society rather than chasing empty fame and false glory.

Famous individuals are often those with exceptional qualities, talents, or intelligence in areas like music, art, or science. However, not everyone is born with inherent talents, and those who do possess them must also cultivate them through hard work and dedication to stand out. Conversely, many who lack natural talent but are determined and diligent can still rise to prominence.

In essence, this advice emphasizes the true value of each individual based on their contributions to family and society. It also encourages living a life with a genuine purpose, not chasing fame or prestige but focusing on the meaningful aspects of life, especially how we affect others.

Fame and prestige are not the highest goals in life. Fame can corrupt, erode morals, and lead to destructive paths. There are those who, in their pursuit of fame, have resorted to unethical means. Such fame is ultimately meaningless.

On the other hand, those who live with purpose and contribute positively bring immeasurable value to others. Even if they are not famous, their lives hold meaning and are essential to those around them. In ancient philosophy, the term "fame" was always associated with actual deeds and actions: "True greatness is achieved through noble deeds, not by empty recognition."

The desire for fame is natural, but not everyone has the ability, qualities, or opportunities to achieve it. When fame is pursued for the wrong reasons, it can lead to illusions and even harm to society. A life without dreams or aspirations to improve can feel monotonous and meaningless, making it difficult to stand out.

Anyone, even those born with disabilities, can become valuable by living with a noble purpose and making meaningful contributions to their family, community, and society. Many people who frequently contribute to the welfare of others can become famous. However, fame does not always equate to value. The best advice is to focus on doing valuable things, which will naturally lead to being recognized as a person of worth.

Each individual, through their thoughts and actions, can affirm their value and contribute to the community, becoming a person of value while still having the opportunity to be recognized. Being valuable is the foundation for fame. Therefore, before seeking fame, strive to be someone who adds value. Those who are content with what they have, lacking the ambition to improve, will find their lives losing meaning and will likely never become exceptional.

Live with purpose, with dreams and high aspirations. Live with ethics and responsibility. Live for your family, society, and community, placing collective interests above personal ones. This advice reflects the real issue of fame versus substance. By properly balancing the desire for fame with meaningful contributions, one can lead a peaceful, happy, and authentic life.

In life, there are still people who are famous but arrogant and selfish; those who are deluded about their abilities and will stop at nothing to achieve fame; those who live without ambition or dreams. Such individuals deserve criticism. The true lesson in life is to affirm your value through positive contributions to society while continuously nurturing the desire to strive for betterment. Recognize that the most important thing in life is to contribute positively to the community.

The influence of famous people often carries greater weight and impact on society. However, don’t chase fame at all costs, as it brings many consequences. Let fame come naturally through meaningful actions: “fragrance comes from the flower itself, not from the air around it.”

How should one live in a way that aligns with the will of others and follows the right principles, to become either famous or useful? This is a reasonable point of view that has often been shared as a life motto: "Don’t strive to become famous, first strive to be useful".

So, what exactly is fame or usefulness? A famous person is one who has a widespread reputation, known by many. Fame can be associated with greatness and honor, or it can refer to infamy and notoriety. A famous person might be celebrated for their virtues or talents, or they might be notorious for their wrongdoings.

For example, Teacher Nguyễn Ngọc Kí, born with a disability but who used his feet to write and draw, became well-known and loved by millions of elementary school students. Poet Trần Đăng Khoa gained fame at a young age, becoming known as a child prodigy. On the other hand, criminal Năm Cam became infamous for his violent crimes. Even the character Sở Khanh in the classic poem "Truyện Kiều" is another notorious figure:

"Famous for heartlessness in the brothel,
One hand buried many delicate lotus branches".

(The Tale of Kiều)

On the other hand, a useful person is someone who brings tangible benefits, contributing positively to their family or society through service and dedication. The working people are examples of those who are useful, their contributions being remembered by society: "Anyone who serves a full bowl of rice/ Should remember the work of planting and harvesting the fields." Being useful is synonymous with being productive, whereas being useless means lacking value.

