In Quoting Others, We Cite Ourselves by Jesika

In Quoting Others, We Cite Ourselves by Jesika - February 2014 Scholarship Essay

Albert Einstein wrote, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” The question I have for you is, what is your genius? Everyone is born with genius, but some find it later than others. This quote has been inspirational to me since the very day I discovered it.

My take is that everyone is good at something, no matter how insignificant. We are not intended to do the same tasks as one another. If that were the case, we would have a higher unemployment rate, fuller classrooms, and a complete lack of diversity. The more I think about ways to describe this quote, I think of other quotes. Quotes have always fascinated me, and have always been able to dig me out of a funk. I think the quote featured above is something that a lot of people need to better understand. Unfortunately we live in such a crude world; it’s difficult to know when judgments are being made at your expense, let alone at others expense.

It’s important to understand this quote not only because it helps us to not be so quick in placing judgment upon others, but because it helps us to realize that we are not meant to do everything. That is something I have found influential. We should find the one thing we enjoy the most and excel at it. You can either be knocked down by the things that strike you, or you can absorb them, and learn from them in a positive way. This quote has inspired me to focus on my dreams and aspirations, no matter how many people I have to prove wrong along the way.