Comprehension
Education is not the amount of information that is put into your brain and runs riot there, undigested, all your life. We must have life-building, man-making, character-making assimilation of ideas.... If education were identical with information, the libraries are the sages in the world and encyclopaedias are the rishis. Getting by heart the thoughts of others in a foreign language and stuffing your brain with them and taking some University degree, you consider yourself educated. Is this education? What is the goal of your education? Open your eyes and see what a piteous cry for food is rising in the land of Bharata, proverbial for its food. Will your education fulfill this want?
We want that education by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expanded and by which one can stand on one's own feet. What we need to study independent of foreign control, different branches of the knowledge that is our own, and with it the English language and Western science; we need technical education and all else that will develop industries so that men instead of seeking for service may earn enough to provide for themselves and save against a rainy day. The end of all education, all training, should be man-making. The end and aim of all training are to make the man grow. The training by which the current expression of will are brought under control and become fruitful, is called education. What our country now wants are muscles of iron and nerves of steel, gigantic wills, which nothing can resist, which can penetrate into the mysteries and secrets of the universe and will accomplish their purpose in any fashion, even if it meant going down to the bottom of the ocean, meeting death face to face.
There is only one method of attaining knowledge. It is by concentration. The very essence of education is concentration of mind. From the lowest to the highest man, all have to use the same method to attain knowledge. The chemist who works in the laboratory concentrates on elements to analyze them. Knowledge is acquired by concentration.
[Extracted with edits from "Education" by Swami Vivekananda]
We want that education by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expanded and by which one can stand on one's own feet. What we need to study independent of foreign control, different branches of the knowledge that is our own, and with it the English language and Western science; we need technical education and all else that will develop industries so that men instead of seeking for service may earn enough to provide for themselves and save against a rainy day. The end of all education, all training, should be man-making. The end and aim of all training are to make the man grow. The training by which the current expression of will are brought under control and become fruitful, is called education. What our country now wants are muscles of iron and nerves of steel, gigantic wills, which nothing can resist, which can penetrate into the mysteries and secrets of the universe and will accomplish their purpose in any fashion, even if it meant going down to the bottom of the ocean, meeting death face to face.
There is only one method of attaining knowledge. It is by concentration. The very essence of education is concentration of mind. From the lowest to the highest man, all have to use the same method to attain knowledge. The chemist who works in the laboratory concentrates on elements to analyze them. Knowledge is acquired by concentration.
[Extracted with edits from "Education" by Swami Vivekananda]
Question: 1
Education, as described by the author means:
Education, as described by the author means:
Updated On: Sep 10, 2025
- Information
- Library
- Degrees
- None of the above
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The author's conception of education goes beyond the mere acquisition of information or obtaining degrees. According to the passage, true education is the development of character, mental strength, and expanded intellect that enables self-reliance. It is clearly articulated through the following points:
- Education is not simply accumulating undigested information in the brain.
- True education involves character-building, strengthening the mind, and expanding the intellect.
- The purpose of education is to enable individuals to become self-sufficient and contribute to society.
- Education should involve controlling and harnessing one’s will for productive purposes.
- Concentration is central to gaining knowledge, from the simplest to the most complex learning.
Thus, the author dismisses the idea that education is synonymous with information, libraries, or degrees. Instead, education is about personal growth and self-empowerment, making the correct answer 'None of the above'.
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Question: 2
As per the author, the aim of education should be:
As per the author, the aim of education should be:
Updated On: Sep 10, 2025
- To help a person build his/her character
- To help a person earn his/her livelihood
- To help a person develop his/her intellect
- All of the above
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The aim of education, as per the author, encompasses several aspects:
- Character Building: Education should contribute to the formation of character. This involves the assimilation of ideas that develop and strengthen individual character traits.
- Intellectual Development: The expansion of the intellect is a crucial goal. Education should enable a person to develop their intellect and understanding, fostering a deeper comprehension of the world.
- Self-Sufficiency: Education should empower individuals to earn their livelihood, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to stand on their own feet.
- Holistic Growth: Ultimately, education's end goal is to make comprehensive individuals. It should foster mental and physical strength, encouraging determination and tenacity.
Hence, the comprehensive aim of education includes all the given options: "To help a person build his/her character," "To help a person earn his/her livelihood," and "To help a person develop his/her intellect." Therefore, the correct answer is All of the above.
