Question

Directions: Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow (Q. No. 311 to 319) by selecting the correct/most appropriate options. Man, who is believed to have evolved from apes, is a curious mixture of varied motives. He is not only the subject of needs but is also their creator. He not only sees to satisfy his needs but also caters to his desire for beauty and grace. He is eager to satisfy his passion for more and more knowledge. Although in a general way, the maxim 'necessity is the mother of invention' is true, it is by no means the whole truth. Man is something much greater than an intelligent being using his intellect to make newer inventions from time to time. He has within him a spirit which is ever exhorting him to cut down his need and learn to be happy with what he has. The real purpose underlying this maxim lies in its utility in the worldly sense. It tells us to be up and doing, not to be passive in our attitude to life. It asks us not to remain slaves of old habits and ways of life. We must face the new situations with a creative mind. Every new difficulty, every new problem, which confronts us in life, can be tackled successfully with the spirit of inventiveness. Which one of the following is similar in meaning to the word 'maxim' as used in the passage?

• A. Principle
• B. Direction
• C. Value
• D. Observation

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Meaning similar to the word 'maxim' is principle. Maxim means–a few words that express a rule for good or sensible behaviour. Principle means–a rule for good behaviour, based on what a person believe is right.