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We call a man irrational when he acts in a passion, when he cuts off his nose to spite his face. He is irrational because he forgets that, by indulging the desire which he happensto feel moststrongly at the moment, he will thwart other desires which in the long run are more important to him. If men were rational, they would take a more correct view of their own interest than they do at present; and if all men acted from enlightened self-interest the world would be a paradise in comparison with whatit is. | do not maintain that there is nothing better than self-interest as a motive to action; but I do maintain that self-interest, like altruism, is better when it is enlightened than when it is unenlightened. In an ordered communityit is very rarely to a man's interest to do anything which is very harmful to others. The less rational a man is, the oftener he will fail to perceive how what injures others also injures him, because hatred or envy will blind him. Therefore, although I do not pretend that enlightened self-interest is the highest morality, I do maintain that, if it became common, it would make the world an immeasurably better place than it is. Rationality in practice may be defined as the habit of rememberingall our relevant desires, and not only the one which happens at the momentto be strongest. Like rationality in opinion, it is a matter of degree. Complete rationality is no doubt an unattainable ideal, but so long as we continue to classify some men as lunatics it is clear that we think some men morerational than others. I believe that all solid progress in the world consists of an increase in rationality, both practical and theoretical. To preach an altruistic morality appears to me somewhat useless, because it will appeal only to those who already have altruistic desires. But to preach rationality is some what different, since rationality helps us to realise our own desires on the whole, whatever they may be. A man is rational in proportion as his intelligence informs and controls his desires. I believe that the control of our acts by our intelligence is ultimately what is of most importance, and that alone will make social life remain possible as science increases the means at our disposal for injuring each other. Education, the press, politics, religion—in a word, all the great forces in the world—areat present on the sideofirrationality, they are in the hands of men who flatter King Demosin orderto lead him astray. The remedy doesnot lie in anything heroically cataclysmic, but in the efforts of individuals towards a more sane and balanced view of our relations to our neighbours and to the world. It is to intelligence, increasingly side-spread, that we must look for the solution of the ills from which our world is suffering.
Question: 1
What is the central idea of the passage ?
What is the central idea of the passage ?
Updated On: Oct 1, 2024
- The problems of the world can best be solved by rationality and enlightened self-interest.
- Altruism and rationality are the main indicators of intelligence.
- Altruism can makethis world a heaven.
- Man is absolutely irrational
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
As we can see, The passage discusses how people act irrationally, often motivated by immediate passions rather than long-term, enlightened self-interest. The writer says if people acted from rational self-interest, it would improve the world significantly.
The correct option is (A):The problems of the world can best be solved by rationality and enlightened self-interest.
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Question: 2
What is the author's attitude to modern development in science and communications ?
What is the author's attitude to modern development in science and communications ?
Updated On: Oct 1, 2024
- Cynical about their use.
- Sceptical about the uses theyare put to.
- One of cautious acceptance.
- One of concern about their harmful potential.
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
In the passage, The author expresses concern that the growing power of science and communications can increase the potential for harm, particularly if used irrationally.
The correct option is (D): One of concern about their harmful potential.
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Question: 3
Rationality, according to the passage means mainly
Rationality, according to the passage means mainly
Updated On: Oct 1, 2024
- Having regard for others.
- Intelligent control of one's desires.
- The ability to cultivate a balanced view of one's surroundings.
- Power to resist yielding to strong passions.
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
As we can see, the passage discusses on how irrationality often results from giving in to immediate passions or desires without considering the long-term consequences of that act.
The correct option is (D): Power to resist yielding to strong passions.
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Question: 4
The author feels that it is impractical to appeal to altruism because
The author feels that it is impractical to appeal to altruism because
Updated On: Oct 1, 2024
- Not all people are altruistic by nature.
- Altruism is weaker than rationality.
- Altruism is more refined than rationality.
- None of the above.
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
The author feels this way because in passage appealing to altruism is ineffective as it will only resonate with people who are already inclined to be altruistic.
The correct option is (A): Not all people are altruistic by nature.
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Question: 5
The King Demos'refers to
The King Demos'refers to
Updated On: Oct 1, 2024
- Populace
- Politician
- Scientist
- Despot
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The Author refers King Demos to Despot because the author is condemning the forces that manipulate and control public opinion like a despot would.
The correct option is (D): Despot
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Top Questions on Reading Comprehension
- Read the following passage and answer the questions given below:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed human life with innovations ranging from personalized recommendations to breakthroughs in healthcare and education. Despite these advances, experts warn about AI’s potential destructiveness if left unchecked. Au- tonomous systems, such as self-driving cars, could cause accidents due to unforeseen errors. Additionally, AI-powered surveillance systems pose risks to privacy and civil liberties, as governments and corporations might misuse them to monitor individuals.
One of the gravest concerns is the development of autonomous weapons, which could make life-and-death decisions without human oversight, leading to ethical dilemmas and potential large-scale harm. Furthermore, AI systems can perpetuate biases, resulting in unfair outcomes in hiring, credit allocation, and judicial decisions.
