Collection of Articles
By students of the 5th round of TOEFL preparation program
Why Afghanistan is poor? | By Arezo Dehqanyar
Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries in the world due to a mix of historical, social, and economic problems. Recent events have made these issues worse. To understand why Afghanistan is poor, we need to look at its long history of conflict, political instability, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to education and healthcare.
For over 40 years, Afghanistan has faced continuous warfare, starting with the Soviet invasion in 1979, followed by civil wars, and the recent U.S.-led intervention and Taliban resurgence. These conflicts have destroyed infrastructure, disrupted education, and created a volatile environment, making it hard for the economy to grow. As a result, many Afghans don't have stable jobs or access to basic services, deepening poverty.
Political instability is another major factor. Afghanistan has struggled with corruption and ineffective governance, making it hard to implement policies that foster economic growth. The fall of the U.S.-backed government in 2021 and the return of the Taliban have added to the uncertainty. Many international donors have withdrawn support, leading to a severe economic crisis. This instability discourages investment and hinders development, perpetuating poverty.
Poor infrastructure is another problem. Afghanistan's roads, electricity, and communication networks are underdeveloped, limiting access to markets and reducing productivity. Additionally, the country's rugged terrain and harsh climate make it hard to build and maintain infrastructure.
Education and healthcare are also lacking. Afghanistan has one of the lowest literacy rates in the world, and many Afghans lack the skills needed for well-paying jobs. The Taliban's restrictive policies, especially against women's education, limit opportunities for half the population. Access to healthcare is equally dire, with many areas lacking basic medical facilities, resulting in a population that is often too sick or uneducated to work productively.
In recent years, the situation has worsened. The Taliban's takeover in 2021 led to international sanctions and the freezing of the country's assets abroad, causing a severe liquidity crisis. Many banks closed or restricted withdrawals, leaving people without access to their savings. The loss of international aid has led to widespread unemployment and poverty. Additionally, ongoing droughts have devastated agriculture, which is the primary source of livelihood for many Afghans.
In conclusion, Afghanistan's poverty is due to a combination of historical conflicts, political instability, poor infrastructure, and limited access to education and healthcare. Recent events, such as the Taliban's return to power and international sanctions, have made the situation worse. Solving these problems will require efforts from both the Afghan government and the international community to create a stable, peaceful, and prosperous future for the country.
Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results | By Bibi Amina Habib
In the grand scheme of things, it is often the smallest adjustments that can lead to the most significant transformations. This concept of "tiny changes, remarkable results" underscores the profound impact that even the subtlest shifts in behavior, mindset, or approach can have on our lives. Whether in personal growth, professional development, or societal progress, embracing incremental changes can pave the way for substantial achievements.
Small adjustments can yield astonishing outcomes, demonstrating the power of incremental changes in achieving remarkable results. Whether in personal growth, professional success, or societal improvement, tiny modifications play a pivotal role. Embracing a healthier lifestyle by making small dietary changes can lead to significant weight loss. Similarly, implementing minor process improvements in a business can enhance productivity and profitability. In essence, these tiny changes, when consistently applied, accumulate over time and produce remarkable transformations. Thus, recognizing the profound impact of incremental adjustments is essential in pursuing continuous improvement and achieving extraordinary results in all aspects of life.
At an individual level, the principle of tiny changes yielding remarkable results is exemplified in the realm of personal habits. Consider, for instance, the simple act of incorporating a daily exercise routine or dedicating a few minutes to mindfulness practice. While these changes may seem minor at first, their cumulative effects over time can be transformative, leading to improved health, enhanced focus, and increased overall well-being.
Moreover, in the domain of professional growth, small adjustments in our daily work habits and attitudes can make a world of difference. By cultivating a growth mindset, setting achievable goals, and consistently seeking feedback, individuals can steadily progress in their careers and achieve remarkable success. It is often the minor tweaks in our approach to work, such as refining time management skills or enhancing communication strategies, that can propel us towards our aspirations.
On a broader scale, the principle of tiny changes extends to societal change and collective progress. Social movements and advocacy efforts typically commence with small acts of courage and resilience by a few individuals, eventually snowballing into widespread transformations. By raising awareness, fostering dialogue, and mobilizing communities around common goals, even the most modest initiatives can lead to sweeping social change and lasting impact.
