The third great defect of our civilization is that it does not know what to do with its knowledge. Science has given us powers fit for the gods, yet we use them like small children. For example, we do not know how to manage our machines. Machines were made to be man's servants; yet he has grown to dependent on them that they are in a fair way to become his masters. Already most men spend most of their lives looking after and waiting upon machines. And the machines are very stern masters. They must be fed with coal, and given petrol to drink, and oil to wash with, and they must be kept at the right temperature. And if they do not get their meals when they expect them, they grow sulky and refuse to work, or burst with rage, and blow up, and spread ruin and destruction all round them. So we have to wait upon them very attentively and do all that we can to keep them in a good temper. Already we find it difficult either to work or play without the machines, and the time may come when they will rule us altogether, just as we rule the animals.
Choose the correct word to explain 'defect' as stated in the passage-
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Shortcoming
- Defect means a fault or weakness in someone or something. The writer calls the misuse of knowledge the third great defect, that is, a serious failing of our civilization.
Example: The car was sent back to the factory because of a defect in its brakes. - Shortcoming means a fault or a failure to reach a required standard, so it is the word closest in meaning to defect.
Example: Despite his shortcomings, he was a loyal friend.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 2: Skill — Incorrect. Skill is the ability to do something well, a strength rather than a weakness.
Example: Driving on mountain roads needs great skill.
Option 3: Indifference — Incorrect. Indifference is a lack of interest or concern; the passage is about a fault in how knowledge is used, not about a lack of interest.
Example: His indifference to the suffering of others shocked us.
Option 4: Blessing — Incorrect. A blessing is something good that one is thankful for, the opposite of a defect.
Example: The early rain was a blessing for the farmers.