Efforts to address these concerns include the formulation of ethical guidelines, the promotion of transparency in AI systems, and the regulation of AI applications. Collab- oration between policymakers, technologists, and ethicists is crucial to ensure AI remains a force for good. However, as AI continues to evolve rapidly, striking a balance between innovation and responsibility remains an ongoing challenge.- CAT - 2024
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- As the weather changes, everyone is prone to colds and coughs. While we have all heard about the benefits of vitamin C for colds, few of us are aware of a secret solution– Zinc! Zinc is helpful as it can reduce the severity and duration of respiratory tract infections. It soothes sore throats with its anti-inflammatory properties. It plays a pivotal role in supporting various functions of the body like the immune system, wound healing and maintaining overall health. It prevents viruses from growing in the body. Zinc is also known to boost the immune system and fight infections. Notably, zinc is a vital mineral found in a variety of plant and animal foods. When consuming zinc-rich foods during a cough and cold, prioritise moderation and diversity in your diet. Include lean meats, poultry, sea food, dairy, nuts and seeds. Combine zinc-rich foods with vitamin C sources for enhanced immune support. Phytates, a substance found in unprocessed whole grains hinder the absorption of zinc, thereby making it less avail able for the body to utilise. Hence, vegetarians should follow some cooking techniques such as soaking them for 5-6 hours to reduce the phytate content and increase the bioavailability of zinc. Organic acids in fermented foods aid in higher absorption, so always include foods in your diet like buttermilk and yogurt along with some zinc-rich vegetarian sources. It is important to remember that a higher dosage of zinc supplement inhibits the absorption of other minerals. Therefore, it is always good to check with the healthcare professionals while taking supplements. Stay hydrated, choose cooking methods that preserve zinc, and be aware of factors like phytates affecting absorption.
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On September 30, 2001, I (Dr APJ Abdul Kalam) found myself on a journey from Ranchi to Bokaro in Jharkhand. The helicopter carrying me crashed just before landing, its engine failing with a thud upon impact. Miraculously, all on board escaped unharmed. Grateful to God, I proceeded with my scheduled programme in Bokaro, unfazed by the incident. That night, doctors suggested a tranquilliser to ease perceived shock, leading to an early and disturbed sleep, filled with contemplation.
Amidst this intense dream, I stood in a moonlit desert with five revered figures: Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Einstein, Emperor Asoka, Abraham Lincoln, and Caliph Omar. Asoka’s reflection on the Kalinga war symbolised a shift from conquest to compassion, inspiring a doctrine of non-violence, Ahimsa Dharma.
In this profound dream-conversation, these figures shared wisdom on humanity’s deep divisions caused by violence. They emphasised peace, equality, and the significance of ethical values in human consciousness. Asoka, having witnessed the consequences of his victories, highlighted the futility of causing suffering and the triumph of a peaceful kingdom.
Awakening from this vivid dream, I contemplated the contrasting forces of good and destruction in the world. The challenges faced by humanity, from conflicts to natural disasters and terrorism, prompted deep reflection. Yet, despite these challenges, I held a determined belief
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Motivated by this dream and a desire to contribute to the greater good, I made a significant decision. Shifting focus from my scientific career, awards, and teams, I aimed to discover India’s true essence in its children. This marked a transcendence of personal achievements, emphasising the importance of nurturing enlightened individuals and fostering the inner, higher self in the youth. My commitment was to contribute to the enduring intelligence of India through meaningful interaction with joyous, young minds.
APJ Abdul Kalam ’Ignited Minds’- CUET (UG) - 2024
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- Read the passage carefully and answer the question given below by selecting the correct option:
Five a Day
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One ’serving’ is 125 millilitres of any vegetables or fruits, or 250 millilitres of salad greens. You get the same beneficial vitamins, minerals and fibre in both, but vegetables are lower in calories and sugar, which is why the guidelines recommend higher consumption levels for them. The findings included two studies of more than 1,00,000 American men and women who were followed for up to 30 years. Those studies were then added to 24 other studies from across the globe to conduct one large meta-analysis on more than 1.8 million participants. Variety is the key, because different fruits and vegetables contain different beneficial nutrients and antioxidants. Almost all fruits and vegetables were associated with lower mortality, but there were exceptions. Fruit juices and starchy vegetables such as peas, corn, and potatoes were not associated with reduced risk of death or chronic diseases. It may be due to their higher glycaemic load.
Your five daily servings can be met from a variety of fresh, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables, whether conventional or organic. Whichever options are available, affordable, and appealing are good choices.
Studies show that freezing and canning preserves nutrients, which makes these foods even more nutrient-dense than their fresh counterparts. They are good options for people whose barriers to consuming enough servings per day include the high cost, low access, poor quality and lack of variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.- CUET (UG) - 2024
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A recent study by researchers from Basel University and Munich Technical University challenges prior beliefs about the influence of different light colours on the human body’s internal clock and sleep-wake rhythm. Unlike a previous study conducted on mice, this one suggests,
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To explore the influence of light colour on the internal clock, the researchers exposed 16 healthy volunteers to blueish or yellowish light stimuli for one hour in late evening with a white light stimulus as a control condition. The light stimuli were designed to selectively activate the colour-sensitive cones in the retina, while maintaining consistent stimulation of the light-sensitive ganglion cells in all conditions. This allowed the researchers to directly check effects of light on the respective cone stimulation and, the colour of the light.
Contrary to the findings in mice, the study suggests that the colour of light, as encoded by the cones, may not significantly influence the human internal clock and sleep-wake rhythm. The current research contradicts the earlier finding that yellowish light had a stronger influence on the internal clock than blueish light. The results, published in “Nature Human Behaviour”, imply that while light intensity and exposure duration remain crucial factors, the colour of light may not play as significant a role in influencing sleep and circadian rhythms as previously believed.- CUET (UG) - 2024
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