In conclusion, the philosophy of "tiny changes, remarkable results" reminds us of the potency inherent in incremental progress. By embracing small adjustments in our daily lives, work routines, and collective endeavors, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities and opportunities for growth. It is through the accumulation of these seemingly insignificant changes that we can achieve remarkable outcomes, shaping a brighter future for ourselves and the world around us.
The importance of learning English language | By Fakhera Jafari
Language is a tool used to communicate with others, which makes it easier for us to convey ideas and feelings. Many languages are used in the word that even a country can have two official languages, so in this article we discuss the reasons for the importance of learning English.
Today, English language is widely used in education, health, business,Politics and technology. For this reason, the importance of learning English language cannot be ignored. English language not only plays a role as a Communication tool,but it can make it easier for us to adapt to the environment and work now and in the future. For this reason, we can find out the necessity and importance of English language.
One of the other reasons, which two different citizens can communicate with eachother by English language For this reason, they can use English to communicate Internationally The emergance of English as an International language, the importance of learning it is undeniable. Crystal,Noonan,and British Council Researched that learning English provides Unlimited access to the word of science, technology, information and Communication, money, Power, International understanding, as well as entertainment and many other fields.
It should said that English language has official status as second language in sixty countries. And it has official status as foreign language in twenty countries. also English is the native language of five countries such as America, British, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
In addition to these reasons, English increases the IQ. In addition, increasing of brain Performance, makes technology understanding easier,like computer learning and other scientifict tools.
As a result, English language is a Communicative tool in Knowledge, business, health and technology section. In addition, English learning raises the Human IQ. The other reason of it’s importance ,English is known as second language in sixty countries and in twenty countries is known as International language and in five countries is known as native language and also learning help us in Knowledge technology section like, Computer learning.
Tress | By Fatima Rahimi
As the botanist invented, that the Tejico is the oldest tree in the world, which its antiquity is about 3500 years ago, Tejico tree is really strong tree, its bark is very stiff, and a good thing its about is that its Pine tree which people in foreign countries use it in there NEW YEAR night as the Christmas tree. Tress has a lot of good effects in our life.
The first effect is that tress keep places save from the danger of flood, as last year in many provinces of my country (Afghanistan) people passed a big danger of flood which damaged many areas and houses, but not all the houses, the houses which were cover by the trees they were save.
Another effect of tree is that trees keep the weather fresh, its okay that most of people use from USE, fan or Cooler, for being cold but actually we need fresh and natural weather to smell, when we go to village, we can feel the fresh and clean weather.
In addition, as we all know that trees produce Oxygen which our body need that, if the trees decrease, most of people get sick, due to lack of Oxygen, if the trees be less on the streets or in the people home, the people will face with air pollution, and they get ill, here is an important thing about trees that why they are more important? While the weather gets windy the dusts sit on the leaf of trees and not allow that the weather get more pollute.
To sum up, please pay attention to the trees, cultivate trees to save your self, and your life.
How to Be a Successful Student | By Fazila Ahmadi
Being a successful student is students’ big wish to improve because they want to be elite, well known and successful to excel in studying. A successful student’s main purpose is achieving the goals and dreams of life. Students are to study and toil to get the highest positions in any aspects of life because they are the future of their countries, so it is essential to have them in the country. It is so important and worthy to be a successful student because it shows a great future. Successful students have bright futures. The following five steps can help a student to be successful in life. Such as; prioritizing the studies, doing the assignments well, having time management and punctuality, working hard and asking questions.
The first and foremost important step for being a successful student is prioritizing the studies. A successful student tries to attend the classes regularly and give the priority to school and classes. They focus on their class and school to do well and prosper in future life. If someone wants to be a successful student, he or she should value the studies and classes the most. Because it shows someone’s desire and interest in studying and learning. Like, if a student attends the class regularly and pays attention to the curriculum, they can be a successful student because they try hard to get what they really want.
The second step is doing the assignments and quizzes well. To be a successful student, one should put efforts in doing the duties well and properly because it ascertains how valuable and worthy the class is for them. Most of the successful students are those who have done all the duties and assignments perfectly and on time because it means that they learned and understood the class curriculums well. Also, they score good numbers in quizzes because they are well prepared for the quizzes they have.
