Understanding the text

Answer the following questions.

a. Where could the author be found when he was late for lunch or dinner?

The author is none other than the greatest neurologist and literary figure Oliver sacks. There was Oliver’s favorite room, which was very quiet and beautiful in the house and it was the room of the oak-paneled library. His parents had libraries in the house. So whenever he was late for lunch or dinner he could be found absorbed in a book in the library.

b. What are his first memories?

Oliver was so inquisitive that he was absorbed in a book in his favourite room of library. He even used to get late for his lunch and dinner as he was found to be too absorbed in the books. He learnt to read early in the morning at 4 or 5 o’clock. The beautiful oak panel library and books are his first memories.

c. Why did he dislike school?

He disliked school because he didn’t like to obey the instructions from the teachers. He gained better information and knowledge exploring books in the libraries than that from the school. He used to get excellent lessons from the libraries before the teachers taught in the class. He was not a good student but was a better learner. Thus, he disliked school because he liked to learn himself in libraries being free to choose books of his own choice.

d. What did he feel about at the library?

He felt free when he is at the library. It is because he is free to choose any books of his interest out of thousands of books. The atmosphere of the library was so comfortable and quiet that he roamed through the shelves and wondered by the books kept in them. He also used to enjoy the quiet companionship of other readers all like him in the same quest.

e. Why was he so biased about sciences especially astronomy and chemistry?

He was biased about science especially astronomy and chemistry because of the two reasons – The first reason was that all the children used to dream of being astronauts and explore the space at that time. So he must have wished to know about it. The second reason was that he got older and he only needed those books which would support his studies.

f. Why did he become so fascinated by Hook?

He became so fascinated by Theodore Hook because he found the books written by him in the Bodleian library. Actually, Hook was greatly admired for his wit and his genius theatrical and musical improvisation. He was the greatest star in the nineteenth Century for what he had done. He had composed more than five hundred operas on the spot.

g. Describe library at the Queen’s College.

The Queen’s College is a constituent college of the University of Oxford, England. It has the magnificent building designed in a form of palace by Christopher Wren, who was a great architect. Beneath the college, there were underground large rooms which was the library. There were number of book shelves. There were heating pipes attached to the walls and corners. The design of the library was classical. The books of original prints and editions from Gesner to Darwin were available.

h. Why did the students ignore the bookshelves in the 1990s?

The students ignored the bookshelves in the 1990s because they had access to the digitalized books. The access of books from their computers made them rarely go to the shelves. The books were no longer of their consideration. They felt more comfortable with the new form of reading books in their electronic devices than going to the shelves in the library.

i. Why was he horrified when he visited the library a couple of months ago?

He was horrified when he visited the library a couple of months ago because the books from almost all public libraries were thrown out of the shelves and were digitized. Unfortunately he didn’t know how to use the computers. The books, the shelves and libraries were gone one by one and he was deeply saddened in the loss of the centuries of knowledge. Therefore, he was horrified.

Reference to the context

a. The author says, “I was not a good pupil, but I was a good listener.” Justify it with the textual evidences.

‘On libraries’ is an autobiographical essay by one of the 20th century’s greatest neurologist and author, Oliver Sacks. In this essay, he describes about his experiences of going to libraries and how successful stories shaped his personality and made his life better. He describes how he developed his deep interest in visiting the libraries till he became a successful figure and how he was deeply affected by the loss of books in the libraries in 1990s.

Oliver Sacks says, “I was not a good pupil, but I was a good listener.” That’s true. He was always absorbed in the books in the library and he got real education from there. When he was in school, he sat in the classrooms, merely listened to teachers but he couldn’t be convinced on what he wanted in depth from the teachers. He listened to them through one ear and blew away their sayings from another ear. However, it doesn’t mean he wasn’t active in the class. He was not passive either. In terms of doing exercises, submitting assignment he himself considered that he was not a good student (pupil) but he listened to them. Besides going to school, he preferably spent most of his time in the library, where he enhanced his skill of gaining knowledge from the additional books. He used to search the things that he listened from the teachers, compared the lectures with findings, noted down the conclusion in the copies and into his mind. This kind of keen interest of reading in the library made him a good reader, learner even though he consider himself as a poor student in the classroom.

b. A proverb says, “Nothing is pleasanter than exploring a library.” Does this proverb apply in the essay? Explain.