This quote reminds us all to live meaningfully and according to our abilities and virtues, aiming to be useful first. Serving one’s family and country should be seen as a duty and a source of happiness throughout life. To become famous, one must have virtue and talent, building a meaningful career. If one is just an ordinary person, a "common citizen," how can they become famous? "Don’t strive to become famous" because such aspirations are often vague and unrealistic. The proverb: "Measure the rice to match the fish sauce" encourages practical thinking and living. The saying "Famous but without substance" mocks those who are known but lack real achievements, a phenomenon that is sadly widespread in society.

Everyone's social status may differ—whether they are leaders or commoners, rich or poor, intellectuals or manual laborers, young or old—but all must study, work, and strive to become useful. A useful person is one who contributes to society, someone who makes a real difference. Indeed, "The most complete person is the one who is most beneficial to society" (The Quran).

Youths should work hard, study diligently, and be responsible. Elderly people should live well, joyfully, and with purpose. Workers and farmers contribute to the strength and prosperity of the nation. Teachers, engineers, doctors, and other professionals dedicate their skills to the modernization of the country. Soldiers defend the nation’s borders, safeguard its sovereignty, and ensure peace.

We must live with dreams, always striving to build a meaningful career. One should not indulge in unrealistic fantasies, but neither should one be content with mediocrity.

The slogan: "Where there’s a need, there’s a youth" serves as a constant reminder to young people to live beautifully and strive to become useful, for their family and for their country.

“Don’t try to become famous, first try to be useful” and “It’s good to be proud of yourself, but knowing how to feel ashamed is even more important” were two essay questions in the 2011 University Entrance Exam for C and D majors.

These questions were quite difficult but also thought-provoking, as judged by many exam takers and parents alike. The issues they raised were meaningful and had a profound impact, sparking a lot of reflection. It's like the saying “Even poor families should send Tèo to university,” but next to Tèo, we might as well consider sending some celebrities to university too.

A friend of mine remarked, “Don’t try to become famous, first try to be useful. This is especially true for some of today’s hot-girls, who seem to do nothing but show off their bodies. It seems like that’s all they’re good for.”

First, we need to understand that being a celebrity in entertainment is very different from just being famous. Nowadays, fame doesn’t always come from hard work or meaningful contributions to the arts; instead, it often comes from scandal. Choreographer Lê Vũ Long once said, “Fame has become too easy here—an influencer who flaunts her body can become famous, while true artists keep working quietly behind the scenes.” That’s why a child once told their mother, “Elly Trần only has a big chest, but she can’t even act as well as my classmates in drama class.”

After the disaster that was V-Pop, where a number of tall models with karaoke-level singing skills nearly destroyed Vietnamese music, some other models, despite questionable looks (even after plastic surgery), still boldly declared, “I’m going into music, I’m determined to become a singer.” Models like Vy Oanh and Maria Đinh, after posting some revealing photos, then proudly announced they were “going to sing, act, and make movies.”

Our country’s beautiful women sure are talented—they all become models, act in movies, sing, and we’re pretty sure many of them haven’t even written a proper 200-word essay, let alone a 600-word essay with a clear introduction and conclusion. Because if these beauties were truly knowledgeable, if they had excelled in literature, the soul subject, they would never have ventured into the arts in such a tacky way. “Phi Thanh Vân – I’m proud of my tan skin and beauty, I’m a woman, no one can stop me from thinking I’m beautiful, but please, understand that knowing how to feel ashamed is even more important,” said a reader named Ngọc Quang.

“Don’t try to become famous, first try to be useful”—if only some of the already-famous celebrities, or those who gained fame quickly, would realize this. Recently, there was a story about a “hot-girl” known as the “designer goods queen” who made a remark about the singer Mỹ Linh. The elder singer rightly pointed out, “Music has both gems and garbage.” It’s clear that some celebrities try to become famous by flaunting cheap material possessions, followed by low-level comments that show their ignorance and lack of culture. Have they ever thought about becoming useful to society, just like the hardworking students who sweat and study in Hà Nội for university exams?

