Young Writers discussion

I have been given a topic 'This above all, to thine own self be true.' (Hamlet, Shakespeare). I need to write an 1000 word essay. Can anybody give me any ideas about what I can write on this topic? I am thinking of emphasizing on the importance of being true to oneself by talking about a particular current affair. But the thing is that I can't find any current affair which will be suitable for this topic. Maybe I can write about any teen issue or something. Maybe you have better ideas. I really need them.

have you ever been in a situation where you felt uncomfortable with what others were doing? or doing it yourself? standing up to a group? doing something you felt wrong doing?

if it can't be personal... you can talk about a country or political party or organization of some kind that stood up for what they believed in because they thought it was right. or if they were getting pressure from the majority to do one thing, but didn't listen because of how they felt. *shrugs* a lot of historical events and influential figures would probably fit in the category you're looking for.

Have you ever had to stand up for what you believe in, even if you stood alone?

Your beliefs, your culture, your habits, everything, is you. You shouldn't live in a lie.

Society right now says, "Be yourself!" but then they go and say, "But you have to be like this to be accepted and popular." You could write about what a hypocrite Society is right now by saying stuff like that.

There are many stories about things like this. Not too long ago, a school in Colorado (I think) had a "Support gay marriage day" or something like that. A couple students didn't believe it was right, so they didn't wear the buttons that were handed out. They got teased, yes, but they stood up for what they believe, and what you believe is part of yourself. They were being true to themselves. That's just an example, but I don't have all the facts.

You could totally do something like that for your essay.