TO RISK or

NOT TO RISK?
David Kim
Context
Anne Morrow Lindbergh (1906 - 2001) is an
American aviator who wrote the book, Gift from the
Sea.

In this literary work, she writes that “we tend not to

choose the unknown which might be a shock or a
disappointment or simply a little difficult to cope
with. And yet it is the unknown with all its
disappointments and surprises that is the most
enriching.”

Thesis
Despite the natural inclination to avoid the unknown due to its
associated risks, Lindbergh’s perspective on embracing novel
experiences holds merit as navigating through these risks often
leads to unparalleled personal and social developments.

Personal Developments
Stan Parker in The Odyssey of Echo Company
Stan Parker volunteered for the US Army during the Vietnam
War and was originally stationed in West Germany. He took a
risk and re-stationed to Vietnam to pursue his desire to
experience combat even if it could lead him to get killed in
action. He survived the war and by taking the risk, he
managed to gain priceless experiences that defined his
perspective on the fragility of life.

The Transfer of Randy Bass to the Hanshin Tigers

Before Randy Bass’ departure, he was a relatively
obscure Major League Baseball player. However, his
decision to transfer to the Hanshin Tigers baseball team
in Japan would prove transformative. By taking this risk
he would lead the team to win the Japan Series in 1985
and also set a league record for batting average. Bass
also developed a profound appreciation for diversity and
knowledge and this newfound perspective would later
allow him to become a senator for Oklahoma.

social developments
Flight Across the Atlantic by Charles Lindbergh
Charles Lindbergh was an American aviator who flew across
the Atlantic in 1927. He was received with great applause with
his landing in France and he was held as an American hero. His
actions that risked his safety through the testing of the limits
of aviation managed to bolster American and worldwide trust
in aviation technology. The flight across the Atlantic by
Lindbergh would kickstart the commercial airline industry
that would shape the world of transportation today.

Rosa Parks and her Refusal to Relenquish her Seat

Rosa Parks was a social rights activist who demanded African
American rights through the mid-19th century. On December 1,
1955, Parks was asked to remove herself from a forward seat on
the bus. She took a major risk and denied this request and was
subsequently arrested for doing so. This action spearheaded the
Montgomery bus boycott that centralized the problem of the
lack of African Americans.

Counter Argument
Amelia Earhart, just like Anne Morrow Lindbergh, is an
American aviator. She famously undertook the daring task
of flying around the world. This risk would ultimately lead
to her disappearance over the Bermuda Triangle in 1937.
Although this risk became a life-ending detriment for
Earhart, the uncertainty of risks in their ability to bring
great fortune and detriment is the beauty of committing to
a new endeavor.