"What the mind of man can
conceive and believe, it can achieve" by Napoleon Hill
This powerful statement made by Napoleon
Hill has inspired me. Indeed it seems corny which many could have probably heard of
this. My interest in his philosophy has led me to discover and read his perennial top-seller book: Think and Grow Rich.
This book encompasses many interviews of very successful people (e.g. Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford) whom –
through the power of their desire, will, perseverance and faith – have attain
great achievement in the aspects of wealth and astonishing accomplishments.
In today’s society, there are too much information, opinions and
views, which could potentially drown many young minds of today’s generation.
Because of fears and uncertainties, many dare not follow their dreams and
passion. As a result, many will be trapped by dogmas, living their life of what
other people believe is ‘supposingly’ correct. I am not excluded from this population as well. I am skeptical
about living a life propels by one’s dream. There is some sort of warfare going on in my inner world that I sometimes, feel inadequate. Personally, I do not want to live my
life indifferently.
This book has effectively strengthened my thought
processes. It is imperative to defend our own set of beliefs from the naysayers – who are lurking around to devour us anytime.
I have learned many important lessons from the philosophy of
success by the author. His philosophy has livened my world, which I can now put
on a new lens to perceive how I should live my life that I desire. Saying is
cheap and easy. How can I put them into practice?
In order to live a fulfilling life that is fuel by passion and its
ultimate desires, the very first step for me will be mediating and planning on
my definite purpose – believing that I can.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Lao tzu
The content is good as it is well elaborated base on comparison with some supporting ideas and personal experiences. The organisation is well planned and each paragraph has shown clear ideas.
ReplyDeleteGenerally well-written with a clear flow of progress, however do take note of a few errors in the tenses like, "...have attainED (instead of attain) great achievement in the aspects of wealth and astonishing accomplishments." , " I am skeptical about living a life propelLED (not propels) by one’s dream. ", "In order to live a fulfilling life that is fuelED (not fuel) by passion..."
ReplyDeleteIn addition, after reading through your reflection sparked off some questions I had about the language used so I googled my doubts and want to share some of my discoveries.
1. Usage of Who and Whom
"This book encompasses many interviews of very successful people (e.g. Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford) WHOM – through the power of their desire, will, perseverance and faith – have attain great achievement in the aspects of wealth and astonishing accomplishments."
In this case, the word "WHO" is the correct usage instead of "WHOM" as the "succesful people" is the subject of the verb "to attain" More information can be found here:
http://www.grammar-monster.com/lessons/who_whom.htm
2. Supposingly VS Supposedly
"...what other people believe is ‘supposingly’ correct."
From what I had found, the word "Supposedly" is the correct term. "Supposingly" is actually a slang term conceived from casual speaking.
3. Learned VS Learnt
"I have learned many important lessons..."
We all know that there are a few verb forms to certain regular verbs like "swim", which are "swam", "swum". However in this case, it is BOTH CORRECT to use "Learned" and "Learnt".
Both learned and learnt are alternative spellings of the past tense and past participle of the verb learn. Learnt is more common in British English, and learned in American English.
In addition, there are a number of verbs of the type -ed ~ -t:
burned, burnt
dreamed, dreamt
kneeled, knelt
leaned, leant
leaped, leapt
spelled, spelt
spilled, spilt
spoiled, spoilt
All are irregular verbs.
-----------------------
Nonetheless, a good effort seen in your reflection, coupled with extensive vocabularies! Keep up the good work! :D
Derrick,
DeleteI am highly impressed by the effort you put into noting the grammatical errors in this piece of writing. Noting others' grammatical errors is not an easy task. You did an excellent job!!!!
I was just as confused as to the usage of certain grammar forms so I did some research and shared the knowledge, but thank you! :)
DeleteDerrick,
DeleteThat is wonderful! You are truly exploring grammar usage on your own. I will guide you along this journey. Great job!
Hey Derrick, thank you so much for detailed comments! I really appreciate all your efforts in correcting them. Cheers Derrick =D
DeleteHELLO!
ReplyDeleteReflection is organised and shows clear ideas. Ideas were well elaborated with a range of vocabulary.
There were references made from both inside and outside the book.
Content was interesting and inspiring. :D
Limin,
DeleteIndeed, you made a valid point. This piece of writing is highly reflective of the writer's thinking process.
Clive,
ReplyDeleteWow, this piece of writing is extremely thought-provoking. I was so moved by your thoughts that I forgot I had to correct your grammar. I read it about five times before I wanted to take note of your language errors. What a powerful piece of writing. You should continue to believe you can. I believe determination + passion + hardwork = success. Keep working towards your goal in life.
Thank you for sharing this with your classmates and me.
Now, let me comment on your content, organisation and language:
Content and organisation: You began by briefly describing the books that have inspired you, then explained how the books have powerfully impacted on you, and thoughtfully reflected on the books, and your feelings and philosophy in life. A very well-organised piece of writing indeed.
Language:
Please note that Derrick had correctly pointed a few errors to you in his post. In addition to what Derrick pointed out, please note the following:
1. Note the three sentences below: You incorrectly used 'which' in i, but correctly used 'which' in ii, iii and iv. Can you see the difference?
i. Indeed it seems corny 'which' many could have probably heard of this.
ii. I have learned many important lessons from the philosophy of success by the author. His philosophy has livened my world, 'which' I can now put on a new lens to perceive
iii. Compare this with the way you correctly used 'which' to link ideas together.
iv. In today’s society, there are too much information, opinions and views, 'which' could potentially drown many young minds of today’s generation.
2. Use of uncountable noun 'information'
...there are too much information,...
We use singular verb 'is' for uncountable nouns (e.g. there 'is' a lot of milk).
3. Unnecessary use of a comma: Can you see why?
There is some sort of warfare going on in my inner world that I sometimes, feel inadequate.
4. Think about the use of verb forms. The sentence below is in passive form, you must use past participle. Can you see the error?
In order to live a fulfilling life that is fuel by passion and its ultimate desires,
Dear Dr Misty,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your sharing and comments.
Please allow me to make an attempt in view of the errors that I have made:
[incorrect use of 'which']
1. (i) Indeed it seems corny 'which' many could have probably heard of this.
Can I use 'that' to replace 'which' in this case?
Indeed it seems corny that many could have probably heard of this.
[Uncountable noun and verb used]
2. I will make good use of the Grammar PowerPoint slides to take note of the countable and uncountable noun in future.
[Unnecessary use of comma]
3. I have come to realise that the 'comma' used in this sentence is redundant! Thank you for spotting this!
(There is some sort of warfare going on in my inner world that I sometimes, feel inadequate.)
[Use of Verb forms]
4. In order to live a fulfilling life that is fuel by passion and its ultimate desires
Should it be:
In order to live a fulfilled life that is fueled by passion and its ultimate desires,....
Once again, Thank you Dr Misty.