Subjective Comprehension-V

Please study carefully the comprehension given below. The passages is followed by a set of questions choose the best answer to each question.

We do not realise adequately to what extent our minds are moulded by books we read especially in youth. We have several means by which we acquire knowledge today i.e. radio, cinema, newspaper and television etc. But reading of books is the most ancient and effective of them all. Reading a book is different from mechanised instruction. We are never alone when we have books as our companions.
A great writer has said that religion is what man does with his solitariness. It is not merely religion but art and literature, scientific discovery and technological invention that are the outcome of what a man does with his solitariness. In the modern world we tend to be gregarious beings. When we have a little leisure we run to parties, clubs or other social activities. We are afraid to be alone with ourselves, afraid to stand and stare, much less to sit and think. We are happy with others not with ourselves. Pascal tells us that all the evils of the world arise from the fact that men are unable to sit still in a room. Reading a book gives us the habit of solitary reflection and true enjoyment.

Ques 1. What is the best means of acquiring knowledge?
Ques 2. How has man produced great art, literature, scientific discoveries or technological inventions?
Ques 3. What is man by nature and how does he use his leisure?
Ques 4. What is the cause of evils in this world according to the author?
Ques 5. What are the views of Pascal on the loneliness of man?

Solution :
Ans 1. The best means to acquire knowledge is through books. While reading a book, we cultivate the habit of solitary reflection which is otherwise not possible. In fact in the company of books we are never alone.
Ans 2. Only those great men have produced great works of art, literature and made scientific discoveries or inventions who had the habit of utilizing their solitariness.
Ans 3. Man is gregarious by nature. He does not like to use his leisure as a time for reflection. On the other hand, he seeks the company of other man in parties or clubs.
Ans 4. In the opinion of the author, most of our evils are because man is afraid to be alone. He would never like to sit alone and look within. Man is happy in the company of others. He is never happy with himself when alone.
Ans 5. Pascal shares the views of the author that man is not capable of sitting alone and reflect about himself.