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15 Sep 2010, 06:36
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I'm hesitant to jump into any sort of argument, but I wanted to give my two cents on this.
In general, I think you may be forgetting the point of the essay. The essay wasn't meant to convey how bad ass this guy is because of this one particular instance. It was meant to convey his particular philosophy of life, which is just as valid and admirable as that of a soldier. The essay was an illustration of what that philosophy entails, just as I'm sure whatever story you write about is an illustration of yours. If you deconstruct the essence of what makes being a solid admirable with that of being an altruist in the face of adversity, you'll find that they aren't too different. The difference is just in the manner in which they manifest themselves.
Which brings me to the real reason I wanted to respond to this. I'd caution my military colleagues to not fall into the trap of thinking that military service is the only manner in which someone can display virtue. It certainly is one way, but it's important to realize in the real world it isn't the only way. It's easy to lose sight of that in the world of different colored berets, hooah, If you can't Cav.., and Rangers lead the way. Nevertheless, the fact remains that there are those everyday who display more virtue in just surviving than any of us could ever reasonably hope (or should want )to display in our lifetimes. That's just how it goes and the sooner you realize that, the better off you'll be. Otherwise, you'll waste a lot of time giving yourself a heartache trying to make a qualitative judgement that you probably have no business making in the first place. You know what you've done and whether or not its worthwhile. That's all that matters -- don't waste your time worrying about whether or not other people have as well.
My $.02
In general, I think you may be forgetting the point of the essay. The essay wasn't meant to convey how bad ass this guy is because of this one particular instance. It was meant to convey his particular philosophy of life, which is just as valid and admirable as that of a soldier. The essay was an illustration of what that philosophy entails, just as I'm sure whatever story you write about is an illustration of yours. If you deconstruct the essence of what makes being a solid admirable with that of being an altruist in the face of adversity, you'll find that they aren't too different. The difference is just in the manner in which they manifest themselves.
Which brings me to the real reason I wanted to respond to this. I'd caution my military colleagues to not fall into the trap of thinking that military service is the only manner in which someone can display virtue. It certainly is one way, but it's important to realize in the real world it isn't the only way. It's easy to lose sight of that in the world of different colored berets, hooah, If you can't Cav.., and Rangers lead the way. Nevertheless, the fact remains that there are those everyday who display more virtue in just surviving than any of us could ever reasonably hope (or should want )to display in our lifetimes. That's just how it goes and the sooner you realize that, the better off you'll be. Otherwise, you'll waste a lot of time giving yourself a heartache trying to make a qualitative judgement that you probably have no business making in the first place. You know what you've done and whether or not its worthwhile. That's all that matters -- don't waste your time worrying about whether or not other people have as well.
My $.02
wp06
Current Student
Joined: 29 Jun 2010
Last visit: 14 Jan 2019
Posts: 307
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 75
Status:Wharton bound
Affiliations: VFW, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, West Point Association of Graduates
Concentration: Strategic Management and Finance
GPA: 3.3
WE 1: Army Ranger / Infantry Platoon Leader Operation Iraqi Freedom (2 yrs)
WE 2: Company Executive Officer (1 yr)
WE 3: Company Commander (2 yrs)
15 Sep 2010, 08:53
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deechi -
I understand what you are saying and once again let me reiterate. I complete agree with this part of what you said:
"Which brings me to the real reason I wanted to respond to this. I'd caution my military colleagues to not fall into the trap of thinking that military service is the only manner in which someone can display virtue. "
I in no way think military stuff is the only way to go. there are people in all walks of life who do amazing things, there are people who do amazing things in non-profits, people who travel to impoverished places and serve in the Peace Corps, there are people who do work for the less fortunate, the poor, the hopeless.
Believe me, I get it. The entire thing emerged where I thought the story was very good but to me I was expecting a guy who did something amazing for some kids or people going through hardship, or perhaps someone who overcame a huge obstacle.
Yes, I also compared it to the things I have seen in combat, so I was unimpressed. There are nice things that you should be expected to do and then there is leadership.
For the last time, I will say it plainly I DO NOT think all true leadership occurs in the military. At the same time, I should not have to walk on egg shells by stating that alot of guys who have deployed and done some serious leadership deserve credit. They deserve the same credit as someone who does something exceptional in any other field from healthcare to volunteering to development.
I am not some gun-totting retard saying Army or nothing else matters.
I am sick of being treated like that on here and esp by a peer military guy.
I understand what you are saying and once again let me reiterate. I complete agree with this part of what you said:
"Which brings me to the real reason I wanted to respond to this. I'd caution my military colleagues to not fall into the trap of thinking that military service is the only manner in which someone can display virtue. "
I in no way think military stuff is the only way to go. there are people in all walks of life who do amazing things, there are people who do amazing things in non-profits, people who travel to impoverished places and serve in the Peace Corps, there are people who do work for the less fortunate, the poor, the hopeless.
Believe me, I get it. The entire thing emerged where I thought the story was very good but to me I was expecting a guy who did something amazing for some kids or people going through hardship, or perhaps someone who overcame a huge obstacle.
Yes, I also compared it to the things I have seen in combat, so I was unimpressed. There are nice things that you should be expected to do and then there is leadership.
For the last time, I will say it plainly I DO NOT think all true leadership occurs in the military. At the same time, I should not have to walk on egg shells by stating that alot of guys who have deployed and done some serious leadership deserve credit. They deserve the same credit as someone who does something exceptional in any other field from healthcare to volunteering to development.
I am not some gun-totting retard saying Army or nothing else matters.
I am sick of being treated like that on here and esp by a peer military guy.
15 Sep 2010, 09:09
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To my mind, the interesting thing this thread illustrates is the difficulty in self-promoting without sounding too self-congratulatory. My guess is that admissions committees give more leeway than normal people (e.g. us) do for chest thumping.
Obviously not all of us have really impressive stories to tell, but we still have to tell an interesting story. The trick is to do so in a sincere and well written way that conveys that we have the attributes (whether it be leadership, intellectual curiosity, drive, etc.) that business schools want.
Obviously not all of us have really impressive stories to tell, but we still have to tell an interesting story. The trick is to do so in a sincere and well written way that conveys that we have the attributes (whether it be leadership, intellectual curiosity, drive, etc.) that business schools want.
