【正确答案】Self-dependence
While some people attempt to lead a life of complete self-dependence, others prefer to rely on the assistance of friends, relatives or neighbors whenever and wherever possible. This raises the question: Is it better to be self-reliant or,instead, to rely on those around us? In my opinion, while self-reliance is an important quality that everyone should strive to develop, it is also important that we know how to enlist(取得)and accept the support of others.
One reason that self-dependence is a valuable attribute is that it can improve our efficiency and productivity(生产力). In our everyday lives, there will always be occasions when we are unable to obtain outside assistance and have to depend on our own knowledge and problem-solving skills. In these
situations, people who habitually rely on others will find themselves at a loss and end up sitting around idly (无所事事地) until they can be "saved". In contrast, those who trust their own powers and judgment will find a creative solution to the problem at hand(现实 问题), enabling them to be more productive and successful.
In addition to fostering (养成) greater efficiency (高效) in our daily lives, self-dependence can also help to make life more meaningful. Because self-reliant individuals possess confidence in their own abilities, they also tend to be more willing to try new things on their own. For example, they might teach themselves how to play the guitar, bake (烘焙) an apple pie, or grow a flower garden. These kinds of do-it-yourself activities can yield a sense of satisfaction and pride, and add excitement to an otherwise mundane (平淡的) life.
Nevertheless, it would be difficult to survive without the assistance of others. As the English poet John Donne (约翰·邓恩) noted, "No man is an island...Every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. (谁都不是一座岛屿，自 成一体，每个人都是一个碎片，那广袤大陆的一部分) "A doctor might have to call a plumber (水管工) to fix a leaking faucet (漏水的水龙头) ; an engineer may need to ask an accountant (会计) to fill out his tax returns (纳税申报 单); and a lawyer with a sore tooth will have no choice but to consult a dentist. Each of us possesses a limited set of skills and expertise (技能) . To succeed, it is necessary to enlist (综合) each other's wisdom and experience and use it to our collective advantage (实 现共同的利益).
In the final analysis, neither complete selfdependence nor excessive reliance on others is advisable (明智的)or even feasible (可取的). Insofar as(就...而言) self-reliance can boost our efficiency and add meaning to our lives, I believe that it is a desirable trait to possess. However, considering that everyone requires the assistance of others at one time or another, we should not be afraid to seek the help of those around us whenever it is necessary or prudent to do so.