It is essential to rid ourselves of the false impression of time, which our human limitations seem to impose upon us. Above all, we must rid ourselves of the belief that the future is in some way less determined than the past, if the borderline between past and future is illusory, then no must be the distinction between the two regions of time which it is supposed to separate. The only reason we believe the future to be still undecided while the past is immutable is that we can remember the one and not the other. To avoid these prejudices we must picture the history of the universe not as a three-dimensional stage on which things change but as a static four-dimensional space-time structure of which we are a part. We believe that events are not real until they “happen”, whereas in reality past, present and future are all frozen in the four dimensions of space-time. Unfortunately, even if all this is accepted, we have to continue using the language of a “moving” time, for we have no other, but we must try to interpret this language always as a description of the unchanging space-time structure of the universe.
Contemplating the history of the universe in this way, it is attractive to believe that the periods of expansion and contraction could be related to each other by symmetry. Both points of view merit serious consideration and that we cannot say with any certainty that the contracting universe will or will not, differ fundamentally from the expanding phase that we observe today.
According to the author of the passage,
Show Hint
- the time value called ‘now’ is most essential to the understanding of the universe
- the impression of a ‘moving time’ is not a false imposition of human limitation
- there is nothing with respect to which time could move
- the future is better determined than the past
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
He suggests we should view time as a static dimension (like space), implying there is no reference point or entity with respect to which time “moves.” This clearly supports Option (C).
Other options: - (A) contradicts the author’s dismissal of “now” as a subjective phenomenon.
- (B) is directly refuted in the passage.
- (D) is explicitly opposed — the author says future and past are equally determined.
\[ \boxed{\text{(C)}} \]
Which of the following best exemplifies the author's attitude to time?
Show Hint
- The impression of a moving time is false
- ‘Now’ is a purely subjective phenomenon existing only within the human mind
- The future is not in any way less determined than the past
- All of the above
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
- He denies the concept of time “moving” — calling it a false impression.
- He claims “now” is merely a subjective illusion — not a physical property.
- He states that the future is not less determined than the past, thereby refuting common beliefs.
Thus, all three points A, B, and C accurately reflect his stance. \[ \boxed{\text{(D)}} \]
Top Questions on Reading Comprehension
As of 2009, there are 890 World Heritage Sites that are located in 148 countries (map). 689 of these sites are cultural and include places like the Sydney Opera House in Australia and the Historic Center of Vienna in Austria. 176 are natural and feature such locations as the U.S.’s Yellowstone and Grand Canyon National Parks. 25 of the World Heritage Sites are considered mixed i.e. natural and cultural Peru’s Machu Picchu is one of these. Italy has the highest number of World Heritage Sites with 44. India has 36 (28 cultural, 7 natural and 1 mixed) World Heritage Sites. The World Heritage Committee has divided the world’s countries into five geographic zones which include (1) Africa, (2) Arab States, (3) Asia Pacific (including Australia and Oceania), (4) Europe and North America and (5) Latin America and the Caribbean.
WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN DANGER
Like many natural, historic and cultural sites around the world, many World Heritage Sites are in danger of being destroyed or lost due to war, poaching, natural disasters like earthquakes, uncontrolled urbanization, heavy tourist traffic and environmental factors like air pollution and acid rain.- Maharashtra Class X Board - 2025
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- I give the biggest credit of this honour to my movement’s Kaalu Kumar, Dhoom Das and Adarsh Kishore from India and Iqbal Masih from Pakistan who made the supreme sacrifice for protect ing the freedom and dignity of children. I humbly accept this award on behalf of all such martyrs, my fellow activists across the world and my countrymen. My journey from the great land of Lord Buddha, Guru Nanak and Mahatma Gandhi; India to Norway is a connect between the two centres of global peace and brotherhood, ancient and modern. Friends, the Nobel Committee has generously invited me to present a “lecture.” Respectfully, I am unable to do that. Because, I am representing here — the sound of silence. The cry of innocence. And, the face of invisibility. I represent millions of those children who are left behind and that’s why I have kept an empty chair here as a reminder. I have come here only to share the voices and dreams of our children– because they are all our children– (gesture to everyone in the audience). I have looked into their frightened and exhausted eyes. I have held their injured bodies and felt their broken spirits.
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- Maharashtra Class X Board - 2025
- English
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\(4(x^2 + y^2 + z^2) = a,\)
\(4(x - y - z) = 3 + a.\)
Then $a$ equals ?- CAT - 2024
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When $10^{100}$ is divided by 7, the remainder is ?
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