Secondary – April 20

“And it seems to me important for a country, for a nation to certainly know about its glorious achievements but also to know where its ideals failed, in order to keep that from happening again.” -George Takei, born on this date in 1937. Explain what you consider to be the most important failing of your country’s ideals.

Secondary – April 19

On this date in 1989, pro-democracy demonstrations began in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. After seven weeks, the Chinese military ended the protest with violence that killed somewhere between a few hundred and a few thousand demonstrators. Discuss where you think the line between demonstrations and disorder justify the use of force by public officials.

Secondary – April 18

Bob Kaufman, the man who inspired San Francisco Chronicle columnist Herb Caen to invent the term “beatnik,” was born on this date in 1925. He said, “I want to be anonymous. My ambition is to be completely forgotten.” How would you explain such an ambition?

Secondary – April 17

Describe the last time you did something for the first time.

Secondary – April 16

“Failure is unimportant. It takes courage to make a fool of yourself.” -Charlie Chaplin, born this date in 1889. Describe the time you demonstrated the greatest bravery in your life.

Secondary – April 15

“It is easier to resist at the beginning than at the end.” -Leonardo da Vinci, born on this date in 1452. Prove he was wrong or right using examples from your own life.

Secondary – April 14

“The human race’s prospects of survival were considerably better when we were defenseless against tigers than they are today when we have become defenseless against ourselves.” -Arnold J. Toynbee, born on this date in 1889. Explain what you think Toynbee meant when he said this.

Secondary – April 13

“All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.” -Thomas Jefferson, born on this date in 1743. Explain how this concept applies to your life right now.