The third step is having time management and punctuality. A successful student has time management. Like, time management in studying, working, sleeping etc. Also, they have timetable and schedule, so they can manage their duties well specially the studies. Furthermore, they are punctual and on time. They attend the classes and do their responsibilities on time. It is so important to be on time because it is known as a respect for the teacher and other peers.
The fourth step is hardworking. Success is the result of hardworking, and it is the students’ most important asset that the teachers notice the most. So, students wanting to be successful are offered to try and work persistently because successful students toil and spend a lot of time in studying. Moreover, they set goals and try to obtain them because they always want to achieve their goals and follow their dreams in life.
The last step is asking questions. Successful students ask various questions from their professors to understand and know the issues well. Asking question is the sign of being curious about the lessons. It is so important to ask questions because it makes the students more intelligent, active and smarter. So, if a person wants to be a successful student, they should ask questions and solve their problems.
All in all, Successful students are those who have the encouragement and motivation of studying, working hard and improving. They study hard, attend the classes, do the duties and spend time studying and learning to improve and be successful in life.
The importance of learning English language | By Hadisa Mohammadi
Language is a tool used to communicate with others, which makes it easier for us to convey ideas and feelings. Many languages are used in the word that even a country can have two official languages, so in this article we discuss the reasons for the importance of learning English.
Today, English language is widely used in education, health, business, Politics and technology. For this reason, the importance of learning English language cannot be ignored. English language not only plays a role as a communication tool, but it can make it easier for us to adapt to the environment and work now and in the future. For this reason, we can find out the necessity and importance of English language.
One of the other reasons, which two different citizens can communicate with eachother by English language for this reason, they can use English to communicate Internationally
The emergance of English as an International language, the importance of learning it is undeniable. Crystal, Noonan, and British Council Researched that learning English provides Unlimited access to the word of science, technology, information and Communication, money, Power, International understanding, as well as entertainment and many other fields.
It should say that English language has official status as second language in sixty countries. And it has official status as foreign language in twenty countries. Also, English is the native language of five countries such as America, British, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
In addition to these reasons, English increases the IQ. In addition, increasing of brain Performance, makes technology understanding easier, like computer learning and other scientifict tools.
As a result, English language is a Communicative tool in Knowledge, business, health and technology section. In addition, English learning raises the Human IQ. The other reason of its importance, English is known as second language in sixty countries and in twenty countries is known as International language and in five countries is known as native language and also learning help us in Knowledge technology section like, Computer learning.
Shyness | By Hanifa Rezaie
Shyness is a universal phenomenon. According to recent research close to 50 percent of the general population report that they currently experience some degree of shyness in their lives. As shyness is so prevalent in the world, it is not surprising that social scientists are learning more about its causes. They have found that shyness in an individual can result from both biological and environmental factors.
The first environmental cause of shyness maybe a child’s home and family life. Children who grew up with a difficult relationship with parents or a dominating older sibling are more likely to be inhibited in social interactions. Another factor is the fact that today's children are growing up in smaller families with fewer relatives living nearby. Growing up in single parent homes or in homes in which both parents work full time, children may not have the socializing experience of frequent visits by neighbors and friends because of their lack social skills they may begin to feel shy when they start school.
Second environmental cause is family and culture, technology may play a role as well. The rising numbers of shy young people maybe due in part to the growing dependence on non human forms of communication, coming about as a result of our huge advances in technology. Like watching TV, playing video games, and suffering the web have displaced recreation activities that involve social interaction for many young people. Adults are becoming more isolated as result of technology. In addition, many students take online classes and telecommuters work at home, giving up daily contact with colleagues. Everyone texts, emails, and converses anonymously in online chat rooms. As a result, people have less opportunity to socialize in person, become increasingly awkward it, and eventually start avoiding it altogether.
However, environment can at least in some cases, triumph over biology. People who were not shy as children become shy as adults, a fact that points to environmental or experiential causes. While being shy has some negative consequences, it has positive aspects too. For example; it has been mentioned that shy people are good listeners and often high achievers.
