Culture Archives

Is courage necessarily a virtue?

Courage is often seen as a virtue due to its role in overcoming fear and achieving noble goals, but it can also lead to reckless or harmful actions.

Hook: Courage is admired in stories and heroes.
Background: Brief overview of courage and its traditional view as a virtue.
Thesis Statement: Courage is often seen as a virtue due to its role in overcoming fear and achieving noble goals, but it can also lead to reckless or harmful actions.

Topic Sentence: Courage helps people overcome fear to achieve noble goals.
Example 1: In India, Mahatma Gandhi’s courage led to India’s independence through non-violent resistance.
Analysis: Gandhi’s courage is virtuous because it achieved freedom without violence.

Topic Sentence: Courage is essential in promoting justice and integrity.
Example 1: In South Africa, Nelson Mandela’s courage in fighting apartheid inspired global change.
Analysis: Mandela’s courage was virtuous as it fought oppression and promoted equality.

Topic Sentence: Courage can sometimes lead to reckless or dangerous actions.
Example 1: In Russia, young daredevils who climb skyscrapers for thrills risk their lives needlessly.
Analysis: This form of courage is not virtuous as it endangers lives without noble purpose.

Topic Sentence: Courage can have harmful consequences if not guided by wisdom.
Example 1: In some Middle Eastern conflicts, individuals show courage by joining extremist groups, causing harm.
Analysis: Courage in this context is not virtuous as it leads to violence and suffering.

Restate Thesis: Courage can be a virtue when it achieves noble goals and promotes justice but can also lead to recklessness and harm.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views.
Final Thought: Courage must be guided by wisdom and morality to be truly virtuous.

Hook: Acts of kindness can transform lives and communities.
Background: Brief overview of kindness and its importance.
Thesis Statement: Extending kindness is generally beneficial and fosters positive relationships, but there are situations where it may not be appropriate or effective.

Topic Sentence: Kindness fosters positive relationships and social harmony.
Example 1: In Japan, cultural emphasis on politeness and kindness strengthens community bonds.
Example 2: In Denmark, the concept of “hygge” includes kindness and promotes social well-being.
Analysis: Discuss how kindness leads to stronger, happier communities.

Topic Sentence: Acts of kindness improve mental health for both giver and receiver.
Example 1: Studies in the UK show volunteering increases happiness and reduces depression.
Example 2: Kindness practices in Bhutan, influenced by Gross National Happiness, improve societal well-being.
Analysis: Examine how kindness enhances mental health and overall happiness.

Topic Sentence: Kindness can sometimes lead to exploitation and dependency.
Example 1: In India, excessive kindness in business contexts may lead to unfair practices.
Example 2: In Greece, economic crisis showed how continuous kindness without boundaries led to exploitation.
Analysis: Discuss how constant kindness might lead to negative outcomes like exploitation.

Topic Sentence: Kindness is not always effective in all situations.
Example 1: In conflict zones, like parts of the Middle East, kindness alone does not resolve deep-seated issues.
Example 2: In competitive environments, such as in some South Korean schools, strict discipline is valued over kindness.
Analysis: Explore how in some situations, other approaches may be more appropriate than kindness.

Restate Thesis: While kindness is generally beneficial and fosters positive relationships, it may not always be appropriate or effective.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views.
Final Thought: Strive for a balance, recognising when kindness is best and when other responses are necessary.

Hook: In an age dominated by digital media and rapid communication, poetry often seems like a relic of the past.
Background: Brief overview of poetry’s historical significance and its current status in modern culture.
Thesis Statement: Despite claims that poetry holds little value in contemporary society due to its perceived irrelevance and diminishing readership, it continues to offer profound cultural, educational, and emotional benefits that validate its enduring significance.

Topic Sentence: Critics argue that poetry is increasingly irrelevant in today’s fast-paced world.
Example 1: The decline in poetry book sales and readership statistics, such as reports from the Publishers Association highlighting lower sales figures compared to other genres.
Example 2: The reduction of poetry in school curriculums in favour of more utilitarian subjects like STEM, as evidenced by changes in the UK’s National Curriculum.
Analysis: Discuss how these trends reflect a societal shift away from valuing poetry, contributing to the perception of its diminished importance.

Topic Sentence: The readership of poetry is diminishing, leading to questions about its relevance and value.
Example 1: Surveys showing that a smaller percentage of the population regularly reads poetry compared to other forms of literature, such as novels or non-fiction.
Example 2: The closure of several renowned poetry magazines and journals due to lack of subscriptions and financial support, indicating waning interest.
Analysis: Examine how these examples highlight the challenges poetry faces in maintaining a significant presence in contemporary literary culture.

Topic Sentence: Poetry continues to offer substantial cultural and educational value in modern society.
Example 1: The success of initiatives like National Poetry Day in the UK, which celebrates poetry’s role in culture and education and engages people of all ages.
Example 2: The incorporation of poetry into therapeutic and educational programmes, such as Poetry Therapy, which uses verse to promote mental health and literacy.
Analysis: Discuss how these examples illustrate poetry’s ongoing relevance and its ability to enrich cultural and educational experiences.

Topic Sentence: Poetry remains a powerful medium for emotional expression and social commentary.
Example 1: The popularity of contemporary poets like Rupi Kaur and Amanda Gorman, whose works resonate with wide audiences and address pressing social issues.
Example 2: The use of poetry in social movements and protests, such as the #MeToo movement, where poetry has been employed to articulate experiences and inspire change.
Analysis: Explore how these instances demonstrate poetry’s capacity to connect with people emotionally and drive social discourse, underscoring its lasting value.

Restate Thesis: While poetry faces challenges related to perceived irrelevance and diminishing readership, its cultural, educational, and emotional contributions affirm its continued importance in modern society.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views discussed.
Final Thought: Emphasise the need to recognise and support poetry’s unique ability to enrich human experience and foster deeper understanding in an increasingly complex world.