English Argumentative Essay

"The best things in life are free." How far do you agree with this statement?

To a great extent, most things in the modern world today require money, but there are some things in life that do not need cash. I believe that most of the best things in life cannot be bought; it requires perseverance to get them. Different people have different cravings in life, for example, some yearn to have bountiful number of branded accessories and some wish to have an experience that they will never ever get in their lives. Most people take things for granted as they are wealthy, but there are some things these people would not be able to have, just like how values and happiness cannot be bought with money.

Firstly, experiences are one of the most valuable lessons in life, and they cannot be bought. Some of these experiences are a chance to perform during the National Day Parade, Friendship, Relationship as well as the joy of nature. Nature mesmerizes human beings, especially the beauty of a rainbow, sunset and sun rise. The cool breeze of the night caressing one’s face, having a leisurely stroll along the meadows or rivers and the spiritual aspects in one’s life, are all exposures that money cannot be purchased. I had a personal once-in-a life time encounter in Germany, the Eagle’s Nest. When I was up on the mountain of snow, I was able to see the ranges of the Alps Mountain. It was a panoramic and breath-taking sight. I had never seen such beautiful scenery before, and I think that this is something that my money cannot bring.

Secondly, the best thing in life also depends on the partiality of an individual. Different individual have contradictory perceptions. A night out at a club might be some people’s interest, whereas doing voluntary work in third world countries might be another’s happiness. To the volunteer worker, to see the smile on an orphans or a sickly patient’s face is the satisfaction money cannot buy. Even though doing voluntary work requires cash, the contentment is beyond monetary means. During my Vietnam National Education trip, the children at the orphanage definitely taught us priceless lessons in life. Through them, we learnt that money is not everything, and we must treasure the love from everyone. They certainly uplifted our spirits.

Last but not least, values learnt cannot be achieved by means of money. Dedication, integrity, self-discipline and cooperation can only be gained through life involvement. In the recent Singapore Youth Festival Competition for choir, although we got a bronze for our participation, all of us grasped the meaning of mutual effort, companionship and a better appreciation of choral singing. The joy and energy exhibited on each of our faces as we perform is invaluable.

However, many things in life requires money. Medical treatment, education abroad, bringing up a family, having food on the table, all are not free. Some might argue that money is a necessity in order to attain the best things in life. Money can buy material wealth, and the tangibles, branded goods, holidays and big houses. Although this material wealth can bring a certain amount of happiness, it is transient. Wealth can be wiped out during an economic crisis.

In my opinion, the things that are preeminent need no money. The intangibles in life such as love, friends, faith, trust and pleasures of nature are gifts. To be surrounded by loved ones and having a hearty laugh is a blessing. Henceforth, the best things in life are free.