Read the given passage and answer the four questions that follow:-
As to your studies, I wish you to learn Latin, French, and dancing. I insist particularly on dancing because it is often neglected yet crucial to success in life. First impression depends on two things: dress and address—both within our control. Neglecting these often leads to slights, coldness, and contempt, which even integrity and talents cannot always overcome. Ignoring what ensures others' favourable opinions suggests arrogance or defiance—never without serious consequences. Neglect of appearance implies disrespect for others and often stems from poor sense as much as poor nature. The maxim, "Desire to please, and you will infallibly please," explains this well.
Slovenliness can be cured with effort, but a graceful carriage requires early habit, often with the dancing master's help. Awkwardness creates prejudice; stumbling in manner suggests insecurity or a lack of confidence. In contrast, openness, freedom, and self-possession set others at ease, revealing inner harmony. Grace in women secures affections and signals a well-balanced soul, just as awkwardness in men impedes gallantry and connection.
Lastly, avoid pouring over books until bent double; this habit is hard to break and harmful to both health and esteem. A stoop diminishes public and private standing. You are upright now, walking boldly and spiritedly—preserve this carefully. Elasticity of limbs and upright deportment is vital to worldly success as much as actions.
Do not, by neglecting how to enter a room properly, stumble at the very threshold of good graces. Remember, nothing prejudices people more than awkwardness.
The maxim "Desire to please, and you will infallibly please" implies that _____.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → genuine intent to please others resonates positively and usually succeeds
Infallibly means without fail, always. The maxim says that if you sincerely wish to please people, you will surely please them. The author uses it after saying that caring about one's appearance shows respect for others. So a genuine wish to please resonates positively (is received well) and succeeds.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 2: overdoing the efforts to please others often involves compromise and bears negatively — Incorrect. Contradicted: the maxim is positive; it promises success, not harm.
Option 3: desire to please ends up in neglect of one's own happiness — Incorrect. Not mentioned: the passage says nothing about one's own happiness; the maxim is about pleasing others.
Option 4: sycophancy can unerringly lead you to be out of favour — Incorrect. Opposite meaning: sycophancy means flattering important people to gain an advantage, and unerringly means without making a mistake. The maxim praises a sincere wish to please; it is not about flattery, and it says you will win favour, not lose it.