The Achievement Habit Rhetorical Analysis

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Everything in life is already clearly defined: many people grow up believing this to be true. One such man, author Bernard Roth, argues against this phrase. In chapter one of The Achievement Habit Bernard Roth, the author, discusses the importance on the things we give meaning to in our life. Throughout life one begins taking on the worldly view of societal meanings, however in the end most realize these meaning drilled into your head are irrelevant. “Nothing is what you think it is.” We give everything its meaning in life, thus we have the ability to change the meaning of anything. (Roth Pg. 18)
Author Bernard Roth expresses his knowledge by using the power of examples which strengthen his credibility. His experience builds his argument, as …show more content…

Roth uses emotional effects to get his readers pulled in. For example, one activity Roth had his readers participate in doing to reflect on the importance of meaning is thinking of things we hold dear to ourselves family, achievements, and possessions. After gathering our thoughts of things we care about Roth stated to name the object out loud, saying it has no meaning. This activity was full of emotionally-charged words and phrases that created emotion and sympathy. Reflecting on what this actually meant Roth was trying to make the point every single one of us have the ability to change the meanings we give to people and things. Roth notes “Once you understand that you can choose what meaning and importance to place on something, you can also understand that it is you, not external circumstances, who determines the quality of your life.” (Pg. 20) The biggest project Roth has his readers participate in is fulfilling or accomplishing something one always dreamed of doing. With this he tries to leave you with simply just do what you love and be happy about it creating common ground. (Pg. 15) Roth created a sense of trustworthiness with his empowerment of each exercise this gets his readers attached. This then appeals to …show more content…

“While we cannot control what the outside world does, I can determine my own experience. Once you accept that you can give everything in your life its meaning, you feel like the master of your life, not a powerless victim of circumstance and chance.” (Pg. 23) This helps the reader realize others don’t control their life, excuses are no good, they are the maker of their own life and success. If one isn’t achieving the things endeavored for themselves its only their fault no one else. If there is something you want to accomplish in life you need to teach yourself to chase your success. As Roth describes achievement is like a muscle, once you start working it and learn to flex it, there is not a single thing limiting you as to what you can complete in life. (Pg. 5) These statements are just a few of many logically stated quotes to support Roth in his arguments. These details build and appeal to the logic that lies within the words Roth

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