Steve Jobs was an enigma. He was quirky. I would like to share a few little known facts about the man who pretty much changed the world with one small technological device. Steve Jobs liked to work bare foot (even while in corporate environments and during million dollar negotiations). He was vegan and often went on diets where he would only eat orange things. He was a Zen Buddhist and extensively travelled India during his youth.He was such a perfectionist that there was a period when he had no furniture in his house at all, because he could not decide what to buy. He used to read his favourite book of all time, every single year 'Autobiography of a yogi,by Paramhansa Yogananda. This man was not affraid to be himself. "Remembering that I'll be dead soon, is the most imporatant tool, I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Almost everything all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrasment or failure .these things just fall awayin the face of death, leaving only what is truely important" Jobs, used to say "Remenbering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason, not to follow your heart. No one wants to die. Even people who wants to go to heaven, do not want to die to get there. And yet, death is the destination, we all share. No one has ever escaped it, and that is how it should be, because death is very likely the single best invention of life. It is life's change agent It clears out the old to make way for the new."
The passage is written in :
- First person narrative
- Third person narrative
- Multiple person narrative
- Second person narrative
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
To identify the narrative perspective of the passage, we need to analyze the point of view from which the story is told. Here's the step-by-step breakdown:
- The passage uses personal pronouns such as "I" and "my," indicating that it is written in a style where the narrator is involved personally in the narration.
- The narrator mentions personal experiences like, "I would like to share a few little known facts..." and "I've ever encountered...," showing that the story is told from the narrator's perspective dealing with their thoughts and reflections.
- The use of such pronouns and personal references typically characterizes first person narrative, where the narrator is speaking about themselves and their experiences directly.
- In contrast:
- A third person narrative would use pronouns like "he," "she," or "they" and portray the story with an external viewpoint.
- A second person narrative addresses "you" and involves the reader directly, often used to give instructions or interactive stories.
- A multiple person narrative involves shifting perspectives among different characters, none of which is evident in this passage.
Thus, given the style of writing involving the personal perspective of the narrator, the passage is indeed written in a first person narrative.
Steve Jobs believed in
- Materialism
- Perfectionism
- Normatism
- Altruism
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
To determine what Steve Jobs believed in from the given options, we need to analyze the provided passage about his personality and beliefs.
The passage highlights several aspects of Steve Jobs' life and personality:
- Jobs was noted for his eccentricity and individuality, such as working barefoot and having a unique diet.
- He was a Zen Buddhist, suggesting a focus on mindfulness and existential contemplation.
- Importantly, Jobs was described as a perfectionist: he was so particular about his furnishings that his house remained unfurnished for a period due to indecision.
- His philosophical approach to life, as noted in his preparation for death and the inevitable changes it brings, further emphasizes his focus on perfection and existential truths.
Given these points, Perfectionism comes across as the most prominent trait associated with Jobs in this context. This is directly referred to in the passage: "He was such a perfectionist that there was a period when he had no furniture in his house at all..."
Let us evaluate the other options:
- Materialism: This focuses on material possessions and wealth, which contradicts Jobs' minimalist lifestyle and the anecdote about his empty home.
- Normatism: This involves aligning with norms and standards, but Jobs is described as quirky and unafraid to be himself, indicating a lack of concern for traditional norms.
- Altruism: While jobs had some altruistic ideals, the passage doesn't primarily focus on this aspect of his character.
Thus, the correct answer to the question of what Steve Jobs believed in, according to the passage, is: Perfectionism.
"Remembering that you are going to die, is the best way I know ...." I in this line is:
- The author of the article
- The narrator in the article
- Steve Jobs
- Any manager
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
To answer the question, we need to identify the referent of "I" in the line: "Remembering that you are going to die, is the best way I know...".
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Contextual Understanding:
- The passage describes various characteristics and life practices of Steve Jobs.
- It mentions a quote and philosophy related to life and death, attributed to Steve Jobs. This includes overcoming fear and the impact of remembering mortality when making life choices.
- The quoted lines express a personal viewpoint about the influence of mortality on decision-making, illustrating a typical Steve Jobs perspective.
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Identifying the Speaker:
- The excerpt "Remembering that you are going to die, is the best way I know..." directly addresses the philosophy and personal viewpoint of Steve Jobs as described in the passage. This aligns with how the passage reflects on his unique approach to life and work.
- No other individual named in the passage would suitably fit as the speaker of the philosophical perspective elaborated.
-
Eliminating Options:
- The author of the article: Not a fit, as the whole passage is about Steve Jobs and described using his personal viewpoints.
