The following is my freshman composition class’ first essay:
Prompt Title: Passion or Pragmatism? Debunking the Myth of “Do What You Love”
We’ve all heard the advice: Follow your passion, and success will follow. It’s the rallying cry of commencement speeches, self-help gurus, and LinkedIn influencers. But what if this well-intentioned mantra is actually terrible career advice? Computer science professor and bestselling author Cal Newport argues that blindly chasing passion can lead to frustration, stagnation, and even failure. Instead, he champions an approach based on deliberate skill-building, deep work, and career craftsmanship.
For this 1,700-word argumentative essay (MLA format required), your task is to evaluate Newport’s critique of passion-driven career advice by drawing from the following sources:
- Newport’s YouTube video: “Core Idea: Don’t Follow Your Passion”
- His article: “The Passion Trap”
- His manifesto: “The Career Craftsman Manifesto”
- Ali Abdaal’s counterpoint video: “Follow Your Passion Is Bad Advice. Here’s Why.”
Do you side with Newport’s pragmatic, skill-first approach, or do you believe passion still plays a crucial role in career success? Perhaps the truth lies somewhere in between—requiring a more nuanced perspective that accounts for economic realities, job market trends, and personal fulfillment.
Your essay should defend, refute, or complicate Newport’s claim by incorporating evidence from the provided sources, applying logical reasoning, and considering real-world implications. This is your opportunity to challenge conventional wisdom, sharpen your analytical skills, and weigh in on one of the most persistent debates in career development.
So, should we follow our hearts, or should we master our craft and let passion emerge along the way? Make your case.
Cinemorphosis 
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