A male singer known for his few sappy, sentimental songs, married a young, cute hot-girl, and many people congratulated him. But shortly afterward, he posted excessive photos with his wife, followed by rumors that he was soon to become a father. I’m sorry, but in this era of inflation and hardship, no one cares to hear rumors about his fatherhood. His happiness should be his own business, just like his uncertain singing career. If only this middle-aged singer would understand that “It’s good to be proud of yourself, but knowing how to feel ashamed is even better.”

With all the trashy nonsense happening in our entertainment and music industries today, it might be a good idea to send a few of these “celebrities” to take the university entrance exam, with only two essay questions as the exam: one on fame and the other on humility. Hopefully, by then, we’ll see fewer of these so-called “disasters” on the scene.

Each of us is born, grows up, and matures with dreams, ambitions, and personal role models that inspire us to strive toward achieving our goals. However, determining what kind of person we want to be and how we want to live is not always an easy question to answer. In discussing this, there is a perspective that says, "Don’t strive to become famous, first strive to be useful." Delving into this thought could bring many interesting insights. The idea of not chasing fame but instead focusing on being helpful opens up much reflection. So, how should we interpret this advice?

First, a "famous person" refers to someone well-known in society, possibly because of their talent, wealth, or success in a particular field, or sometimes due to scandal. On the other hand, a "useful person" is someone who makes meaningful and practical contributions to the lives of others and society through their actions and deeds. From this understanding, we can see that this perspective offers sound advice about life’s purpose—encouraging us to live with noble and genuine goals. It urges us not to chase fame or admiration, but to live as a person who is helpful, caring, and shares with others, ultimately contributing to a better life for our community and society.

The statement begins by advising us to "not try to become famous." Indeed, fame and recognition are dreams for many, but fame is not permanent and cannot define a person for their entire life. It is not the most noble goal to pursue. Additionally, fame and recognition can lead individuals down a path of moral decline, as the journey to fame is not easy or straightforward—it is filled with difficulties, challenges, and traps that one must face and overcome.

This has led many young people to use any means necessary to achieve the fame they desire. In reality, many people seek fame not for their natural talents or abilities but through tactics like love scandals or harmful actions towards themselves and others. We likely still remember the story of a well-known figure like Khá Bảnh. Therefore, we should not only seek fame, as the path to fame is full of traps that can ultimately transform a person into someone completely different.

Alongside the advice to avoid chasing fame, the statement emphasizes that we should first strive to be a useful person. People who live meaningfully through simple, everyday actions bring joy to those around them and make life better for everyone. In our daily lives, there are many who live this way—they sacrifice their youth and love to bring peace, light, and happiness to others.

For example, there are soldiers who must leave their families and homes to serve in remote border areas or on stormy islands. There are young teachers who bravely face hardships to teach children in remote mountainous areas. There are those with kind hearts, full of love, who carry out meaningful charitable programs to help those in difficult situations, bringing joy, hope, and belief in a brighter tomorrow. These people are not famous, but they are valuable to society. They receive the love and respect of those around them, affirming their positive values. Moreover, being a useful person can also lead to fame, so it is important to strive to be useful before seeking fame.

Thus, we see that the advice presents a profound view on the relationship between fame and usefulness. While fame has its advantages and strengths, it should not be pursued at all costs. There is a reciprocal relationship between fame and usefulness, and before aiming to be famous, one should first work on becoming a useful person. The question remains: how can one become a useful person? To achieve this, one must have clear and noble life goals. It is also necessary to sacrifice personal ego and selfishness for the well-being of others, acting to bring good, practical value to families, communities, and society. Furthermore, one must live with ethics and take responsibility for oneself and others.

In conclusion, the advice "Don’t strive to become famous, first strive to be useful" is sound and appropriate for everyone, especially the younger generation, many of whom are trying to achieve fame at any cost. The message urges each of us to act for the benefit of others, to open our hearts to those around us, as poet Tố Hữu once wrote:

If you are a bird, be sure to sing, if you are a leaf, be sure to stay green.

Can we take without giving?

Living is for others, not just for oneself.