No. 1
Think carefully about the issue presented in the following excerpt and the
assignment below.
Nowadays nothing is private: our culture has become too confessional and
self-expressive. People think that to hide one’ sthoughts or feelings is to pretend not
to have those thoughts or feelings. They assume that honesty requires one to express
every inclination and impulse.
Adapted from J. David Velleman, “The Genesis of Shame”
Assignment: Should people make more of an effort to keep some things
private? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue.
Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies,
experience, or observations.
