Comprehension:
For my own part, I have ever gained the most profit, and the most pleasure also, from the books which have made me think the most; and, when the difficulties have once been overcome, these are the books which have stuck the deepest root, not only in my memory and understanding but likewise in my affections. For this point too should be taken into account. We won’t think slightly of that which it costs us a slight effort to win. The more a book makes us think over, the more satisfaction we get from that. When a maiden is too forward, her admirer deems it time to draw back.
If you would fertilise the mind, the plough must be driven over and through it. The gliding of wheels is easier and faster, but only makes it harder and more barren. Above all, in the present age of light reading, that is, of reading hastily, thoughtlessly, indiscriminately, unfruitfully, when most books are forgotten as soon as they are finished, and very many sooner, it is well if something heavier is cast now and then into the midst of the literary public. This may scare and repel the weak; it will rouse and attract the stronger and increase their strength by making them exert it. In the sweat of the brow, it is the mind as well as the body to eat its bread.
What does the last sentence, 'In the sweat of the brow, it is the mind as well as the body to eat its bread.' mean?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → The perfection of physical and mental faculties is achieved through exercise.
The line echoes the Bible ("In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread", Genesis 3:19): the sweat of the brow stands for hard work. The author says that the mind, like the body, must earn its "bread" through effort; heavy reading "will rouse and attract the stronger and increase their strength by making them exert it". Both body and mind grow strong through exercise.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Sweating is important for shaping the brow. — Incorrect. Misread: the "brow" (forehead) and its sweat stand for hard work; the line is not about the shape of the forehead.
Option 3: Eating bread is essential for maintaining physical and mental well-being. — Incorrect. Misread: "bread" stands for the reward or nourishment earned by labour, not for actual food.
Option 4: Sweating kills the appetite and dulls the brain. — Incorrect. Contradicted: effort strengthens the mind; it does not dull it.