Therefore, shyness has both genetic and environmental causes. Some people come into the world shy, while others become shy as a result of their experiences in life and it appears that most people have experienced shyness at sometimes in their lives.
The Importance of Education | By Marwa Mohammadi
Today’s world needs modern education to solve many issues. Education is a light over the darkness of ignorance. Education is a basic right for both men and women and serves as the backbone of society. Those who are well-educated not only succeed in life but also take their country to a bright future. Today, there are many issues and global anxieties which will be solved just by education. Education helps in personal growth, critical thinking, and decision-making, and it is the only way to achieve goals and promote a better lifestyle. In addition, education is essential to develop human personality, well-being, ideas, and better thought to make the world a wonderful place to live. Education is a vital necessity for everybody, and it is ennobled to learn “from the cradle to grave.” There are diverse advantages of having education, such as economic growth, development of skills, increased status in society, educating youths, and empowering them for a better society.
First, educated individuals are important in improving a nation’s economy. Research shows that countries which have an excellent rate of literacy are more likely to make progress in economic improvement. Education can increase job opportunities and the income of individuals, making it an important factor in eradicating poverty and developing the economy of a country. Educated people are more likely to be involved in many opportunities and will have better life chances than those without access to education. Moreover, research at UNESCO shows that if all low-income adults had basic reading skills, 171 million people would survive poverty.
Furthermore, education can help us to boost skills to improve our life. It can also play a major role in improving our communication and well-being. For example, when we meet new people in the class where we are learning, it helps to have effective well-being and learn from them. Their behavior can teach us what is wrong and what is right, so our communication will influence in society. Education can also be our solution to becoming independent people. Education will not only improve our own lives but also others' lives more generally. So, let's pick up learning and shine our life.
Education can also help in freshening our brains. Mental health is critical in our development and needs to be practiced in the same way as physical health. Gaining knowledge and promoting our skills in different subjects, such as learning a new language, is a better way to build a strong memory. Education helps to boost our critical thinking and comprehension. Research shows that education can help us to live longer and to stay informed about different habits and learn about diverse ways to promote healthy living, all of which work to have the best impact in life.
Moreover, education can help individuals to have a good perspective for the future. When people are educated, they are more likely to understand different people and be motivated for a better life. Education also plays an important role in reducing violence and crime throughout societies. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” Mandela said.
All individuals should feel responsible to help society with their education because if all people unite for a bright future and gain knowledge, they are more likely to have a successful life. Education can help to bring peace, improve economic opportunities, and lead to personal development. For every society, more educated citizens result in a better country, so for solving nearly every issue, education is an excellent choice.
Additionally, education can help young people to learn more about life; it gives the youths motivation to take charge of their lives and create a better future. Empowering youth from an early age is the journey that precipitates young individuals having more creativity and making informed life decisions in the future. Education motivates young people to improve their abilities and to play a beneficial role in society. High quality of knowledge for young people can help them to avoid negative influence. They can be the great leaders of tomorrow. Educated youths are more likely to engage in society, take the leadership sectors, and try to change the world into a better place for living. So, impowering youths with a better education can be the key to success in improving societies.
Overall, education is a human necessity that leads to a bright societal future. As discussed above, education shapes us into understanding people who always care about a bright society. It can help us to overcome obstacles, face new things, solve problems, improve the world and make it a better place to live. Therefore, education brings a good economy, improves skills, and creates a good status in society, so helping and supporting youths with high-quality education can help to make a better society for us all.
Disadvantages Mobile Phone | By Mina Naseri
Mobile phone is another issue which people are discussing about it, and they are using it a lot. Mobile phones have many advantages but in this passage is going to discuss about the disadvantages of mobile phone. Many disadvantages are caused by the over usage of mobile phones.
The first disadvantage of mobile phone is addiction. More and more people are addicted to the mobile phone. People are overusing the mobile phone because of the social media, for the interesting video or posts that are broadcasted by famous websites, and famous people through the mobile phones. For example, consider a news channel which broadcasts daily news from every part of the world. While we see one of its posts and we become interested to this website and every time we will check for the new news on this website. This checking regularly the mobile phone cause addiction and we cannot leave checking the mobile phone. This is the starting stage of addiction to the mobile phones.
