Read the given passage and answer the four questions that follow. It's essential to focus on what you control, especially when life feels difficult. This mindset is often overshadowed by the flood of information we consume daily. For instance, I spent 30 minutes this morning going down a rabbit hole after reading about Bitcoin. I ended up lost in unrelated Wikipedia pages. Stoicism teaches us that time is our most valuable resource. While it's nice to know many things, most of the information we consume has little real value. We waste time on trivial pursuits, like reading negative news, stalking social media profiles, or watching shows just to "kill time." Why kill something so precious? We're quick to get upset by things we can't control. Responding to every little thing we encounter is a habit. But true happiness comes from accepting that we don't control most things. Worrying about global issues like recessions, wars, or natural disasters is unproductive. Indifference to things outside our control is the key to happiness. Happiness comes from meaningful activities: good friendships, enjoyable work, reading thought-provoking books, walking in nature, working out, or watching a great movie. For example, a recent Saturday was fulfilling because I spent time reading, writing, walking, and enjoying meals with family. Contrast that with another day when I got caught up in negative conversations about COVID. The negativity drained me, and I accomplished nothing useful. Things are the way they are. The best we can do is focus on what matters and how we spend our time. |
Choose an example of wasting time based on the passage from the options given below:- |
Scrolling social media profiles Walking in nature Spending time with family Writing and reflecting |
Scrolling social media profiles |
The correct answer is Option (1) → Scrolling social media profiles The passage explicitly mentions that time is wasted on activities like "stalking social media profiles," which the author considers trivial and unproductive. In contrast, activities like walking in nature, spending time with family, and writing are described as meaningful and fulfilling. |