Many people are unaware that Oprah Winfrey was born into rural poverty, raised by a mother who relied on welfare payments from the government in an urban poor neighborhood and still became a millionaire when she was 32. Winfrey’s story shows that being in a bad environment, having poor parenting or poor influences does not affect a person’s ability to succeed. Wes Moore tells about his struggle and life story in The Other Wes Moore. The author also offers a look at someone with the same name who experienced a completely different life.
Because of this, Moore focuses on intrinsic factors more than extrinsic ones. While both can be influential, intrinsic factors hold a stronger influence. Moore has a greater emphasis on intrinsic influences because an individual can choose to do things like not put in effort in their education, or be involved in something dangerous. In chapter 4, (76), Moore had a conversation about education with his mom. Moore writes, “What She Didn’t Know Was That My Problem In School Was Much More Basic Than A Learning Disability.”
It was because I didn’t show up to school half the time. It’s hard to be successful in school, even as an 11-year-old boy. You can’t choose which days you want to attend. Moore portrays how intrinsic factors have a more significant effect on success than external factors. They can be used to choose dangerous and negative behavior.
This text presents Wes’s in a way that he takes risks because of what he does. It is risky, difficult and has many consequences. He chooses to go ahead with it because it is profitable. Moore uses intrinsic factors to show how someone’s mentality can affect their future success. Wes discovers he becomes a dad at a young ages due to his inability to use birth controls.
This author also shows an intrinsic factor by demonstrating that someone can change their life. In chapter 7, (133), it is revealed how the military school influenced his character. I chose to stay in Valley Forge for the junior college. It would allow me the opportunity to receive an associates degree and go through the early commmissioning process. Moore shows that despite growing up in a negative environment, someone can still change their ways and become successful. Others may say that external factors are more important than internal factors, such as a person’s decisions and mindset. In chapter 6 (110), we learn about Wes Moore’s life since he was freed from the juvenile center after shooting Ray. Wes was too far behind to complete high school. Wes’ teachers could not help Wes catch up. Moore explains, “It’s not surprising that Wes couldn’t find a good job because he didn’t have a diploma from high school or any training in the field. He also had a criminal conviction.”
It is important to remember that a person’s choices have more impact on the future than intrinsic factors. Other people might argue that the negative influence of friends, family members and neighbors has a larger impact on someone’s ability to succeed. Moore states in chapter 4 (81) “He gave me an sly smirk and said, “You want to tag me? I couldn’t resist.” Shea, the young hustler in the neighborhood was highly respected. We knew that he worked hard, and while some of us were disgusted by his actions, others respected him, even the kids who didn’t participate in the games.
Wes had the choice to reject negative energy or influence. He chose to do so, and his decisions and actions have a greater chance of determining one’s success.