The next disadvantage of mobile phone is health problem. The over usage of mobile phone may cause many health issues like eyes problem which is caused by mobile phone's screen. The light which comes from the mobile's screen is harmful for our eyes, and it is annoying our eyesight. While people are overusing mobile phones it causes mental problem like being headache. For example, when we focus on something in the mobile phone for a long time. It directly effects on our minds and causes headache. Nowadays mostly the cause of eyesight problem and mental problems are caused by mobile phones.
The last disadvantage of mobile phone that I want to discuss about is wasting time. Nowadays time is considered as gold and it is so precious for people but still new generation and youngers are overusing mobile phone. It is westing a lot of time. As an example, if we read a book in a half of hour, we can read at least six or more than six pages, but if we play a game in our mobile. This would be very less time and this time seems nothing for playing game, it seems very less like ten minutes.
To sum up, this passage discussed about three main disadvantages of mobile phone which are addiction, creating health issues, and westing of time. By overusing of mobile phones these three problems will come to us, but I suggest everyone to prevent creating these problems. By being careful about the usage of mobile phones in this case we can avoid from its disadvantage.
Girls' Education and its Impact in Afghanistan | By Nafisa Noori
Afghanistan is one of the third-world countries that has a variety of problems in every part and people of this country are not that much known in the world. This is all because they are not educated. Once upon a time, the situation of education and knowledge became better but now one big side of the society are in isolations. Yeah, they are girls and women who are living in Afghanistan. This is education that changed countries and now they can have anything and in anytime that they want. Afghanistan is home to the youngest population in the world, making quality education critical to boosting economic growth and demotic development. Yet social injustice, challenges, years of conflict, and instability impede equal access to education specifically for girls and women in Afghanistan. With all these problems now girls' education in Afghanistan is banned and it surely has its own impact on the whole society that one important part of the society become illiterate. In a situation that if a man educated then just one person is educated but if a women become educated means a family and then society are educated. If we study the state of men and women in Afghanistan, we can find that the rate of male literacy is 52.06% for females 22.6%, which shows a big gap between genders. It is in a way that the population of the female is 49.53 in 2023 based on the World Bank collection of development indicators. Girls' education is a must for the girls in my community and even this is one of the most essential ways for the improvement of my community and country. Between 2001 and 2018, the country saw a tenfold increase in enrolment at all education levels from around 1 million students in 2001 to around 10 million in 2018. The number of girls in primary school increased from almost zero in 2001 to 2.5 million in 2018. By August 2021, 4 out of 10 students in primary education were girls. Between 2001 and 2018, the country saw a tenfold increase in enrolment at all education levels from around 1 million students in 2001 to around 10 million in 2018. The number of girls in primary school increased from almost zero in 2001 to 2.5 million in 2018. By August 2021, 4 out of 10 students in primary education were girls. Banding grilse education means eliminating girls' right to get the education and learning knowledge. When women can work beside men then female workforce will increase. As well as Strong infrastructure for future development. Girls’ education will affect on Impact on next generations. Decrease the level of unemployment by educating girls and women in Afghanistan.
The impact of this is more, community is like a bird, and men and women who are living inside the country are like two wings of this bird, if one wing of this bird no longer exists and they are in isolation then the bird is defective, means that country cannot completely improve. In a way in Afghanistan, the development of the country is in the hands of its females but unfortunately now the situation is different, and we should have to seek improvement and development in other possible ways. This will make lots of other changes and challenges in the future as well. If women and girls were not be part of the community improvement and education community will go 100 years back (Afghanistan). There will be Less economic development it also has Impact on the culture of the country without education living become hard for women and girls in anywhere that they are.
Overall, I can say without girls and women education in Afghanistan its improvement will not be complete and they also cannot be able to improve well and easily.
Causes and Effects of Depression | By Nooria Qambari
Depression is a serious and common medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, how you act, and the way you think. It is technically a mental disorder but it also affects your physical health and well-being. Depression affects how you feel and can also cause changes in your body. Most likely depression can be caused by different factors and certain medical conditions. Two important causes that trigger depression are; sadness and sleep disorder.
