On Social Discontention

"What society has thought to be its greatest social, political, and individual achievements have often resulted in the greatest discontent."

The issue of whether social, political or individual achievements have resulted in greater discontents, is a controversial one. On the one hand, these achievements may transcend the achievements of merely one individual but to the society as a whole. On the other hand, these achievements might also lead into unpleasant situations that affect people's lives. However, in final analysis, I believe in the surmise that sometimes these accomplishments might result in discontent.

To begIn with, one must define the meaning of success or achievement. The issue gives a vague idea of the word "achievement", requiring the readers to give an own interpretation. In my point of view, due to the facts of the society I live in, achievement means to have a extensive amount of followers for a certain theory or action. Thus for example, a charismatic political figure or a philosopher with a widely believed concept could be considered as successful or achieving. In the following paragraphs I will demonstrate my beliefs to support my theory.

First of all, for example, the cult of Mao, resulting in the Cultural revolution that shook China's social infrastructure in the last century. At first students and other young people were frantically following Mao's thoughts, trashing cultural invaluable cultural and historical heritages and defying the Confucian thoughts that the Chinese built for thousands of years. At that time it was thought to be necessary for the need to progress and catch up with Western countries, but later the Chinese government has acknowledged the revolution as a total loss to valuable cultural assets.

Secondly, for another instance, acclaimed philosopher Nietzsche's theory of "Superman" , although controversial, it's impact towards human race cannot be denied. However, misinterpretation of his work has led to the Fascism rise in the World War II, and also Hitler's Third Reich which led to the death of millions in the holocaust. Although this can be argued that Neitzsche's work did not have direct influence with such radical acts, but this serve as an example as how a personal acclaim could result in the discontent of history or society.

To sum up, social or political achievements reasonably deserve their laud. However, directed or misinterpreted in a wrong way may cause an undesired affect to the people who could have benefited to these achievements. Thus one must put the most efforts to avoid this kind of negative influence towards the society.