Modern social, political and economic systems, whether capitalist, fascist or communist, reject in their working the basic principle that the free and creative unfoldment of every man, woman and child is the true measure of the worth of any society. Such unfoldment requires understanding and imagination, integrity, compassion and cooperation among people and harmony between the human species and the rest of nature.
Acquisitiveness and the pursuit of power have made modern man an aggressor against everything that is non human, an exploiter and oppressor of those who are poor, meek and unorganized. He has become a pathological type who hates and distrusts the world and suffers from both acute loneliness and false pride.
The need for a new renaissance is deeply felt by those sensitive and conscientious men and women
who not only perceive the dimensions of the crisis of our age but who also realize that only through conscious and cooperative human effort will this crisis be met and probably even overcome.
Which of the following statements is not true in context of the given passage?
- There is a need for a new renaissance
- The poor and needy are oppressed by modern man
- Modern man is not an individualist
- Western renaissance has held a great deal of promise for mankind
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
To determine which statement is not true in the context of the given passage, we need to critically analyze the passage's main themes and ideas.
- The passage discusses the negative impact of modern civilization's focus on power and possession. It mentions that this pursuit blocked out the promises of the westernized renaissance, implying a need for a revival or a "new renaissance" to address these issues. Thus, the statement "There is a need for a new renaissance" is true.
- The passage states that modern man has become an "exploiter and oppressor of those who are poor, meek, and unorganized." This directly supports the statement "The poor and needy are oppressed by modern man", indicating that this statement is true.
- It also mentions that modern civilization rejects the principle of individual freedom, creativity, and the unfoldment of individuals. However, it emphasizes that acquisitiveness and power pursuit have led to aggressive and exploitative behavior. This suggests that modern man is likely an individualist focused on possession and control, contradicting the statement "Modern man is not an individualist", making this the false statement.
- The passage reflects on the promises of the western renaissance for humanity, which were overshadowed by materialistic pursuits. Hence, the statement "Western renaissance has held a great deal of promise for mankind" is true.
Based on this analysis, the false statement in the context of the passage is "Modern man is not an individualist". The passage indicates that modern man is indeed very individualistic, focusing on personal power and possessions.
The author hopes that the present crisis can be solved by
- Devoted individual efforts
- Different political systems
- Spiritual individuals
- Purposeful and collective efforts
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The question asks for the author's hope in solving the present crisis as mentioned in the given passage. Let us analyze the passage to find the correct answer.
The passage highlights that modern civilization has been predominantly focused on power and possession, which have overshadowed the true values that society should pursue, such as understanding, imagination, integrity, compassion, cooperation among people, and harmony with nature. It mentions how acquisitiveness and the pursuit of power have led to negative consequences such as aggression, exploitation, oppression, loneliness, and false pride.
Further into the passage, it emphasizes that the realization of a new renaissance is felt by sensitive and conscientious individuals who recognize the dimensions of the current crisis. Importantly, it states that this crisis can be addressed and potentially overcome through "conscious and cooperative human effort."
Based on this analysis, the correct answer is Purposeful and collective efforts. The author hopes that it is through these efforts that the crisis can be solved. Let us examine why this option is correct and rule out the others:
- Devoted individual efforts: While individual efforts are important, the passage specifically stresses the need for cooperative efforts, implying a collective approach rather than just individual actions.
- Different political systems: The passage criticizes current political systems (capitalist, fascist, or communist) and does not suggest that changing political systems alone is the solution. It highlights the need for cooperation and harmony, which transcends political ideologies.
- Spiritual individuals: Although spiritual individuals may possess qualities like integrity and compassion, the passage does not specifically mention spirituality as the path to overcoming the crisis but rather focuses on collective human efforts.
- Purposeful and collective efforts: This option aligns perfectly with the author's belief that the crisis will be met through "conscious and cooperative human effort," highlighting the collective approach as the solution.
Therefore, the correct answer is Purposeful and collective efforts.
The author appears to be advocating which of the following approaches to be adopted by the society?
- Capitalist
- Communist
- Humanistic
- Socialist
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
To determine which approach the author is advocating for society, we need to analyze the given passage. The passage critiques modern civilization's focus on "power and possession" and its impact on society. Here's a detailed breakdown of the reasoning:
- The passage highlights that modern social, political, and economic systems, be it capitalist, fascist, or communist, fail to recognize that the "free and creative unfoldment" of individuals is essential for assessing a society's value. This suggests that the author disapproves of these systems.
- The author emphasizes the importance of qualities like "understanding and imagination, integrity, compassion and cooperation among people" and the "harmony between the human species and the rest of nature."
