Which of the following statements would explain the phrase “dug its own grave” in the above context?

Directions: Answer the question based on the following passage.

The reduction in personal and corporate tax rates came as a Christmas present for the common man. People believe that high taxes were hindering growth of industry and business and added to the miseries of the common man. The government is not enthused by the public response and feels that in trying to earn public goodwill it has dug its own grave.

Why are the “categories "true and false" so inadequate” in the case of philosophy?

Directions: Answer the question based on the following passage.

Metaphysical principles are less easily verified from experience than physical hypotheses, but also less easily refuted. Systems of philosophy, therefore, are not so dependent on our progressive knowledge of facts as the theories of natural science, and change less quickly; notwithstanding their mutual conflicts, and in spite of the talk about discarded standpoints, they possess in a measure the permanence of classical works of art, they retain for all time a certain relative validity. The thought of Plato, of Aristotle, and of the heroes of modern philosophy is ever proving anew its fructifying power. Nowhere do we find such instructive errors as in the sphere of philosophy; nowhere is the new so essentially a completion and development of the old, even though it deem itself the whole and assume a hostile attitude toward its predecessors; nowhere is the inquiry so much more important than the final result; nowhere the categories "true and false" so inadequate. The spirit of the time and the spirit of the people, the individuality of the thinker, disposition, will, fancy--all these exert a far stronger influence on the development of philosophy, both by way of promotion and by way of hindrance, than in any other department of thought. If a system gives classical expression to the thought of an epoch,’ a nation, or a great personality; if it seeks to attack the world-riddle from a new direction, or brings us nearer its solution by important original conceptions, by a subtler or a simpler comprehension of the problem, by a wider outlook or a deeper insight; it has accomplished more than it could have done by bringing forward a number of indisputably correct principles.

Which of the following represents best the key point of argument of the passage?

Directions: Answer the question based on the following passage.

Metaphysical principles are less easily verified from experience than physical hypotheses, but also less easily refuted. Systems of philosophy, therefore, are not so dependent on our progressive knowledge of facts as the theories of natural science, and change less quickly; notwithstanding their mutual conflicts, and in spite of the talk about discarded standpoints, they possess in a measure the permanence of classical works of art, they retain for all time a certain relative validity. The thought of Plato, of Aristotle, and of the heroes of modern philosophy is ever proving anew its fructifying power. Nowhere do we find such instructive errors as in the sphere of philosophy; nowhere is the new so essentially a completion and development of the old, even though it deem itself the whole and assume a hostile attitude toward its predecessors; nowhere is the inquiry so much more important than the final result; nowhere the categories "true and false" so inadequate. The spirit of the time and the spirit of the people, the individuality of the thinker, disposition, will, fancy--all these exert a far stronger influence on the development of philosophy, both by way of promotion and by way of hindrance, than in any other department of thought. If a system gives classical expression to the thought of an epoch,’ a nation, or a great personality; if it seeks to attack the world-riddle from a new direction, or brings us nearer its solution by important original conceptions, by a subtler or a simpler comprehension of the problem, by a wider outlook or a deeper insight; it has accomplished more than it could have done by bringing forward a number of indisputably correct principles.

Why is the thought of Plato and Aristotle “proving anew its fructifying power”?

Directions: Answer the question based on the following passage.

Metaphysical principles are less easily verified from experience than physical hypotheses, but also less easily refuted. Systems of philosophy, therefore, are not so dependent on our progressive knowledge of facts as the theories of natural science, and change less quickly; notwithstanding their mutual conflicts, and in spite of the talk about discarded standpoints, they possess in a measure the permanence of classical works of art, they retain for all time a certain relative validity. The thought of Plato, of Aristotle, and of the heroes of modern philosophy is ever proving anew its fructifying power. Nowhere do we find such instructive errors as in the sphere of philosophy; nowhere is the new so essentially a completion and development of the old, even though it deem itself the whole and assume a hostile attitude toward its predecessors; nowhere is the inquiry so much more important than the final result; nowhere the categories "true and false" so inadequate. The spirit of the time and the spirit of the people, the individuality of the thinker, disposition, will, fancy--all these exert a far stronger influence on the development of philosophy, both by way of promotion and by way of hindrance, than in any other department of thought. If a system gives classical expression to the thought of an epoch,’ a nation, or a great personality; if it seeks to attack the world-riddle from a new direction, or brings us nearer its solution by important original conceptions, by a subtler or a simpler comprehension of the problem, by a wider outlook or a deeper insight; it has accomplished more than it could have done by bringing forward a number of indisputably correct principles.

According to the passage, which of the following is a tenet of Eastern philosophy?

Directions: Answer the question based on the following passage.

While the East has always been more favourable towards the pre-ordained destiny model of life, West has embraced the ‘actions ordain destiny’ model of thinking.

