With many discoveries yet to come, astronomers are still working hard to further their knowledge on exoplanets that could be around the universe. However, there is a feeling of our world being extraordinary and exceptional. The idea of exceptionalism has been common in the history of America. The nation has been deemed exclusive in various aspects of the world. Economically, militarily, and socially, America has often led by example and diligently. Many other countries also recognize that America still plays a critical role in global leadership thus earning the exceptional perception. There remain the bad and good sides of this imperial attitude to the country.
1. Exceptionalism comes with exemplary leadership. As a global role model, there is often pressure to lead by example (Lemonick, Michael 67). Therefore, the nation is expected to offer an excellent leadership that can be admired by the world and earns respect across the board. It is essential to note that exemplary leadership is good for the nation. America has been deemed a champion of social justice and as such a leader in social democracy. It is not only good for the country but also for the inhabitants who find a lot of freedom to exercise their mandates without fear. Such attributes make exceptionalism to be admired by other nations thus making America the fulcrum of moral values. On the other hand, exceptionalism comes with a burden of always trying to be fair and impress even when overly offended. America battles with global issues even when it is not necessary due to its position in the global hierarchy. It has to offer solutions to problems that do not concern it because every nation is expecting them to provide the best solutions.
2. California Gold Rush brought numerous development achievements to America while also resulted in some problems. Mass migrations might be useful in the short term, but their long-term effect is typically unfriendly. In the long run, there is always depletion of resources and struggle for survival. As many people increasingly exploit the resources, the value and quantity reduce alarmingly. The resources eventually become scarce, and people look for alternative means of survival. As a result, social upheavals begin to dominate the once peaceful society. Primary and natural resources like water become scarce, and people have to expand to be able to continue with life endeavors (Lemonick, Michael 92). Due to struggle for resources, security becomes a challenge thus leading to other social misdemeanors. Due to shortages of water encroachment begins to be deemed as an option thus leading to interference with other lives on the face of the earth.
3. The book deploys numerous poetic devices throughout in a bid to convey different contextual messages to the reader and its intended audience. The author uses allusion from various factual elements that create some effects on the public and users (Lemonick, Michael 48). The intertwining characteristics between time and human existence are clearly demonstrated in chapter six of the book. There are several contradictions along the way as expressed by the author. The vast scope of time is illustrated in the timespan description in the book. Whereas there is a wide range of time, it is equally evident that human is short-lived thus the author is grappling with the contradictory nature of the universe. The use of the poetic techniques has similar effects on me. While it presents a plethora of challenges to follow, it creates an effect of understanding that is hard to forget. Understand the lyrical wit employed by the authors always necessary in any literary work. The feeling of wonder and fear is thus shared across by the author. The concerns are genuinely brought expressed taking into consideration the nature of events over time.
Work Cited
Lemonick, Michael. "Five Billion Years of Solitude." Scientific American 309.4 (2013): 44-94.
