Question

And what are we to say of man? Is he a speck of dust crawling helplessly on a small planet, as the astronomers see it? Or is he, as the chemists might hold, a heap of chemicals put together in a cunning way? Or, finally, is man what he appears to Hamlet, noble in reason, infinite in faculty? Is man, perhaps, all of these at once?

Hint:

In comprehension, when facing philosophical questions, focus on how the perspectives differ and interact rather than seeking a simple answer.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the passage.
The passage questions the essence of man by presenting three different perspectives: one based on a scientific view, one from the chemical perspective, and another from a philosophical perspective as seen in Hamlet's character. It challenges the reader to consider whether man can be one or all of these at once.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- The passage doesn't offer a straightforward answer but reflects the complexity of defining what man truly is, combining various views of the world: scientific, chemical, and philosophical. The essence of man, therefore, cannot be pinned down to one simple explanation.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The essence of man is multifaceted and can be seen through different lenses: scientific, chemical, and philosophical. The question prompts us to reflect on these perspectives and perhaps conclude that all of them may contribute to understanding the true essence of man.