- Rejection of acquisitiveness and the pursuit of power is noted, illustrating that such focuses have made humanity aggressive and alienated.
- The author calls for a "new renaissance," indicating a need for a profound change, guided by conscious and cooperative human efforts to overcome contemporary crises. This implies a shift toward more human-centered values.
The above points collectively align with a Humanistic approach, which prioritizes individual development, creativity, and cooperation, contrasting sharply with capitalist, communist, or other materialistic systems.
Conclusion: The author is advocating for a Humanistic approach, emphasizing the well-being and creative potential of individuals as central to society's progress.
The modern value systems encourage the importance of which of the following?
- Craving for power and possession
- Basic respect for all individuals
- Spiritual development of an individual
- Spirit of inquiry and knowledge
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
The question is about identifying what modern value systems encourage based on the given comprehension passage. Let's analyze the options and the provided passage closely to determine the correct choice.
- Understanding the Passage:
- The passage highlights the pursuits of modern civilization, such as power and possession, which are central themes.
- It discusses how modern social, political, and economic systems emphasize monetary success, control over others, and acquisition of objects.
- The passage also points to the negative aspects of these pursuits, like aggression, exploitation, and distrust, leading to loneliness and false pride.
- Analyzing the Options:
- Craving for power and possession: The passage explicitly mentions "power and possession" as central pursuits of modern civilization. This option aligns with the emphasis described in the passage.
- Basic respect for all individuals: While this is a positive human value, the passage criticizes the lack of basic respect due to the focus on power and possession. Thus, it's not what the modern value systems currently encourage.
- Spiritual development of an individual: The passage does not discuss spiritual development as a focus of modern civilization, rather it highlights material pursuits.
- Spirit of inquiry and knowledge: While intellectual pursuits could be encouraged, the passage primarily focuses on material acquisition, not spirit of inquiry.
- Conclusion:
Given the emphasis on power and possession in modern societal values as mentioned in the passage, Craving for power and possession is the correct answer.
According to the passage, why has modern man turned out to be an enemy of everything that is non-human?
- He hates and distrusts other human beings
- He has been dominated by the drives of acquisitiveness and power
- He consciously practices the spirit of cooperation
- He is preoccupied with his own self
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
To determine why modern man has turned out to be an enemy of everything non-human, we need to analyze the content of the comprehension passage provided. The passage discusses various aspects and outcomes of modern civilization.
- The passage emphasizes that power and possession have been central pursuits in modern society. This indicates a focus on gaining control and acquiring wealth.
- It states that these pursuits have overshadowed other important human values and qualities that are necessary for a more harmonious existence, such as compassion, cooperation, and a connection with nature.
- Effectively, the passage highlights that the excessive drive for acquisitiveness (the desire to acquire more wealth and possessions) and power has led to negative consequences, including exploitation and oppression.
Based on this analysis from the passage, the correct answer is that modern man has been dominated by the drives of acquisitiveness and power. This focus on acquisitiveness and power has led to actions that are detrimental to non-human entities and relationships.
Let's consider why other options are incorrect:
- He hates and distrusts other human beings: While the passage mentions modern man's negative feelings, it primarily associates his aggression towards everything non-human with acquisitiveness and power, not hatred towards other humans.
- He consciously practices the spirit of cooperation: This is not discussed in the passage; in fact, the passage suggests a lack of cooperation.
- He is preoccupied with his own self: Although self-preoccupation may be a result, the passage specifies acquisitiveness and power as the central reasons for modern man's aggression.
In conclusion, the examination of the passage reveals that the central reason for modern man's behavior towards non-human entities is the dominance of acquisitiveness and power.
Top Questions on Reading Comprehension
- Acrucial moderating factor in how people experience comparisons is self-esteem. Individuals with high self-esteem are more likely to interpret upward comparison as informative rather than threatening. They are more resilient in the face of others’ success and more likely to believe they can reach their own goals. In contrast, people with low self-esteem are more prone to interpret comparison as judgment, reinforcing negative self-views and triggering feelings of inadequacy.
This dynamic creates a self-reinforcing loop. People with high self-esteem are less vulnerable to upward comparison, which intensifies those doubts. Those with a secure sense of self are more likely to use comparison as a learning tool. The same external stimulus—a colleague’s achievements, a friend’s popularity—can have radically different effects depending on internal stability.
