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Anne Frank vs. Stephen Hawking

by Regina from San Mateo

Hope: a feeling of desire and wanting for somethi
Hope: a feeling of desire and wanting for somethi

Hope: a feeling of desire and wanting something to happen, usually in a positive way. Many say that being optimistic and making the most out of a situation is key to overcoming a challenging event. Imagining a light at the end of a pitch-black tunnel lifts spirits and brightens attitudes. Thinking about a better, happier future drives people to continue on with their lives and convinces them to persevere towards that happier future. Anne Frank was a 13-year-old girl who survived for two years hiding in a cramped attic. This extraordinary girl dreamed of the day that she could step out into the world and breathe fresh air. Anne never gave up her hope of escaping her safe prison. Just as well, when Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease, he didn't let a threatening illness decide what the remainder of his life would be like. Hawking did not look down on the situation, but instead studied harder. Today, Hawking has made many great discoveries critical to the development of black-hole studies. Whether you are young or old, optimism is key to overcoming life-altering events.

Anne Frank
Anne Frank

To begin with, Anne Frank kept her enthusiasm when hiding in, essentially, an attic for two years from the Nazis. Anne wrote in her diary, Kitty, almost every day. Even on paper, you can tell that her hope kept her from going crazy in this cramped space with many cranky, disagreeable people. In many of her diary entries, Anne talks about controlling her temper and keeping the peace. However, she also stresses her focus on positive things, such as her dreams of being free again and the happier aspects of life. These fantasies fueled Anne's drive to keep hiding in the "Secret Annexe". "The war goes on just the same, whether we choose to quarrel, or long for freedom and fresh air, and so we should try to make this best of our stay here." ("Diary of a Young Girl", Pg. #139) Anne realizes that she can't change her situation, but she can make the most out of what she has.

Stephen Hawking
Stephen Hawking

Similarly, Stephen Hawking proved many singularity theories, mathematically proved the no-hair theorem, and even presented a theory on black-hole mechanics. He was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease at the age of 21. Motor Neuron Disease is basically when your nerves start to shut down and you become immobile after a while. Hawking was given three years to live, but now, at the age of sixty-nine, he is one of the world's most notable and respected scientists. Hawking grew up with a smart, "eccentric" family, as described by childhood neighbors. His mother was one of the first women accepted into Cambridge University and his father was also a Cambridge graduate. When Hawking was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease, he did not give up his normal life and halt all his studies like most people would. Instead, Hawking worked harder to achieve his scientific goals and even got married a few months after his diagnosis. Stephen Hawking embraced his situation and gave what little time he thought he had left to studying and working towards his dreams. "It matters if you don't give up." (Stephen Hawking) Stephen Hawking did precisely that; he didn't give up, overcame obstacles, and look at him now.

In Comparison, Anne Frank and Stephen Hawking are similar in the way that they deal with burdens in their lives. Both people were pretty young when their lives were changed and neither of the let a life-changing event bring them down and dampen their spirits. Anne Frank forced herself to get along with everybody hiding with her. She knew that staying positive would make her experience in hiding more pleasant. Just as well, Stephen Hawking did not let his disease stop him from achieving his dream of becoming a scientist. Forty-eight years later, he has discovered and proved many important scientific theories. Of course, Anne and Hawking were in two entirely different situations. Anne was hiding from the ruthless Nazis, trying to avoid being sent to a concentration camp. Stephen Hawking dealt with a life-threatening disease that caused him to become immobile later on. Nevertheless, both of these amazing people dealt with burdens by staying confident in a positive future.

Anne Frank and Stephen Hawking were, and still are, two extraordinary people. Their courage and optimism throughout their numerous burdens and conflicts is praised world-wide. Unlike most people, Anne and Hawking kept their minds open, never giving up hope for a brighter fate. Dealing with life-changing events is emotionally and sometimes even physically challenging. Anne Frank and Stephen Hawking remarkably overcame obstacles by looking at the bright side of things. We can all follow the example of these two amazing people by thinking positive and never giving up hope.

Page created on 3/15/2011 12:00:00 AM

Last edited 3/15/2011 12:00:00 AM

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