The first and foremost important cause of depression is sadness. Sadness is a state of being disappointed and unhappy for different reasons. Like; death of a loved one, loss of a job, being a victim of a physical assault and ending of a relationship. They are difficult experiences and situations for people to tolerate which lead to depression. For instance; if some people are sad, they get isolated and get distance from their family members, classmates, colleagues and relatives in which later on can be changed to depression.
The second cause of depression is sleeping disorder. Having an irregular sleep can lead to depression. For example; if someone sleeps too much or too less, there is a huge possibility to be involved in depression. If someone sleeps more than enough, he or she feels uncomfortable, unpleasant and awkward. Also, people who sleep less or not adequately will face the same problems. people need to sleep between six to eight hours but if someone sleeps less than the minimum hours, they face a severe restlessness and illness. Moreover, lack of sleep can cause some symptoms of depression like; extreme tiredness, loss of energy, difficulty concentrating and making decisions. Needless to mention that the causes of depression lead to various effects which are negative and harmful. Such as; obesity or loss of weight, concentration disorder and suicidal thoughts.
The first effect of depression is obesity or losing weight. depressed people have irregular diet. They may lose weight not eating proper food or may gain weigh through overeating. And also, they may eat unhealthy foods that can harmfully affect on their health.
The second effect that depression causes is concentration disorder. Depressed people have disturbed and unsettled minds so they cannot think about something important properly, they cannot decide a decision well and they cannot focus on an issue accurately.
The third effect of depression can be suicidal thoughts. People with depression are not mentally healthy. Depressed people commit suicide due to being weak to challenge problems. They give up soon enough and cannot bear the hardships of their lives so they think that ending the life is the only option to be done.
To sum up, depression is one of the most common mental health illnesses in which affects how you feel and can also cause changes in your body that can be triggered by sadness and sleep disorder in which results to obesity or loss of weight, concentration disorder and suicidal thoughts.
Teakwondo | By Oranus Hashemi
Teakwondo is one of my favorite sports. I have practiced in this field for many years, and I want to write about Teakwondo. Teakwondo, which is one of the combat sports, It's also very popular all over the world. In order to understand the sense of this marcel art and estimate all its advantage, it is necessary to study the history and philosophy of Teakwondo in more detail
In the struggle for the existence, Korean ancestors had to develop their strength and agility, intuitively creating a system of physical exercises strengthening an organism and perfecting the mind. After the invention of weapon, by means of which it was possible to get food and defeat the attack of wild animals, people continued to improve the technique of self-defense in various games and shaman rituals. Constantly, imitating protective and attacking behavior of animal, ancient people learned to use their hands in the fight, creating, thereby, the most ancient form of Teakwondo. So Teakwondo is the art of self-defense that originated in Korea. That it is recognized as one of the oldest forms of martial arts in the world, reaching back over 2000 years. And the name was selected for its appropriate description of the art. Tae(foot), Kwon(hand), Do(art).
Also, nowadays we say that Teakwondo is a system of symmetrical body exercises or techniques designed for self-defense and counterattack in unarmed combo, making use of the hands and feet as weapons and defenses. For example, Teakwondo hand strikes are performed as a close distance alternative to kicks. They are executed in a number of ways from standing, jumping, spinning and rushing forward. Hand strikes can be made into fast combinations of strikes which can leave an opponent stunned and unable to defend himself.
To sum up, Taekwondo is a sport for self-defense. which also has many benefits. And I think taekwondo is unique, and it is a very exciting sport.
No Hard Feelings | By Saiama Noori
Do you know what hard feelings are?
Feelings like hating, missing, losing, hurting, etc. — any feelings that are hard to understand, feelings that you can’t even describe, no matter how badly they are bothering you. Feelings that sometimes make you think about the adversity of life.
I could continue mentioning these hard feelings forever because they are plenty. They form a vast, indescribable part of life that we humans lack the ability to describe with words. We can feel them, we can touch them with our hearts and minds, but we cannot fully express them. These emotions are beyond the scope of our words and languages.
These hard feelings are in everyone’s life, but they just bother us in different ways.
But have you ever thought about what it would be like if there were no hard feelings?
What if we lived without any hard feelings?
Can we live without them?
When you are happy, have you ever thought about why you are happy or why you are smiling? Did someone tell you a joke? Or maybe you receive a gift? Or did you see your favorite person on the planet?
