Earnest Essay

Dallice Johnson

Mr. Gowans

Language Arts 12

15 April 2013

Earnestness an Important Attribute

What is the big deal about being earnest? Earnestness is a trait rare but admirable in our society. Earnestness, as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary is a serious and intent mental state, but can also mean and is often interpreted as being a hard and devoted worker.  To be earnest is to be worthwhile worker, meaning that the worker is worth what he/she is being paid or awarded with in return for their labor.  Earnestness is important to those around an individual, they watch and judge a person on the behavior and actions, the few individuals in society today that do fill the definition of an earnest person are viewed as more desirable and important than those who do not live an earnest life style.

Earnestness is searched for by employers, and if viewed from their point of view is quite the desirable trait.  The truth is there are few employers who hire someone to work for them with the known agreement to exchange labor for money.  An employer would more than likely want someone who actually earns what they will be rewarded. In that way Earnestness is an important attribute.

In the play “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde, “Earnest from the country” is characterized as a man of his word, well off and all around good man.  His very name is enough to win the girls over, “It is a divine name. It has a music of its own... It produces vibrations” said Gwendolen (The Importance of Being Earnest ).  Even the name Earnest represents a good man, although doesn’t exactly guarantee one, for example Jack’s “brother,” Earnest is known for his foolish decisions and his other less than desirable traits.  Furthermore his name- though a contradiction of his personality- makes him attractive to young Cecily.  Earnest whether a name or characteristic is an important trait for suitable girls to look for in a companion.

Earnest workers gain a better reward for their effort as well as influence others to do well and work hard.  As said on WikiHow to do anything website, a hard worker shares their ideas with others, strives to be like fellow hard workers and try to teach others their habits and earnest work ethics.  An unavoidable consequence of hard work is influencing others around you, therefore improving your work environment.

In summation, an earnest worker is sought after by many. Including, but not limited to girls employers and fellow workers.  Earnestness, although not common in society today is an important attribute and can be shared. Influence the lives of others by living and working earnestly, and if not for that reason... The chicks dig it! Change an entire work environment with the simple yet useful technique of hard work, it really pays off.

Works Cited

“Earnestness.” Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster, Inc. 2013. Web. 13 Apr. 2013.

"Ten Qualities of a Valuable Employee." Ten Qualities of a Valuable Employee. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Apr. 2013.