Paper 1, Question 2 (with Hor, again)

Paper 1, Question 2

“Be present.”

Richard Branson wrote this open letter with the purpose of leaving a lasting impression, leaving an impact, and to inspire his readers. He wishes to offer support, comfort, and to ensure that his readers understand the importance of just ‘being.’ Throughout his letter, he illustrates various scenarios in which one would not be happy. He explains to readers that happiness is about “being” rather than “doing.” Through these illustrations, Richard Branson captures his readers and leaves them with the recipe to “lasting happiness.”

Although Richard Branson directly states the purpose for his letter, it should be made clear that he does so in an inviting manner, as a way to ensure to readers that it won’t be a run-on letter that will eventually bore them. He begins his letter by addressing the reader as ‘stranger,’ which was done mainly because he will be unaware of exact individuals that may be reading it. This shows the reader that they are not alone, and that there is likely to be someone that is experiencing similar feelings. He then tells readers that he wants to be “open and honest” with them, which is a way of comforting them.

Branson’s next paragraph is where the tone of the letter comes into play. It is in this paragraph that he relates to his readers, and once again reinstates his purpose for writing this open letter. He begins by telling readers that it's “OK to be stressed, scared and sad,” which once again provides readers with words of comfort and reassurance. He continues by telling readers that he’s confronted his “biggest fears”, “cheated death”, “failed in business”, and had his heart “broken” before. Here, Branson is sharing to readers his experiences in life so far, some of which happen to be experiences that can be related to. In doing so, he comforts readers.

It should also be noted that Branson’s letter is divided into very short, brief paragraphs which include only a few sentences. This structure of writing keeps readers engaged and wanting to read on. Being that he began the letter by telling readers that they “don’t know” him but that he was there to “help” and be “open” and “honest,” he is setting the tone for the rest of the letter and creating a feeling of comfort with the reader. Throughout the rest of the letter, he continues by branching off from previous ideas and expanding upon them. For example, he discusses the expectation that the world has on kids who are asked what they want to be when they grow up. He says that the expected responses are “grandiose aspirations,” and that those aspirations are all about “doing, not being.” By saying this, Branson is telling readers that although the world thinks these aspirations will bring lasting happiness, they will only bring present happiness.

He follows this idea with a two-line paragraph featuring two to five word sentences that are straight to the point. He tells readers to just “stop and breathe,” “be bold,” and to “just be for a minute.” This paragraph hints back to an earlier comment that he made about it being “OK to be stressed.” Once again, Branson is tying back earlier ideas to new ones, which leaves a lasting effect on readers. These short sentences give the letter a sense of informality, which Branson uses to its full extent. By writing informally, he can more easily relate to readers and offer genuine advice and support.

Richard Branson also makes several references to situations he has experienced, and ties it back to that initial reassuring statement. He tells readers that although these experiences have brought him “great joy,” that it is those moments that he just stopped to ‘be’ that have given him “true happiness.” Again, Branson is telling readers that it isn't about doing, rather it's about simply being. He later brings up an interesting point, being that there is a reason behind humans being called ‘human beings’ and not “human doings.” He elaborates on this by saying that it is what separates humans from most other species. He follows this idea by once again referencing stress, and that readers should not “waste” their human talents by stressing “nominal” things. This reaffirms the idea of ‘just being.’

Happiness should be “a habit,” and Branson drives home that idea in his final few paragraphs. He reiterates the idea that readers should take the focus off “doing,” and start “being.” That constant focus on doing this and doing that is something that Branson wants readers to get away from, and is the purpose behind writing this letter. He concludes by telling readers that they should allow themselves to “be in the moment” and appreciate it, and that it will be followed with happiness.

Richard Branson’s open letter provides an effective delivery of its purpose: to inform and comfort readers by relating to them and sharing the key to lasting happiness. Throughout his letter, Branson made several references to common experiences that many people likely have had or are in the process of going through, which shows that he wanted to relate to his audience. Writing in an informal tone further enhanced the already comforting mood that was created in the letter. Branson left a lasting impression on readers in an effective manner.