While the general direction of life has been attributed by the East to a preordained destiny intricately conjoined with actions of the past lives and subsequent Karma accrued, the deliberate actions of this life are often geared towards accrual of a better karma, which in turn will help in the afterlife and rebirth and the cycle is endless till a spirit evolves so much that it becomes a part of the ‘Supreme Soul’ thereby attaining Moksha. In a manner of speaking, the life that is being lived today is directly linked to the previous life and will impact the lives to come. As we pass this marker, there seems to be a certain confluence of the two divergent philosophies in that the concept of an accession to heaven or a descent into hell is dictated by the actions of this life.

A book on a case study by a leading psychiatrist from U.S.A. has set the cat among the legions of spiritualists and philosophers. The learned doctor, who used hypnotic therapy to treat the symptoms of a present day disease of his patient claims to have found proof of the cycle of births and rebirths. Initially a skeptic, the psychiatric was amazed when the patient took him onto journeys into her past lives ranging from the stone ages to the middle ages to just centuries ago. Supposedly, during the therapy of the aforesaid patient, not only did the doctor find proof of reincarnation, but also found a common, invisible thread that binds the spirits that are close in this birth into other past lives as well. Working on the theory of probabilities, it is also well nigh conceivable that what is true for the past will remain steadfast for the future also. According to the doctor, or rather his inference of the past life events of his patient, every birth that we take is to help us spiritually evolve to the next level of consciousness. As long as we remain trapped by the same thoughts and beliefs, our forward journey into the next level is impossible. A spirit chooses its time of rebirth and death, even the sex, circumstances and the family that it will reincarnate withm but the learning has to be taken to the next level before it can proceed to the next level of consciousness.

Maybe, the cycle of birth and death in itself is a manifestation of hell and heaven with evolving spirits moving up to the next level of consciousness and progressively closer to a final communion with the Holy Spirit, while the spirits which are tied down by the petty events and emotions of the present are sentenced to hell by the virtue of having to go through similarly painful experiences till the time they learn to break free. The intervening period between death and the next rebirth is perhaps a period of silent introspection while suspended in a state of flux.

Which of the following generalisations is the author most likely to agree with?

Directions: Answer the question based on the following passage.

While the East has always been more favourable towards the pre-ordained destiny model of life, West has embraced the ‘actions ordain destiny’ model of thinking.

While the general direction of life has been attributed by the East to a preordained destiny intricately conjoined with actions of the past lives and subsequent Karma accrued, the deliberate actions of this life are often geared towards accrual of a better karma, which in turn will help in the afterlife and rebirth and the cycle is endless till a spirit evolves so much that it becomes a part of the ‘Supreme Soul’ thereby attaining Moksha. In a manner of speaking, the life that is being lived today is directly linked to the previous life and will impact the lives to come. As we pass this marker, there seems to be a certain confluence of the two divergent philosophies in that the concept of an accession to heaven or a descent into hell is dictated by the actions of this life.

A book on a case study by a leading psychiatrist from U.S.A. has set the cat among the legions of spiritualists and philosophers. The learned doctor, who used hypnotic therapy to treat the symptoms of a present day disease of his patient claims to have found proof of the cycle of births and rebirths. Initially a skeptic, the psychiatric was amazed when the patient took him onto journeys into her past lives ranging from the stone ages to the middle ages to just centuries ago. Supposedly, during the therapy of the aforesaid patient, not only did the doctor find proof of reincarnation, but also found a common, invisible thread that binds the spirits that are close in this birth into other past lives as well. Working on the theory of probabilities, it is also well nigh conceivable that what is true for the past will remain steadfast for the future also. According to the doctor, or rather his inference of the past life events of his patient, every birth that we take is to help us spiritually evolve to the next level of consciousness. As long as we remain trapped by the same thoughts and beliefs, our forward journey into the next level is impossible. A spirit chooses its time of rebirth and death, even the sex, circumstances and the family that it will reincarnate withm but the learning has to be taken to the next level before it can proceed to the next level of consciousness.

Maybe, the cycle of birth and death in itself is a manifestation of hell and heaven with evolving spirits moving up to the next level of consciousness and progressively closer to a final communion with the Holy Spirit, while the spirits which are tied down by the petty events and emotions of the present are sentenced to hell by the virtue of having to go through similarly painful experiences till the time they learn to break free. The intervening period between death and the next rebirth is perhaps a period of silent introspection while suspended in a state of flux.

Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

Directions: Answer the question based on the following passage.

While the East has always been more favourable towards the pre-ordained destiny model of life, West has embraced the ‘actions ordain destiny’ model of thinking.

While the general direction of life has been attributed by the East to a preordained destiny intricately conjoined with actions of the past lives and subsequent Karma accrued, the deliberate actions of this life are often geared towards accrual of a better karma, which in turn will help in the afterlife and rebirth and the cycle is endless till a spirit evolves so much that it becomes a part of the ‘Supreme Soul’ thereby attaining Moksha. In a manner of speaking, the life that is being lived today is directly linked to the previous life and will impact the lives to come. As we pass this marker, there seems to be a certain confluence of the two divergent philosophies in that the concept of an accession to heaven or a descent into hell is dictated by the actions of this life.

