Question

Read the passage and answer the question that follows:

It is said that ideas are explosive and dangerous. To allow them unfettered freedom is, in fact, to invite disorder. But, to this position, there are at least two final answers. It is impossible to draw a line round dangerous ideas, and any attempt at their definition involves monstrous folly. If views, moreover, which imply disorder are able to disturb the foundations of the State; there is something supremely wrong with the governance of the State. For disorder is not a habit of mankind. We cling so eagerly to our accustomed ways that, as even Burke insisted; popular violence is always the outcome of a deep popular sense of wrong.

The author says, 'we cling eagerly to our accustomed ways'. Which one of the following statements may be considered as the assumption of the author?

• A. We are afraid of social changes.
• B. Mankind is averse to any disorder.
• C. We have developed inertia that makes us incapable of social action.
• D. There is an all-round lack of initiative on the society.

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Mankind is averse to any disorder.

We cling to tried and tested old ways because we are too lazy to try a new, different way and experiment (which might or might not lead to disorder). The assumption behind this idea is option C. ("For disorder is not a habit of mankind"). Option C is the answer.