- The narrator in the article: Unlikely, as the specific philosophy discussed is known to be associated with Steve Jobs himself.
- Any manager: Too generic and does not connect with the personalized viewpoint depicted in the passage.
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Conclusion:
The correct answer is:Steve Jobs
In the passage which one of the following in not true ?
- Death is the destination
- No one escapes the death
- Death is the single best invention
- Look for death
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The question requires us to determine which statement is not true based on the given passage about Steve Jobs. We will evaluate each option against the details described in the passage.
- Option: "Death is the destination"
- The passage mentions, "And yet, death is the destination we all share." This means the statement is true according to the passage.
- Option: "No one escapes the death"
- The passage states, "No one has ever escaped it," clearly indicating that this statement is true based on the given text.
- Option: "Death is the single best invention"
- The passage describes death as "very likely the single best invention of life." Therefore, this assertion is true according to the passage content.
- Option: "Look for death"
- The passage does not suggest or hint that one should actively "look for death." It emphasizes accepting death as a natural part of life but not seeking it out. Thus, this statement is not true as per the passage.
Based on the passage, the statement that is not true is: "Look for death".
Which of the following statement is false ? Steve Jobs had no furniture at his house because :
- He had no money
- He was a perfectionist
- He could not decide what to buy
- He wanted to buy the perfect furniture
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
The question asks which statement is false regarding why Steve Jobs had no furniture in his house. The provided context from the comprehension passage elaborates on Steve Jobs's quirky lifestyle and philosophies.
- The statement "He had no money" aligns with the provided options. This is not consistent with Steve Jobs's financial status as he was a wealthy individual who co-founded Apple Inc., a highly successful company. Hence, the idea that Steve Jobs couldn't afford furniture due to a lack of money is the incorrect statement.
- The option "He was a perfectionist" is supported by the passage. It describes Jobs's perfectionism as a key reason he was indecisive about choosing furniture, as he was waiting to find the perfect items, exemplifying his attention to detail and high standards.
- The option "He could not decide what to buy" is directly mentioned in the passage. He had no furniture because he couldn’t make a decision about what to purchase, implying indecision stemming from his perfectionism.
- The statement "He wanted to buy the perfect furniture" aligns closely with the reasoning derived from the passage - Steve's quest for perfection extended to every choice he made, including choosing furniture. He was unable to find pieces that met his high expectations.
In conclusion, the correct answer is the statement: "He had no money", as it directly contradicts the known facts about Steve Jobs and the passage content.
This passage tells us :
- Very well known facts about Steve Jobs.
- Some not very well known facts.
- Steve Job's life story
- Steve Job's business management skills
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
The passage provided gives us insights into certain less-known aspects of Steve Jobs' life. Let's analyze the passage and evaluate the options:
- The passage describes various personal choices and habits of Steve Jobs, such as working barefoot, being a vegan, following Zen Buddhism, meticulous nature, and his philosophical views on life and death. These are not typically well-publicized facts about him.
- Option 1, "Very well known facts about Steve Jobs," does not fit as the passage focuses on unique and lesser-discussed traits.
- Option 3, "Steve Job's life story," is more encompassing than the details provided. The passage highlights specific traits rather than chronicling his entire life journey.
- Option 4, "Steve Job's business management skills," is irrelevant as the passage focuses on his personal characteristics and philosophies instead of business strategies.
Given the above evaluation, the most appropriate answer is:
- Option 2: "Some not very well known facts."
This option accurately captures the purpose of the passage, which is to shed light on the unique and less-publicized aspects of Steve Jobs' personality and beliefs.
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 CMAT exam
- A "Febian Entrepreneur" is a term used to describe a type of entrepreneur who focuses on gradual and steady growth rather than rapid scaling. Which of the following best describes the approach of a Febian Entrepreneur?
- CMAT - 2025
- Current Affairs
- The Lean Startup methodology, popularized by Eric Ries, emphasizes a cycle of building, measuring, and learning to create successful products efficiently. Which of the following is a key principle of the Lean Startup approach?
- CMAT - 2025
- Current Affairs
- Dudhwa National Park, known for its rich biodiversity and tiger conservation efforts, is located in which Indian state?
- CMAT - 2025
- Current Affairs
- The first CDS (Chief of Defence Staff) of India was appointed to enhance coordination and integration among the three branches of the Indian Armed Forces. Who was the first CDS of India?
- CMAT - 2025
- Current Affairs
- A clock is set at 8 am. It loses 10 minutes every 24 hours. What will be the true time when the clock shows 11 am?
- CMAT - 2025
- Logical and Analytical Reasoning Skills