Or when you are sad, have you ever thought about why you are sad? Did someone say something to hurtful? Or did someone steal something from you? Or did you lose your favorite person on the planet?
Now think about this when you are happy you always don’t even mind to question yourself why! Because you are happy and that’s all the matter. But when you just fail you immediately ask yourself why me? Or why is this happening?
But isn’t it strange? Both happiness and sadness are part of life, just like the sun rises and sets every day. Yet, our minds have been conditioned to accept joy without question, while hard feelings demand explanations. Maybe that’s because hard feelings feel unnatural. We want to fix them, solve them, get rid of them as soon as possible. In contrast, happiness is something we want to hold on to, so we never think of questioning it.
If there were no hard feelings, would we even recognize happiness when it came? Perhaps, without the lows of life, we wouldn’t fully appreciate the highs. It’s often through the pain of loss that we learn to value love, and through failure that we grow to appreciate success. Hard feelings, as difficult as they are, give life its depth and meaning.
Imagine living in a world without sadness, pain, or hardship. It may sound like paradise, but would it be? Without challenges, how would we learn? Without sorrow, how would we experience true joy? Hard feelings are not just obstacles we have to overcome; they are teachers that help us become stronger, more resilient, and more compassionate.
In the end, hard feelings are an essential part of the human experience. They make us question, reflect, and understand life on a deeper level. They show us that life isn’t just about moments of happiness, but about growth, resilience, and finding meaning in both the good and the bad. So, the next time sadness or pain knocks at your door, instead of asking, "Why me?" maybe ask, "What can I learn from this?"
Because like a storm that shapes the roughest seas, it is in our darkest moments that the light of our soul is forged — and only through the cracks of pain can the brightest beams of growth shine through.
Genetic Engineering | By Shegofa Sakhizada
Should genetic engineering be used to enhance human abilities?
Genetic engineering is a biotechnological process that involves the manipulation of an organism's DNA to alter its genetic makeup. This can be done through various techniques. The debate surrounding the use of genetic engineering to enhance human capabilities is intricate and multifaceted. As biotechnological advancements continue, the possibility of genetically modifying humans to improve health, cognitive abilities, physical performance, and longevity offers exciting prospects. However, these potential benefits come with substantial ethical, social, and biological challenges that need thorough examination. This essay delves into both the advantages and the ethical dilemmas linked to human genetic engineering.
Potential Benefits
One of the strongest arguments for genetic engineering is its ability to enhance health outcomes. By targeting and potentially eradicating genetic disorders, individuals could enjoy healthier lives, which in turn could lower healthcare costs for society. For example, genetic modifications could significantly reduce or eliminate conditions like cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia.
Additionally, enhancing cognitive functions through genetic engineering could provide considerable societal advantages. Improved problem-solving abilities and increased creativity might not only enrich individual lives but also drive societal advancement. In an era marked by complex global challenges, critical thinking and innovation are more important than ever.
Physical enhancements are another promising aspect of genetic engineering. Modifications that boost traits such as strength and endurance could benefit athletes and individuals in physically demanding jobs, leading to better athletic performance and increased productivity in labor-intensive fields.
Finally, advancements in genetic engineering may contribute to longer lifespans while enhancing the quality of life in older age. A longer life expectancy allows individuals to remain active contributors to society for more extended periods, fostering knowledge transfer across generations and promoting social stability.
Ethical Concerns
Despite these potential benefits, the ethical implications of genetic engineering are significant. A primary concern is equity and access; if such enhancements are only available to the affluent, this could widen existing social inequalities, creating a divide between enhanced and non-enhanced individuals. Such disparities may lead to societal tensions and a stratified population based on genetic modifications.
Moreover, the long-term consequences of genetic alterations are still uncertain. While immediate benefits might be apparent, unforeseen negative health impacts could emerge over time. The complexity of human genetics means that changing one trait could unintentionally affect others, leading to adverse outcomes that may compromise individual health.
The shadow of eugenics also casts a pall over discussions about genetic enhancement. There is a risk that societal expectations may pressure individuals to conform to specific enhancement standards, resulting in a modern form of eugenics. This pressure could undermine personal autonomy and compel individuals to prioritize enhancements over their natural attributes.
