Tag: History

David Hume celebrated the wisdom of “unlettered men”. In a democracy, do the votes of unlettered men tend to protect a country against the bad ideas of the lettered or do the votes of the lettered tend to protect a country against the bad ideas of unlettered men?

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Paarshva (Year 12) Editor's note: Year 12 student Paarshva wrote this essay for entry into the annual John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize. Paarshva explores the debate between the political wisdom of the 'lettered'—those with formal education and theoretical knowledge—and the 'unlettered'—those with experiential, practical knowledge. It examines whether the collective judgment of the unlettered … Continue reading David Hume celebrated the wisdom of “unlettered men”. In a democracy, do the votes of unlettered men tend to protect a country against the bad ideas of the lettered or do the votes of the lettered tend to protect a country against the bad ideas of unlettered men?

Change: Embracing oneself and taking full responsibility

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Fahim (Year 10) Editor's note: Fahim, now in Year 11, wrote this engaging piece whilst in Year 10. William Basson, a young man from a successful family, struggled with traditional education and his father’s expectations, finding solace instead in philosophy and abstract thought. Despite academic challenges and a serious illness, he resolved to take full … Continue reading Change: Embracing oneself and taking full responsibility

Conflict

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Tanisi (Year 8) Editor's note: Current Year 9 student Tanisi wrote this short essay during their time in Year 8. It is fantastic to see some of our passionate younger students engaging with the GSAL Journal. Tanisi argues that conflict is a natural and inevitable aspect of human interaction, often driving societal change and growth … Continue reading Conflict

Were Jews welcomed to Britain during the Nazi period?

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Lokesh (Year 9) Editor's note: Now in Year 10, talented student Lokesh carefully researched this topic and then wrote this insightful essay for the Sir Martin Gilbert History Prize. This essay explores Britain’s response to Jewish refugees during the Nazi period, analyzing various perspectives and sources to assess whether Britain was truly welcoming or reluctant. … Continue reading Were Jews welcomed to Britain during the Nazi period?

Dr. George Carruthers: Pioneer in Ultraviolet Astronomy

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Rucha (Year 8) Editor's note: Now in Year 9, Rucha wrote this carefully researched and well-written essay whilst still only in Year 8. Dr. George Robert Carruthers was a pioneering African American astrophysicist and inventor whose work in ultraviolet astronomy significantly advanced our understanding of space and Earth’s atmosphere. His innovations, including the first Moon-based … Continue reading Dr. George Carruthers: Pioneer in Ultraviolet Astronomy

‘Millions in Africa are poorer today because of aid; misery and poverty have not ended but increased’ (DAMBISA MOYO). What do you think?

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Hannah (Year 12) Editor's note: Hannah wrote this essay during her time in Year 12 at GSAL. It was entered into the annual Minds Underground Essay Competition. Hannah is now studying Geography at the University of Durham. CPD Dambisa Moyo argues in her book ‘Dead Aid’ (Moyo, 2010), that foreign aid has failed to promote … Continue reading ‘Millions in Africa are poorer today because of aid; misery and poverty have not ended but increased’ (DAMBISA MOYO). What do you think?

In your view, what is the most influential written document and why?

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Diva (Year 9 ) Editor's note: Year 9 student Diva, now in Year 11, submitted this essay to the annual Perse School Aristotelian Award essay competition. As the judges noted, "[We are] delighted to announce that Diva [was] shortlisted for the Arts/Humanities category for the Y9 Aristotelian Award competition we have run this academic year. … Continue reading In your view, what is the most influential written document and why?

Legislating lies: What are the laws criminalising misinformation?

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Emilia (Year 12) Editor's note: Year 12 student Emilia has aspirations to become a journalist. She has written this short but informative article for publication in the GSAL Journal to help hone her journalistic writing skills. CPD Technology is advancing every day, with the use of AI and spread of ‘fake news’ within the media … Continue reading Legislating lies: What are the laws criminalising misinformation?

What legal issues might arise from prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to anyone born after 2008?

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Tatiana (Year 12) Editor's note: Year 12 student Tatiana submitted this essay into the prestigious Robert Walker Prize for Essays in Law by Trinity College, Cambridge. This essay demonstrates strong academic writing skills, particularly in its structured argumentation and engagement with legal precedent. The discussion effectively balances ethical concerns—such as privacy and autonomy—with practical enforcement … Continue reading What legal issues might arise from prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to anyone born after 2008?

Why do civilisations collapse? Is our civilisation in danger?

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Hanna (Year 11 student) Editor's note: Year 11 student Hanna submitted this excellent essay to the prestigious John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize 2024. In a strong field of entries from all over the world, Hanna's entry was recognised as 'Very Highly Commended'. The essay demonstrates excellent independent research, skilled synthesis of a range of … Continue reading Why do civilisations collapse? Is our civilisation in danger?