Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

English

Chapter

Comprehension - (Narrative / Factual)

Question:

Read the given passage and answer the six questions that follow.

Free will is the ability to decide and act free from any influence of past events or environment. It implies complete freedom to make any choice absolutely. We clearly don't have free will. Our decisions and actions are never divorced from our past.

We have a conditioned mind. Our memories, past impressions and experiences bias and shape our thoughts and actions in the present. It is our karmic imprint. Not just what we are born with, but also what we accumulate while living. We can consider it as the result of our genetic code, upbringing and environment. It's our backstory.

The only way to experience free will is to get rid of all such conditioning; to neutralise our karmic imprint; to be independent of our psychological coding. That's possible only if we can purify our mind by letting go of all our ego, attachments and fixed beliefs. Then we can reside in the truth of our being.

The above is an exacting definition of free will. What we commonly mean by free will is that we have a choice in most situations like, who you choose to marry, what profession you pursue or how you react to someone's aggression. Sounds reasonable. But here's the catch. Our ability to make that choice too is significantly restricted, dictated by our predispositions.

This applies even to our ability to bring about change within ourselves. Despite a strong resolve to be calmer, kinder or less anxious, our ability to manifest that change depends, partly on our emotional and mental wiring. That's why some people succeed in such efforts more than the others.

If you wish to expand the scope of your agency, explore ways to engage in sustained inner work, deepen your self-awareness, examine and reform your conditioned beliefs. But then, I wonder if your inclination to embark on that journey too depends on your current karmic coding.

What do you think could be a suitable title for this passage?

Choose the most appropriate option.

Options:

Definition of "Free Will".

Our backstory - key to a successful life.

Do human beings really have "Free Will"?

Making Choices - Every Man's Prerogative!

Correct Answer:

Do human beings really have "Free Will"?

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (3) - Do human beings really have "Free Will"?

Explanation:

  • The passage explores the concept of free will and delves into the question of whether human beings truly possess free will given their conditioned minds and predispositions.
  • It discusses the limitations and restrictions on our ability to make choices and bring about change within ourselves, highlighting the complex interplay between our past experiences, conditioning, and the concept of free will.
  • Therefore, "Do human beings really have 'Free Will'?" accurately reflects the central theme and inquiry presented in the passage.