Read the given passage and answer the four questions that follow:
No matter one's nationality, sex, age, or religion, everyone seeks happiness. President Timothy Dwight defined it as: "The happiest person is the person who thinks the most interesting thoughts." This definition places happiness within, not dependent on external circumstances. Like virtue, happiness should come from an inner standard, not exterior factors or material possessions.
Virtue is not situational; it involves resisting all temptations, regardless of size. For example, if a man refuses a Rs.500 bribe but hesitates at a Rs. 1,000,000 offer, his virtue is questionable. Virtue is consistent, unchanging, and independent of temptation. Similarly, happiness should not rely on circumstances or others' actions. Some people carry their happiness like a purse, easily stolen by ill winds, malicious words, or random accidents. Allowing others to control one's peace of mind gives them undue power over one's emotions. Instead, negativity should be treated with humour, and happiness should remain self-determined. True happiness, like virtue, is resilient and should come from within. While it is impossible to feel exuberantly happy all the time, a sound philosophy can provide an invincible source of joy. Days of anguish caused by ill health, worry, or grief may come, but these should not permanently destroy happiness. Rising above pain is possible through inner strength and thinking interesting thoughts.
Happiness, like virtue, requires consistency and inner discipline. By maintaining a mindset of resilience, focusing on meaningful thoughts, and refusing to be controlled by external forces, one can rise above life's hardships and maintain lasting peace and joy.
In the passage, virtue is described as being _____.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → consistent and steady, irrespective of temptation
The passage explicitly states that "Virtue is consistent, unchanging, and independent of temptation". Its example: a man who refuses a small bribe but hesitates at a huge one has questionable virtue, because real virtue does not change with the size of the temptation.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: usually dependent on external factors — Incorrect. Contradicted: the passage says virtue is "not situational", so it does not depend on outside factors.
Option 3: circumstantial and influenced by others' opinions — Incorrect. Contradicted: in the passage, virtue is the same in every circumstance.
Option 4: reliant on material wealth for stability — Incorrect. Wrong link: the passage says that, like virtue, happiness should not depend on material possessions; wealth has no place in virtue.