Sat_Success_Argument_Essay

There are very rare situations when a person achieves success without others’ guidance. Obviously, these situations are the exception, not the rule. Success has a myriad of definitions and is different through different perspectives. It can however be universally agreed that success lies in the achievement of an ambition. Literature and history, despite being radically different at times, interestingly teach that it is imperative to listen and take advice from others. The great William Shakespeare was no exception, making the underscoring reason behind many of his characters’ successes rooted in their ability to take advice. His play Macbeth is perhaps one of his best works, which demonstrates the importance of taking advice or lack thereof. Macbeth evidently consults with his wife, Lady Macbeth, who convinces him to murder Duncan, rendering Macbeth the King of Scotland. By listening to his wife rather than his own convictions, which fill Macbeth with guilt, Macbeth is able to achieve his ambition of become King. However, as the play progresses, Macbeth starts making decisions on his own and casts his wife out of the decision making. Eventually, his poor judgment and violent persona leads to his downfall. Unlike Shakespeare’s Macbeth, who interpreted advice unethically, many historical figures, especially rulers, established peace and stability by use of advisors. During the early years of the formation of the United States a brilliant George Washington surrounded himself with a cabinet of advisors, each with different outlooks on the then current state of the country. One of the first problems that arose after the Revolutionary War was the problem of debt. After the costly Revolutionary War, the United States owed much money to other countries, and to its own citizens. To solve this issue, Washington listened and considered many perspectives, until eventually taking Alexander Hamilton’s advice, creating the First National Bank. The National Bank made it easier for the government to manage finances, which in turn stabilized the financial situation of the country. It is acceptable to say that George Washington managed to achieve his ambition of getting the country stabilized after the war, and even more acceptable to say that he could not have done it without advice from others. George Washington and Macbeth both had advisors who provided guidance. Both listened to the advice being given, and both achieved their goals. The reason as to why Macbeth’s goal eventually flounders lies in the nature of advice; listening to others is an integral part that leads to success, but the interpretation is even more so.