Q. For two or three generations past, ever- increasing numbers of individuals have been living as workers merely, not as human beings.
An excessive amount of labour is rule today in every circle of society, with the result that man’s spiritual element cannot thrive. He finds it very difficult to spend his little leisure in serious activities. He does not want to think; or he cannot even if he wants to. He seeks not self-improvement, but entertainment which would enable him to be mentally idle and to forget his usual activities. Therefore, the so-called culture of cur age is dependent more on cinema than on theatre, more on newspapers, magazines and crime stories than on serious literature.
Q. 1. The passage is based on the idea that
- a. man should not work hard
- b. the great evil of our age us overstrain
- c. man cannot think well
- d. man cannot care for his spiritual welfare
Q. 2. Man does not seek self-improvement because he
- a. is not intellectually capable
- b. has no time to do so
- c. is distracted by materialism
- d. loves amusement and is mentally idle
Question from UPSC Prelims 2022 CSAT Paper
Explanation :
Q1: Correct Answer – b. the great evil of our age us overstrain
Explanation – The passage is based on the idea that the great evil of our age is overstrain (option b). The author argues that due to excessive labor in every circle of society, individuals are living merely as workers and not as human beings. As a result, their spiritual element cannot thrive and they find it difficult to engage in serious activities during their limited leisure time. Instead of seeking self-improvement, they seek entertainment that allows them to be mentally idle and forget their usual activities. This has led to a culture that is more dependent on cinema than theater and more on newspapers and magazines than serious literature.
Q2: Correct Answer – b. has no time to do so
Explanation – Option (b) is correct: A phrase from the passage states that “He finds it very difficult to spend his little
leisure in serious activities.” This statement reflects the unavailability of time, due to which man does not seek self-improvement
