Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

We are bewildered by the power which science has suddenly placed in our laps, and we are ______ by the realisation of our unpreparedness to deal with a crisis.

humbled

We are bewildered by the power which science has suddenly placed in our laps, and we are humbled by the realization of our unpreparedness to deal with a crisis.

Explanation:

• Proud: This word means feeling a sense of satisfaction or self-esteem due to achievements or qualities. However, in the context of the sentence, the emotion being described is not pride but rather humility or being humbled.

• Demeaned: This word means to degrade or lower in dignity or status. It doesn't fit the context, as there's no indication of anyone being demeaned here.

• Condemned: This word means to express strong disapproval or censure. It doesn't fit the context of describing a reaction to realizing unpreparedness.

• Humbled: This is the correct word choice. "Humbled" means to feel modest, meek, or lowered in pride due to circumstances or realizations. In the context of the sentence, it appropriately describes the emotional response to realizing the gap between the newly gained power and the lack of preparedness to handle a crisis.