Through The Photograph By David Waitz Analysis

Regardless if it is tangible or not, we are in need of a consistent balance in our lives. Whether it may be the food we consume, the exercises on our mind and body, or in our relationships with one another, balance is essential, and the key struggle occurs between the idea of self-interest and showing empathy. The nature of self-interest is deeply ingrained our very being. Therefore, it’s unavoidable for thoughts of personal gains and comforts to pervade the mind. If we allow ourselves to pursue self-interest to the extremes, lit will lead us to one become closed off with others, thereby losing ties that have been formed for years, as well as future ones. Furthermore, losing the means to achieve our desires in life. Therefore, empathy is essential,

Waitz, the consequences of pursuing self-interest to the extreme is displayed. The picture shows a group of girls out on the far left while there is a girl on the right that seems to progress further and further away until she is beyond recognition. On the other hand, the girls in the group present a communal lifestyle between one another, in that they have empathy towards one another. Therefore, they acknowledge each one’s existence and learned to cooperate and live peacefully. However, the girl on the far right of the group appears to have a scornful look towards the girl that seems to further distance herself from them. That alone shows the girl has no consideration for the isolated one, and that the other girls in the group, although they don’t show expression wise, feel the same way due to their empathic relationship with one another. The scornful exchange between the girls in the group and the isolated girl presents a bond that has been severed. Therefore, the isolated girl represents the act of self-interest to the extreme. In that, her pursuit of her own goals has reached a point where she has no regards for the girls in the group, and in turn they have no regards for her. The act of pursuing self-interest to the utmost without the slightest of consideration towards others will only lead to bonds breaking between individuals. Hence, resulting in the complete isolation of

The professor from the start lived a life of self-interest. Only concerning with himself and his achievements, to the point where he is living a sedentary lifestyle. However when Sophia comes into his life, his immediate thought was on himself, he did not want to take in any students. His self-interest has caused him to become closed minded towards her, and expecting very little of her, as he remarks that he only takes in advanced students. However she remained standing and trembling, and her actions sparked something inside of him. At that moment, he expressed consideration towards her and allowed her a chance to prove herself. By showing empathy, despite showing it at the minimal, he was to able to achieve two things. A new bond, as well as the one thing he desired. A brilliant student that could challenge and keep up with him. Never will he have come to know that amazing aspect of her if he didn’t regard her at all. For without sharing the feelings of others, there are no means to create bonds between others, as well as being revealed what it is that is inside of them. Furthermore achieving the things that are desired the most in