Self-esteem also influences how people choose their comparison targets. Research has found that individuals often engage in “selective comparison,” seeking out those who confirm their existing beliefs about themselves. This can become a subtle form of self-sabotage. Someone who feels unworthy may subconsciously seek out targets that reinforce that sense, perpetuating a narrative of inferiority. One of the most promising antidotes to social comparison is temporal comparison—evaluating oneself not against others, but against one’s own past. This method has been shown to increase motivation and satisfaction, especially when individuals can see concrete progress. Temporal comparison activates the same reward circuits as social comparison but avoids the threat systems associated with social ranking. It also reinforces agency: individuals focus on what they can control and improve rather than what others control. In therapeutic and coaching settings, temporal comparison is used to help clients build self-efficacy and track growth over time.
Moreover, people who focus on self-improvement rather than social dominance are less likely to fall into cycles of envy or self-pity. They can still use others as inspiration, but they do so without attaching their self-worth to the outcome. This is not to say they never compare—but that they focus on learning, rather than judgment. The most skilful approach to comparison may lie in eliminating it, but in reframing it as feedback. When we interpret comparison as information rather than a verdict, we can ask, “What can I learn from this?” This shift turns comparison into a growth tool. Teachers mentor their students, not as rivals. Psychologists emphasize that the key variable here is mindset.
A fixed mindset sees comparison as a threat. If someone else is better, it means we are worse. A growth mindset sees comparison as a map. If someone else has reached a certain level, it means the path exists. This reframing is not just a cognitive trick. It changes the emotional tone of comparison, making it more likely to inspire than to wound. Reframing also requires emotional regulation—the ability to notice an initial pang of envy or shame without reacting impulsively. With practice, individuals can learn to pause, reflect, and reinterpret their emotional responses. Over time, this builds resilience and self-trust, allowing comparison to become a learning tool rather than a cage.- XAT - 2026
- Verbal and Logical Ability
- Reading Comprehension
When people who are talking don’t share the same culture, knowledge, values, and assumptions, mutual understanding can be especially difficult. Such understanding is possible through the negotiation of meaning. To negotiate meaning with someone, you have to become aware of and respect both the differences in your backgrounds and when these differences are important. You need enough diversity of cultural and personal experience to be aware that divergent world views exist and what they might be like. You also need the flexibility in world view, and a generous tolerance for mistakes, as well as a talent for finding the right metaphor to communicate the relevant parts of unshared experiences or to highlight the shared experiences while demphasizing the others. Metaphorical imagination is a crucial skill in creating rapport and in communicating the nature of unshared experience. This skill consists, in large measure, of the ability to bend your world view and adjust the way you categorize your experiences. Problems of mutual understanding are not exotic; they arise in all extended conversations where understanding is important.
When it really counts, meaning is almost never communicated according to the CONDUIT metaphor, that is, where one person transmits a fixed, clear proposition to another by means of expressions in a common language, where both parties have all the relevant common knowledge, assumptions, values, etc. When the chips are down, meaning is negotiated: you slowly figure out what you have in common, what it is safe to talk about, how you can communicate unshared experience or create a shared vision. With enough flexibility in bending your world view and with luck and charity, you may achieve some mutual understanding.
Communication theories based on the CONDUIT metaphor turn from the pathetic to the evil when they are applied indiscriminately on a large scale, say, in government surveillance or computerized files. There, what is most crucial for real understanding is almost never included, and it is assumed that the words in the file have meaning in themselves—disembodied, objective, understandable meaning. When a society lives by the CONDUITmetaphor on a large scale, misunderstanding, persecution, and much worse are the likely products.- XAT - 2026
- Verbal and Logical Ability
- Reading Comprehension
Later, I realized that reviewing the history of nuclear physics served another purpose as well: It gave the lie to the naive belief that the physicists could have come together when nuclear fission was discovered (in Nazi Germany!) and agreed to keep the discovery a secret, thereby sparing humanity such a burden. No. Given the development of nuclear physics up to 1938, development that physicists throughout the world pursued in all innocence of any intention of finding the engine of a new weapon of mass destruction—only one of them, the remarkable Hungarian physicist Leo Szilard, took that possibility seriously—the discovery of nuclear fission was inevitable. To stop it, you would have had to stop physics. If German scientists hadn’t made the discovery when they did, French, American, Russian, Italian, or Danish scientists would have done so, almost certainly within days or weeks. They were all working at the same cutting edge, trying to understand the strange results of a simple experiment bombarding uranium with neutrons. Here was no Faustian bargain, as movie directors and other naifs still find it intellectually challenging to imagine. Here was no evil machinery that the noble scientists might hide from the problems and the generals. To the contrary, there was a high insight into how the world works, an energetic reaction, older than the earth, that science had finally devised the instruments and arrangements to coart forth. “Make it seem inevitable,” Louis Pasteur used to advise his students when they prepared to write up their discoveries. But it was. To wish that it might have been ignored or suppressed is barbarous. “Knowledge,” Niels Bohr once noted, “is itself the basis for civilization.” You cannot have the one without the other; the one depends upon the other. Nor can you have only benevolent knowledge; the scientific method doesn’t filter for benevolence. Knowledge has consequences, not always intended, not always comfortable, but always welcome. The earth revolves around the sun, not the sun around the earth. “It is a profound and necessary truth,” Robert Oppenheimer would say, “that the deep things in science are not found because they are useful; they are found because it was possible to find them.”
