"Singleness of purpose is one of the chief essentials for success in life, no matter what may be one's aim." I'm trying to refute it in my essay by saying that it is necessary to explore different view points to attain the best result. Will this quote work?
2007-06-03 15:18:48 · 10 answers · asked by The_Thinker 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Quotations
I don't think so, because exploring different options/points of view in order to obtain the best options can be encompassed in the "singleness of purpose".
In other words, singleness of purpose does not preclude exploring different points of view - in fact, it may require it.
For instance, if you want to have the most successful art gallery or be the best hitter in baseball, your success might REQUIRE you to research different styles, techniques, etc. in order to obtain that success.
***** In order to refute it, I would say something like, in order to achieve a happy life, (which I would call success) SOME PEOPLE have to BALANCE many important factors - time for exersize (health), career, family, romance, volunteer work, etc.
Hope this helped
2007-06-03 15:23:52 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think he is talking more about being goal-oriented than he is about open-mindedness. You can listen to the view points of others and make the choice whether or not to entertain them and incorporate them into your life without losing your "singleness of purpose." That is the intelligent way to live. I think if I was going to try to prove someones life philosophy was misguided or unsuccessful...I would not chose a quote by J.D. Rockefeller.
2007-06-04 12:02:35 · answer #2 · answered by King Girl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By "Will this quote work?" I assume you are referring to your own statement refuting Rockefeller's quote. I don’t know what your essay instructions are, but you do not say you have to both refute Rockefeller’s quote and then offer your own (alternative) viewpoint to support your refutation.
The point is that Rockefeller said singleness of purpose is "ONE of the chief essentials” for success in life. I believe it is fair to say that, by definition, one cannot have “singleness of purpose” in the pursuit of more than one goal. If this is true, Rockefeller’s statement refutes itself.
As you know, Rockefeller is noted for the intensity of his effort to build his business empire, specifically the Standard Oil Trust. He was also, later in life, noted for the intensity of his philanthropic efforts. With respect to these rather disparate goals, I don’t believe it is reasonable to say that Rockefeller’s number one goal in life was to both build his business empire AND pursue his philanthropic endeavors. One can’t have two number one goals.
I think John D. made a mistake in saying “Singleness of purpose.” If he had said, ‘Steadfast pursuit of one’s well conceived goals” is essential for success in life, it would be hard to argue with him.
I don’t mean to nitpick, but “view points” is one word, i.e., “viewpoints,” and you want to “obtain” rather than “attain” the best result.
Good luck.
2007-06-04 11:17:21 · answer #3 · answered by SCOTT M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What it means is that you must be focused on achieving one goal. If you spend time exploring different avenues you'll never get anything done. It's good to do some research before hand but once you find the best solution you must be fully devoted to seeing it through.
2007-06-04 12:03:25 · answer #4 · answered by Matthew 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think I would find another quote. "Singleness of purpose" refers to trying to accomplish something - a goal, not different points of view. A person could explore and understand many viewpoints but still have singleness of purpose.
To refute this quote, your point would have to be that trying to accomplish many different things, rather than one thing, leads to a well-balanced and successful life.
2007-06-04 04:04:50 · answer #5 · answered by semi_genius 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes you can. Whatever the view points - and there can be several - singleness of purpose is essential, you cannot succeed without that. You have to focus on what you do otherwise success will elude you.
2007-06-03 22:24:06 · answer #6 · answered by Traveller 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's saying be your own person. Explore but make sure you have followed good steps to become a good leader. If you follow that principle, others will come and explore what you possess. Follow God! Works for me:-)
2007-06-04 09:55:33 · answer #7 · answered by KC 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Purpose being a goal...how one achieves that goal can differ. So no, i dont think this quote will help you.
2007-06-03 22:22:26 · answer #8 · answered by leikevy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means, if you are focused on one goal, you will find better success at obtaining it.
Yes it would work.
2007-06-03 22:24:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No regardless of how you feel about him, the quote is valid. All it is saying is to have perseverance if you want to achieve.
2007-06-03 22:27:42 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