What is my Favorite Word and Why

Running head : favorite word : enlighten

What is My Favorite Word and Why ? Enlighten

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In a world where numerous languages exist , there are billions of words that can captivate people from different walks of life . Thus , I would not forward the idea that my favorite word is the most important word in this planet . However , I would like to demonstrate that my favorite word can span the depths of the Earth , take hold of history , and redirect the future . My favorite word is ENLIGTEN . From the Encarta

World English Dictionary , there are three entries that attempt to give meaning to this word , to give information ' to free somebody from ignorance ' and to to teach somebody religion (MSN Encarta , 2007 . But this word enlighten ' meant more than what these entries imply . To enlighten involves more than the acquisition of knowledge or the liberation from ignorance or the profession of a religion , because the word predetermines a situation , a process , and an outcome

First , becoming enlightened is not merely the acquisition of knowledge because to enlighten someone is beyond teaching . In my own personal life , I would rather be enlightened about an idea than being simply taught about it . Being taught is simply being informed about a concept For example , I can be taught about American history and I may even appreciate the efforts and courage that our ancestors possessed in unifying the different states . But , if I was enlightened about American history , I would not just understand but feel within my blood the power of having dreams and of having convictions . Being enlightened is being moved to take action

Second , becoming enlightened is not just to liberate a person from a certain form of ignorance . Being relieved of ignorance is simply a form of information acquisition . Being enlightened is being liberated from other deplorable situations . To enlighten is to fight prejudice . To enlighten is to dispute superstition . And to enlighten is to free the self from preconceived notions , biased influences , and emotional upheavals that interfere with the attainment of truth

Third , becoming enlightened is not just obtaining a religion . Any person may acquire a religion but remained unenlightened . Most religions today are ritualistic in nature and lack the depth of what religions are supposed to be . Unfortunately , with the diversity of cultures , religion could not rule the actions of people . But an enlightened mind can direct a person 's action . Being enlightened is not just about knowing God Being enlightened is about having an epiphany . It is an epiphany about the nature of man , the purpose of existence , the morality of life , and the spirituality of fellowship . All these elaborate meanings of the word enlighten ' come about because of three prerequisites : a predetermined situation , a specific process , and a desired outcome

Not everyone is privileged to experience enlightenment . There must be a predetermined situation before enlightenment occurs . It is almost impossible to enlighten a relatively happy person . But a person who is exposed to a critical , desolate...