...Bohr proposed once that the goal of science is not universal truth. Rather, he argued, the modest but relentless goal of science is “the gradual removal of prejudices.” The discovery that the earth revolves around the sun has gradually removed the prejudice that the earth is the center of the universe. The discovery of microbes is gradually removing the prejudice that disease is a punishment from God. The discovery of evolution is gradually removing the prejudice that Homo sapiens is a separate and special creation.- XAT - 2026
- Verbal and Logical Ability
- Reading Comprehension
As the post–World War II generation of liberal democratic leaders forged new, highly successful domestic and international institutions and policies throughout the West, the weaknesses of liberal democracy that dominated the two decades after World War II faded from view. But they did not go away.
First, because liberal democracy restrains majorities, it slows the achievement of goals that majorities support. This generates frustration with institutional restraints, and an unacknowledged envy of authoritarian systems that can act quickly and decisively. China can build huge cities in the time it takes the United States to review the environmental impact of small highway projects. Liberal democracy requires more patience than many possess. Second, liberal democracy requires tolerance for minority views and ways of life to which many citizens are deeply opposed. It is natural to feel that if we consider certain views or ways of life to be odious, we should use public power to suppress them. In many such cases, liberal democracy restrains this impulse, a psychological burden that some will find unbearable.
This leads directly to the third inherent problem of liberal democracy—the distinction it requires us to make between civic identity and personal or group identity. For example, although we may consider certain religious views false and even dangerous, we must, for civic purposes, accept those who hold these views as our equals. They may freely express these views; they may organize to promote them; they may vote, and their votes are given the same weight as ours. The same goes for race, ethnicity, gender, and all the particularities that distinguish us from one another.
This requirement often goes against the grain of natural sentiments. We want the public sphere to reflect what we find most valuable about our private commitments. Liberal democracy prevents us from fully translating our personal identities into our public lives as citizens. This too is not always easy to bear. The quest for wholeness—for a political community, or even a world, that reflects our most important commitments—is a deep yearning to which liberal leaders can always appeal.
Nor is the fourth inherent difficulty of liberal democracy—the necessity of compromise—easy to bear. If what I want is good and true, why should I agree that public decisions must incorporate competing views? James Madison gives us the answer: in circumstances of liberty, diversity of views is inevitable, and unless those who agree with us form a majority so large as to be irresistible, the alternative to compromise is inaction, which is often more damaging, or oppression, which always is.- XAT - 2026
- Verbal and Logical Ability
- Reading Comprehension
Beware of the old newspapers
stacked
on that little three legged stool over there.
Don’t disturb them.
I know it for a fact
that snakes have spawned in between these sheets.
Don’t even look in that direction.
It’s not because of breeze
that their corners are fluttering.
It’s alive, that nest of newspapers.
new born snakes, coiling and uncurling,
are turning their heads to look at you.
That white corner has spread its hood.
A forked tongue
shoots out of its mouth.
Keep your eyes closed.
Get rid of the whole goddamn pile if you
want to
in the morning.- XAT - 2026
- Verbal and Logical Ability
- Reading Comprehension
Questions Asked in IBSAT exam
If the price of a commodity increases by 25%, by what percentage should the consumption be reduced to keep the expenditure the same?
- IBSAT - 2025
- Ratios and Percentages
A shopkeeper marks his goods 40% above cost price and offers a 10% discount. What is his percentage profit?
- IBSAT - 2025
- Ratios and Percentages
- If all cats are animals and some animals are dogs, which of the following conclusions is definitely true?
- IBSAT - 2025
- Statements and Inferences
- A train travels 240 km in 4 hours. If the speed is increased by 20\%, how much time will it take to cover the same distance?
- IBSAT - 2025
- Ratios and Percentages
- If A is the brother of B, C is the sister of A, and D is the father of B, then how is C related to D?
- IBSAT - 2025
- Synonyms