Additionally, an emphasis on enhancing specific traits could diminish genetic diversity. Reduced diversity may increase vulnerability to diseases and environmental changes, potentially threatening long-term survival.
Conclusion
In summary, while genetic engineering offers promising opportunities for enhancing human abilities, it also raises critical ethical, social, and biological concerns that must be thoughtfully addressed. A careful approach is crucial, focusing on equitable access, safety, and respect for individual choices. As society moves forward with genetic engineering, engaging in meaningful dialogue about these issues will be essential.
The impact of women in society | By Tahira Rezaie
The role of women in society has evolved significantly over centuries, leading to profound social, economic, and political impacts that shape modern communities. Historically, women were often relegated to traditional roles centered around the family and domestic sphere. However, over time, women have broken these boundaries, emerging as influential figures across all sectors, from business and politics to education and healthcare. The impact of women on society is vast and multifaceted, and their contributions continue to drive change, challenge stereotypes, and redefine gender norms.
One of the most apparent areas where women have made an impact is in the workforce. In the past, many societies restricted women from participating in paid labor, but as education and opportunities expanded, women began to enter various professions in increasing numbers. Women now occupy leadership roles in industries such as finance, technology, and media, demonstrating that their capabilities extend far beyond traditional assumptions. The inclusion of women in the workforce has been instrumental in boosting economies worldwide, as diverse perspectives often foster innovation and improve decision-making processes. Additionally, women-run businesses and female entrepreneurs have significantly contributed to economic growth, creating job opportunities and promoting gender equality in the business landscape.
In politics, the impact of women has been transformative. Figures such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Margaret Thatcher, and Angela Merkel have shown that women can hold the highest offices in the land, guiding national and international policies. Their leadership often brings a fresh approach to governance, focusing on issues like healthcare, education, and social welfare. Women politicians frequently advocate for the rights of marginalized groups, pushing for legislation that addresses gender equality, child care, and domestic violence. As women continue to gain representation in political systems globally, they ensure that critical social issues are addressed, often bringing more inclusive and compassionate policymaking to the table.
Another critical impact of women in society is seen in the field of education. Educated women tend to have fewer children, healthier families, and more economically stable lives. As educators themselves, women have shaped generations of students, fostering a love for learning and contributing to higher literacy rates across the globe. The ability of women to educate both inside and outside of formal institutions plays a key role in promoting cultural and intellectual growth in communities. Moreover, women’s access to education has empowered them to challenge outdated societal norms, advocate for their rights, and inspire others to do the same.
Healthcare is another area where women’s contributions have been monumental. Women have long been central figures in caregiving roles, but their professional involvement in medicine and public health has had a significant societal impact. From pioneering medical discoveries to working as frontline health workers, women have played a crucial role in improving healthcare systems. Their advocacy for women’s health issues has also led to more attention being given to maternal health, reproductive rights, and diseases that disproportionately affect women. The fight for healthcare equity and improved access to medical services is a testament to the importance of women in shaping policies that benefit everyone.
Social activism has been another sphere where women have made significant strides. Women have been at the forefront of movements for civil rights, gender equality, and social justice. Leaders like Rosa Parks, Malala Yousafzai, and Emmeline Pankhurst have become symbols of resistance against oppression and inequality. Their courage and determination have inspired millions to push for social change, highlighting the powerful role of women as catalysts for progress. Through grassroots movements, women have advocated for issues such as racial equality, environmental justice, and human rights, proving that their involvement in societal change is indispensable.
In the family unit, the role of women continues to be foundational. Women often serve as caregivers, educators, and emotional anchors within families, shaping the moral and emotional fabric of society. As mothers, daughters, and sisters, women influence future generations, instilling values, providing support, and fostering growth. The ability of women to balance multiple roles—both inside and outside the home—highlights their resilience and adaptability, qualities that are essential in navigating the complexities of modern society.
In conclusion, the impact of women in society is profound and far-reaching. From driving economic growth and transforming political landscapes to advocating for social justice and improving healthcare, women have reshaped the world in countless ways. As women continue to break barriers and defy expectations, their contributions will remain central to the progress and prosperity of society as a whole. Acknowledging and supporting the roles of women in all areas of life is essential to building a more equitable and thriving future for all.