Question

All the great religious teachers of mankind have insisted on this that men ought not to live for themselves alone.We ought not,they have said,to spend all our time and energy in getting just what we want for ourselves,power and money and importance in the world;we ought to serve something greater than ourselves, whether a god or a cause or our fellowmen.It is by serving this something greater that men will forget themselves and so achieve happiness.This or something like it is what the great religions have taught,and it is one of the most important of the things that civilization means.It is also the hardest to learn and practise;in fact,most people have found it much too hard.
Which of the following terms is closer to the central idea of the given passage?

• A. Nationalism
• B. Materialism
• C. Humanism
• D. Altruism

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The passage emphasizes the teaching of great religious figures that individuals should not focus solely on their personal desires like power, money, and importance. Instead, they should aim to serve something greater than themselves, whether that is a divine entity, a cause, or mankind. This selfless service is said to lead individuals to true happiness by making them forget themselves.

The options provided are:

1. Nationalism
2. Materialism
3. Humanism
4. Altruism

Let's examine the options:

• Nationalism: This term refers to a strong identification with and pride in one's country and its interests. It does not necessarily involve selfless service to others.
• Materialism: This is a tendency to consider material possessions and physical comfort as more important than spiritual values. The passage advocates the opposite of materialism by suggesting that pursuit of power and money is not the ultimate goal.
• Humanism: This is a system of thought that centers on human interests and values, often emphasizing reason, ethics, and justice. While it sometimes involves service to mankind, the specific emphasis on serving "something greater than ourselves" aligns more closely with altruism.
• Altruism: This is the selfless concern for the well-being of others, which is exactly what the passage advises by proposing service to a greater cause or to others beyond personal desires.

Based on the analysis, the term "Altruism" is most aligned with the central message of the passage, which emphasizes selfless service and concern for others.

Conclusion: The term closest to the central idea of the passage is Altruism.