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At St. Benedict School for Boys, the headmaster opens the film "The Emperor's Club" with a profound statement: "The end depends upon the beginning." This philosophy is instilled in the freshman boys, highlighting the importance of the present in shaping the future, and by extension, the impact of the past on both the present and the future. While some may argue that the past is simply a closed chapter, a series of events that have already occurred, it is undeniable that our past experiences and decisions shape our present actions and influence our future.
This essay will delve into the complex interplay between the past, present, and future, examining how they are interconnected and how they affect individuals and their society.
The statement, "The past is past," suggests that the past is a sealed, immutable entity that should have no bearing on our current lives. It implies that we should move forward without dwelling on what has already transpired.
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While this perspective may appear reasonable on the surface, it oversimplifies the intricate relationship between the past, present, and future.
Human beings are not passive recorders of their past; they are active interpreters and carriers of their history. We carry the weight of our past experiences, decisions, and memories with us every day. Even when we attempt to repress or forget certain events, the past continues to exert its influence on our thoughts, emotions, and actions. In essence, the past is not a distant, sealed-off entity but rather an ever-present companion that accompanies us on our journey through life.
Our present actions and decisions are significantly influenced by our past experiences.
Consider Mr. Hundert, a dedicated history professor at St. Benedict, who deeply believes in the power of the past to serve as an example for his students. He exposes his students to historical figures like Plato, Aristotle, and Julius Caesar, highlighting their exemplary standards of statesmanship, civic virtue, character, and conviction. For Mr. Hundert, the past serves as a guide, offering lessons and role models for the present and future.
Mr. Hundert's belief underscores the idea that our understanding of history can shape our values and decisions. In his classroom, the past becomes a living entity, inspiring students to strive for excellence and follow the virtuous examples set by historical figures. This demonstrates that, far from being a closed chapter, the past can actively influence our present actions and shape our future aspirations.
Individuals often look to their past, particularly their role models and mentors, to inform their present choices. In the film, both Sedgewick and Martin are profoundly affected by their fathers' legacies. Martin's father, Julius Caesar, sets a high bar for him, motivating Martin to excel academically and adhere to the school's rules to make his parents proud. Sedgewick, conversely, grew up with a distant and disapproving father, driving him to seek approval and recognition.
Martin and Sedgewick's contrasting experiences illustrate the enduring influence of past relationships and familial expectations. Martin strives to meet the standards set by his father, while Sedgewick's actions are driven by a desire to gain his father's approval, even resorting to cheating in the Julius Caesar competition to avoid disappointing him. These examples highlight how past relationships and parental expectations can significantly impact individuals' choices and actions in the present.
Every decision we make, even seemingly insignificant ones, can have far-reaching consequences for our future. Mr. Hundert's actions in changing Sedgewick's essay grade, allowing Martin to compete in the Julius Caesar competition, and overlooking Sedgewick's cheating during the event exemplify how small decisions can shape not only an individual's destiny but also the lives of others.
Had Mr. Hundert made different choices, the trajectories of Sedgewick, Martin, and even his own life might have unfolded differently. This illustrates the notion that our present and future are not solely determined by our own actions but are influenced by the actions of those around us. As Mr. Hundert's character in the film emphasizes, "Everything we have done, are doing, or will do inevitably affects others."
Mr. Hundert's experiences also shed light on the unintended consequences of our actions. His desire to nurture and inspire his students leads him to make certain decisions, such as changing grades and allowing rule violations. While these choices are made with the best intentions, they have profound and unanticipated effects on the lives of Sedgewick, Martin, and others.
For instance, by changing Sedgewick's grade, Mr. Hundert inadvertently encourages a negative attitude toward academics and competition. Allowing Martin to compete in the Julius Caesar competition, despite the breach of rules, sends a message about the acceptability of rule-breaking. These actions demonstrate how the past choices of educators and mentors can influence the values and behavior of their students, ultimately affecting their future paths.
While we have the power to make choices and shape our destinies, it is essential to acknowledge that our lives are intricately connected with those of others. We coexist in a complex web of interactions and relationships, and our decisions often ripple outward, impacting the lives of those around us.
Imagine a world where each person's actions are entirely independent, unaffected by the choices of others. Such a scenario is virtually impossible in our interconnected world. Mr. Hundert's disappointment in not being appointed headmaster of St. Benedict demonstrates how the decisions and aspirations of others can alter the course of our lives.
Mr. Ellerby's ambition and behind-the-scenes efforts ultimately led to his appointment as headmaster, a position Mr. Hundert had longed for. This example illustrates how our futures are shaped not only by our own desires and actions but also by the ambitions and decisions of those with whom we coexist. The past and present choices of others can significantly impact our own trajectories.
Our interconnectedness extends beyond individual relationships and into the broader societal context. The choices and actions of individuals collectively shape the fabric of society, influencing its values, norms, and trajectory. Mr. Hundert's dedication to teaching history as a source of moral guidance highlights the broader impact of education on society.
By imparting values and lessons from the past to his students, Mr. Hundert seeks to contribute to the formation of responsible, virtuous citizens who can positively impact society. This underscores the idea that our collective understanding of history, ethics, and character can shape the direction of an entire community or nation.
In conclusion, the relationship between the past, present, and future is far from straightforward. While some may argue that the past is a closed chapter with no bearing on the present and future, the reality is more nuanced. The past is an ever-present companion, influencing our thoughts, actions, and decisions. It serves as a source of inspiration, a guide, and a repository of lessons that inform our values and choices.
Our understanding of history, our experiences, and our relationships all play a role in shaping our present and future. Small decisions can have profound consequences, and our choices are intertwined with the choices of others in our interconnected world. Ultimately, the past is not merely a distant memory but a living force that shapes the course of our lives and the destiny of our society. As Mr. Hundert wisely reflects, "The worth of a life is not determined by a single failure or a solitary success." Our lives are a tapestry woven with the threads of our past, present, and future, each influencing the other in profound and intricate ways.
The Significance of the Past: Influence on the Present and Future. (2016, Nov 10). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/the-end-depends-upon-the-beggining-essay
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