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Hiking
to Understanding
Surrounded
by thousands of stars, complete silence, and spectacular
mountains, I stood atop New Hampshire's Presidential Range
awestruck by nature's beauty. Immediately, I realized that
I must dedicate my life to understanding the causes of the
universe's beauty. In addition, the hike taught me several
valuable lessons that will allow me to increase my understanding
through scientific research.
Although
the first few miles of the hike up Mt. Madison did not offer
fantastic views, the vistas became spectacular once I climbed
above tree line. Immediately, I sensed that understanding
the natural world parallels climbing a mountain. To reach
my goal of total comprehension of natural phenomena, I realized
that I must begin with knowledge that may be uninteresting
by itself. However, this knowledge will form the foundation
of an accurate view of the universe. Much like every step
while hiking leads the hiker nearer the mountain peak, all
knowledge leads the scientist nearer total understanding.
Above
tree line, the barrenness and silence of the hike taught
me that individuals must have their own direction. All hikers
know that they must carry complete maps to reach their destinations;
they do not allow others to hold their maps for them. Similarly,
surrounded only by mountaintops, sky, and silence, I recognized
the need to remain individually focused on my life's goal
of understanding the physical universe.
At
the summit, the view of the surrounding mountain range is
spectacular. The panorama offers a view of hills and smaller
mountains. Some people during their lives climb many small
hills. However, to have the most accurate view of the world,
I must be dedicated to climbing the biggest mountains I
can find. Too often people simply hike across a flat valley
without ascending because they content themselves with the
scenery. The mountain showed me that I cannot content myself
with the scenery. When night fell upon the summit, I stared
at the slowly appearing stars until they completely filled
the night sky. Despite the windy conditions and below freezing
temperatures, I could not tear myself away from the awe-inspiring
beauty of the cosmos. Similarly, despite the frustration
and difficulties inherent in scientific study, I cannot
retreat from my goal of universal understanding.
When
observing Saturn's rising, the Milky Way Cloud, and the
Perseid meteor shower, I simultaneously felt a great sense
of insignificance and purpose. Obviously, earthly concerns
are insignificant to the rest of the universe. However,
I experienced the overriding need to understand the origins
and causes of these phenomena. The hike also strengthened
my resolve to climb the mountain of knowledge while still
taking time to gaze at the wondrous scenery. Only then can
the beauty of the universe and the study of science be purposefully
united. Attaining this union is my lifelong goal.
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