A book on a case study by a leading psychiatrist from U.S.A. has set the cat among the legions of spiritualists and philosophers. The learned doctor, who used hypnotic therapy to treat the symptoms of a present day disease of his patient claims to have found proof of the cycle of births and rebirths. Initially a skeptic, the psychiatric was amazed when the patient took him onto journeys into her past lives ranging from the stone ages to the middle ages to just centuries ago. Supposedly, during the therapy of the aforesaid patient, not only did the doctor find proof of reincarnation, but also found a common, invisible thread that binds the spirits that are close in this birth into other past lives as well. Working on the theory of probabilities, it is also well nigh conceivable that what is true for the past will remain steadfast for the future also. According to the doctor, or rather his inference of the past life events of his patient, every birth that we take is to help us spiritually evolve to the next level of consciousness. As long as we remain trapped by the same thoughts and beliefs, our forward journey into the next level is impossible. A spirit chooses its time of rebirth and death, even the sex, circumstances and the family that it will reincarnate withm but the learning has to be taken to the next level before it can proceed to the next level of consciousness.

Maybe, the cycle of birth and death in itself is a manifestation of hell and heaven with evolving spirits moving up to the next level of consciousness and progressively closer to a final communion with the Holy Spirit, while the spirits which are tied down by the petty events and emotions of the present are sentenced to hell by the virtue of having to go through similarly painful experiences till the time they learn to break free. The intervening period between death and the next rebirth is perhaps a period of silent introspection while suspended in a state of flux.

What does the phrase 'infinite good is being bought' mean?

Directions: Answer the question based on the following passage.

The treasure of wisdom and science, which all men desire by an instinct of nature, infinitely surpasses all the riches of the world; in respect of which precious stones are worthless; in comparison with which silver is clay and pure gold is just a little sand; at whose splendor the sun and the moon are dark; compared with whose marvelous sweetness honey is bitter to the taste. In books I find the dead as if they were alive; in books I foresee things to come; in books warlike affairs are set forth; from books come forth the laws of peace. We must consider what pleasantness of teaching there is in books, how easy, how secret! How safely we lay bare the poverty of human ignorance to books without feeling any shame! They are masters who instruct us without rod or ferule, without angry words, without money. The value of books is unspeakable; no dearness of price ought to hinder a man from the buying of books, if he has the money that is demanded for them, unless it be to withstand the malice of the seller or to await a more favorable opportunity of buying. For if it is wisdom only that makes the price of books, which is an infinite treasure to mankind, and if the value of books is immeasurable, how shall the bargain be shown to be dear where an infinite good is being bought?

What does the phrase 'poverty of human ignorance' mean?

Directions: Answer the question based on the following passage.

The treasure of wisdom and science, which all men desire by an instinct of nature, infinitely surpasses all the riches of the world; in respect of which precious stones are worthless; in comparison with which silver is clay and pure gold is just a little sand; at whose splendor the sun and the moon are dark; compared with whose marvelous sweetness honey is bitter to the taste. In books I find the dead as if they were alive; in books I foresee things to come; in books warlike affairs are set forth; from books come forth the laws of peace. We must consider what pleasantness of teaching there is in books, how easy, how secret! How safely we lay bare the poverty of human ignorance to books without feeling any shame! They are masters who instruct us without rod or ferule, without angry words, without money. The value of books is unspeakable; no dearness of price ought to hinder a man from the buying of books, if he has the money that is demanded for them, unless it be to withstand the malice of the seller or to await a more favorable opportunity of buying. For if it is wisdom only that makes the price of books, which is an infinite treasure to mankind, and if the value of books is immeasurable, how shall the bargain be shown to be dear where an infinite good is being bought?

Which of the options critically completes the passage?

Directions: Answer the question based on the following passage.

Many surveys and studies have been conducted asking buyers what traits they value most in sellers. This information is invaluable for those who truly want to be toward the top of the sales profession. Some of the traits buyers say they want to see in sellers are their being: honest, knowledgeable, organized, punctual, solution-oriented, and empathic. For some sellers, these come very naturally, while for others perhaps it’s a constant struggle to exhibit these traits.
Nearly all the traits can be summed up in one word _________.

What assumption does the author make to reach the conclusion?

Directions: Answer the question based on the following passage.

Tastes of people for travel destinations have changed manifold over the last few years. A recent survey revealed that sixty percent of people preferred going to mountains for vacations which is more than twice the preference in last year’s survey. Happy Home group of hotels has decided to shut down the operation of three of its resorts in coastal part of the country. Other hotels, operational in tourist spots in adjacent areas, will also suffer in the coming years.

If the argument above is true, which of the following must also be true?

Directions: Answer the question based on the following passage.

The investigative journalists and the public at large believe that the bombings in Wreckville were politically inspired. However, the government report on the same day called it a racially motivated heinous act. During the last 5 years, all the terrorist strikes conducted by Dukhara, the world’s largest terrorist group, had a racial background. It is, therefore, certain that the attack on Wreckville was wrongly ascribed to the government agencies and the investigative reports were inspired by extraneous considerations.