Cycling Home from an Essay????
In his book, Cycling Home from Siberia, Rob Lilwell learns many lessons from his encounters – both compassionate and dangerous - with others along his protracted journey. He grows as an individual through his own personal tribulations and challenges as he tests the limits of his ingenuity and his physical and emotional personhood. He grows in his faith and in his outlook on what constitutes a life well led and returns home changed, although his arrival brings him feelings of emptiness, rather than triumph.
Consider the following quotations as they relate to Rob’s adventure and the lessons and experiences he – and, vicariously, the reader - gained from his journey. Select the one quotation from the possible choices below that you feel you can best discuss in a sustained fashion. Begin with a thesis statement (a powerful assertion, not a statement of fact) that you will argue throughout your essay. Please include specific examples and textual evidence from the book to bolster your discussion. You may focus on both Rob and the other individuals he meets throughout his sojourn in building your argument. Your writing will be assessed based on the AP Essay Scoring Rubric.
“Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.”
- Helen Keller
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
- Philippians 4:4-7
“You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.”
- Albert Camus
“It is not what we get. But who we become, what we contribute... that gives meaning to our lives.”
- Tony Robbins
“Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared."
- Buddha
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”
- Mother Teresa
“I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best both for the body and the mind.”
- Albert Einstein
Consider the following quotations as they relate to Rob’s adventure and the lessons and experiences he – and, vicariously, the reader - gained from his journey. Select the one quotation from the possible choices below that you feel you can best discuss in a sustained fashion. Begin with a thesis statement (a powerful assertion, not a statement of fact) that you will argue throughout your essay. Please include specific examples and textual evidence from the book to bolster your discussion. You may focus on both Rob and the other individuals he meets throughout his sojourn in building your argument. Your writing will be assessed based on the AP Essay Scoring Rubric.
“Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.”
- Helen Keller
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
- Philippians 4:4-7
“You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.”
- Albert Camus
“It is not what we get. But who we become, what we contribute... that gives meaning to our lives.”
- Tony Robbins
“Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared."
- Buddha
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”
- Mother Teresa
“I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best both for the body and the mind.”
- Albert Einstein