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Question: 3
According to the author the country wants:
According to the author the country wants:
Updated On: Sep 10, 2025
- Massive will power
- Spirit of philanthropy
- Iron and steel industries
- All of the above
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The author emphasizes the need for comprehensive development to uplift the nation. According to the text, the country needs:
- Massive will power: Phrases like "muscles of iron and nerves of steel" and "gigantic wills" suggest the importance of strong, unyielding determination.
- Spirit of philanthropy: Although not directly stated as "philanthropy," the spirit is implied through the need for education that allows individuals to provide for themselves and contribute positively, implying a broader concern for societal welfare.
- Iron and steel industries: The reference to needing "muscles of iron and nerves of steel" symbolizes industrial strength and resilience, echoing the necessity for robust industries.
The correct answer is "All of the above," as all the elements are connected to the overarching theme of character building and national development, aligned with the author's vision.
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Question: 4
According to the author, we need to study:
According to the author, we need to study:
Updated On: Sep 10, 2025
- English Language
- Technical Education
- Western Science
- All of the above
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The passage emphasizes the importance of a holistic education that includes various elements. According to the passage:
- We need to study the English Language:
- This is essential for understanding and interacting with global knowledge and ideas.
- Technical Education:
- Technical training is needed to develop industries so that individuals can be self-sufficient.
- Western Science:
- Incorporating Western science helps expand intellect and strength of mind.
Therefore, the passage suggests that we need to study all of the above to build character, increase intellectual capacity, and develop a self-sufficient, resilient, and progressive society.
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Question: 5
According to the author, which among the following is key to attain knowledge?
According to the author, which among the following is key to attain knowledge?
Updated On: Sep 10, 2025
- University Degrees
- Library
- Concentration of mind
- Hard work and sports training
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The Correct Option is C
Approach Solution - 1
In determining the key to attaining knowledge according to the provided text, we must analyze the passage's content. The passage stresses that education isn't merely about accumulating undigested information; rather, it's about developing character, strength of mind, expanding intellect, and self-reliance. The author critiques the notion of education as acquiring university degrees or memorizing information from libraries.
The central theme is the importance of focusing on personal growth and independence, with education aimed at enabling individuals to be self-sufficient and resilient, termed as "man-making". The ultimate method for achieving true knowledge, as emphasized in the text, is through concentration. This is succinctly articulated when the author states: "There is only one method of attaining knowledge. It is by concentration. The very essence of education is concentration of mind."
Thus, according to the author, the correct answer is: Concentration of mind.
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Approach Solution -2
According to the provided comprehension passage, the key to attaining knowledge is not through university degrees, utilizing libraries, or engaging in hard work and sports training. Instead, the passage emphasizes that the essence of education is the concentration of mind. Swami Vivekananda, the author, argues that knowledge is inherently linked to the individual's ability to concentrate. The passage outlines that concentration is the method through which both lower and higher knowledge is achieved, whether through scientific analysis or intellectual inquiry. Therefore, the correct answer is: Concentration of mind.
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Question: 6
Which of the following words is related to the word “assimilation”?
Which of the following words is related to the word “assimilation”?
Updated On: Apr 26, 2025
- Integration
- Adjustment
- Acclimatization
- All of the above
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
To determine which word is related to "assimilation" from the given options, we need to understand the meaning of "assimilation" in the context of education. The word "assimilation" generally refers to the process of absorbing, integrating, or adapting new ideas, information, or experiences into one's existing knowledge. Within the provided comprehension, education is described as a formative process that involves creating character, expanding intellect, and developing self-sufficiency, which can be achieved by integrating new ideas and knowledge.
Let's evaluate each option:
Integration: This is the process of combining or incorporating elements into a whole. In the context of education, it aligns well with "assimilation," which involves incorporating new knowledge or ideas into one's understanding.
Adjustment: This involves adapting or modifying one's behavior or thinking to accommodate new conditions or information. Assimilation often requires adjustment as ideas and information are absorbed and applied.
Acclimatization: This is the process of becoming accustomed to a new environment or situation. In educational terms, acclimatization can involve adapting to new concepts or disciplines, which is a component of assimilation.
| Options | Related to Assimilation? |
| Integration | Yes |
| Adjustment | Yes |
| Acclimatization | Yes |
| All of the above | Yes |
All the options provided are aspects of or related to the process of assimilation. Therefore, the correct answer is: All of the above.
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