Definition of the concept of The Right Stuff - Essay Example

DEFINITION OF THE CONCEPT OF "THE RIGHT STUFF" AS EXPLAINED BY TOM WOLFE IN HIS BOOK CONTENT Introduction; 2. The Right Stuff; 3. Conclusion.Word Limit: 534 words;Writing Style: Modern Language Association.THE RIGHT STUFFIntroduction In 1979, a conceptual book, called The Right Stuff hit the shelves which earned its writer Tom Wolfe, both the American Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award. The book carries an intellectual feel to it, which envelops the achievements of The Mercury Seven, astronauts selected for the NASA space program who had 'the right stuff' in them.

The book tries to explain the concept of 'the right stuff' which the astronauts had that proved them to be the heroes of their times.The Right Stuff The concept of "The Right Stuff" involves around bravery and the willingness that the astronauts and the test pilots had which led them to fly against the toughest odds. It was both their physical and psychological abilities which amounted to 'the right stuff' as portrayed by Wolfe. The amount of risk The Mercury Seven were willing and delighted to take was not just plain bravery.

Their jobs were dangerous which required extremely responsive reflexes, with few monetary rewards, requiring them to sacrifice family, life and comfort, but carrying a thrill few people will ever experience. A person must be trained well enough, both physically and mentally, to be able to take on a risk and ready to die for it. All the tactics need to be mastered and relevant experiences need to be gained. True bravery is not just to risk ones life being emotionally charged with passion. It is to do so while being fully focusing on the consequences and one's limitations.

One has to exhibit his/her aggressive energy, presence and a relaxed attitude which would not only depict a massive control over the situation, but would also help avoid haphazard decisions when faced with extreme life and death quests. If the person hopes that he would live to tell the tale, he might not have been threatening his life the way a person with 'the right stuff' would. 'The Right Stuff' not only requires one to be analytical, skillful, relaxed but aggressive at the same time; it requires sustaining this attitude throughout the due course.

Just as an example, if a student scores full marks in a subject, he might have prepared well. And if he continues to gain full marks throughout the session, he has the ability to sustain. Rising at the top takes less than remaining there. Willingness and braveness have a close relationship in the concept of 'the right stuff'. They are no doubt two different aspects; however bravery and willingness, along with technical skills and other three specific differences explained above do not completely amount to 'the right stuff".

The colossal risks and training that the test pilots took nonetheless cannot be overlooked.Conclusion The concept of bravery in this book incorporates a wider meaning. It is not to face critical situations without fear. It is to first prepare oneself for the oncoming challenges, take extraordinary risks with rational checks and balances, then having the right attitude to accomplish them and be able to sustain it throughout. Many of the test pilots had died heroes trying to bring out the 'right stuff' in them.

Those who succeeded stood out at as heroes of the Mercury Program.BibliographyBryan, C.D.B. "The Sky Is Our Domain". The New York Times: Books. (September 23rd, 1979). February 13th, 2008http://www.nytimes.com/books/98/11/08/specials/wolfe-rightstuff.html_r=2&oref=slogin