The given proverb, “Nothing is pleasanter than exploring a library” is quite appropriate for the essay “On Libraries”. Nothing is more satisfying than reading a book in library with a literal companion. Oliver Sacks was a bookworm who used to spend a lot of time in different libraries in different places. He disliked school, sitting in class, receiving instruction; information seemed to go in one ear and out by the other. He had to be active, learn for himself, learn what he wanted, and in the way which suited him best. So he roamed the shelves and stacks of the libraries, had the freedom to select whatever he wanted. His book reading started from his own library at home. All of his family members loved reading books and he was grown up in that environment. The oak-paneled library at his own home was his favourite room. Instead of going to formal school, he preferred to read freely in the library. He especially enjoyed the library environment and the quiet companions of other readers. Best of all, he wants to sit at the library table with a pile of books in front of him. Therefore, he said that he was not a good pupil, but was a good listener who explored different libraries to gain knowledge for his own academic excellence. Hence the above proverb fits for this essay.

c. Are there any other services that you would like to see added to the library?

Yes, there are some other services that I would like to see added to the library. I would prefer different rooms for different age groups such as child, adults and aged people because they prefer books most likely of their interest with their age. The elders may like to read environment, nature, culture etc., the aged people may like to read books related to politics, ethics, philosophy etc. and the kids would like to read stories, comics etc. The other thing I would to see added in the library is surveillance camera. Many people tear the books or even take with them due to which other readers are affected. Hence to prevent these bad activities on library, surveillance camera should be fitted. Good furniture to read books on is also an essential thing to be added to the library. Readers may feel bored reading on the tables. So, a small garden in the backyard of the library may be useful to remove the reader’s tiredness. I would also like to see a cafe added to the library because peoples who love reading long hours in the library may get hungry, then they can enjoy reading by eating something, which can quench their hunger. These are the certain services that I would like to see added to the library.

Reference beyond the text

a. Write an essay on Libraries and its uses for students.

Libraries and its Uses for Students

A library is a place where books and sources of information are stored. They make it easier for people to get access to them for various purposes. Libraries are very helpful and economical too. They include books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, manuscripts and more. In other words, they are an all-encompassing source of information.

Libraries play a vital role in providing students with reliable content. They encourage and promote the process of learning and grasping knowledge. The book worms can get loads of books to read from and enhance their knowledge. Moreover, the variety is so wide-ranging that one mostly gets what they are looking for. Most importantly, libraries are a great platform for making progress. When we get homework in class, the libraries help us with the reference material. This, in turn, progresses our learning capabilities and knowledge. It is also helpful in our overall development. It helps us in learning and expanding our knowledge. We develop our reading habits from a library and satisfy our thirst and curiosity for knowledge. This helps in the personal growth of a person and development. Libraries are very economical. The students who cannot afford to buy new books and can simply borrow books from a library. This helps them in saving a lot of money and getting information for free.

In short, libraries are a great place to gain knowledge. They serve each students differently. They are a great source of learning and promoting the progress of knowledge. One can enjoy their free time in libraries by reading and researching. As the world has become digitized, it is now easier to browse through a library and get what you are looking for. Thus, libraries are found to be very useful for the students. We must not give up on libraries due to the digital age. Nothing can ever replace the authenticity and reliability one gets from a library.

b. Do you have any public library in your locality? If so, do the people in your community use it? Give a couple of examples.

Yes, we have a public library in our locality. The name of the library is ‘Bhanubhakta Memorial Library’. It is named after a Nepali writer, poet and translator Bhanubhakta Acharya known by the title Adikavi. Of course, the people in our community use it.

This public library is the biggest treasure present in our society. It has all the resources one can take great benefits from. One can easily find a lot of resources here that are not available anywhere on the World Wide Web. Books are free for everyone and we shouldn’t spend a single penny for any book that we borrow. Books from different genre such as science fiction, fiction and a lot more are kept here for people to borrow. One can use the books in the library for many different purpose. This library helped me to study along with other reference books to help me with my research. The availability of different kinds of books made mine and community people’s life easier as we don’t have to go looking for books all over the city and can get everything under one roof. Also there is free access to internet due to which its been easier for us to access online books for free. For me this library has become a great place to socialize with my community members, as I can get to know people that have the same interests as I do. This helps me to build relationships with people of similar interests.

Marriage as a Social Institution Exercise : Summary and Question Answers

Marriage As A Social Institution

Understanding the text

Answer the following questions.

a. According to the author, what is marriage?

According to the author, marriage is much more than the sum of spouses which is defined by loyal, moral and conventional assumptions and have a variety of close personal relationships and associations.

b. How is marriage an institution?

Marriage is an institution in the sense that it is a means of meeting social, economic, physical and family requirements by two individuals, and it is linked to other institutions such as education, the economy and politics.

c. What are the rules that a marriage has?

Marriage has a complex set of rules that help in the planning and maintenance of the rights of the spouses to each other within a society..

d. Why does marriage matter to men?

Marriage matters to men because it provides structure to their lives and organizes their goals and ambitions.

e. What is one of the central problems in modern society?

One of the central problems in modern society is putting various legitimate boundaries around modern individuals seemingly limiting the desires for wellbeing, comfort, luxury and prestige.

f. What does social capital consist of?

Social capital consists of a vast network of people who are all connected by a bond of trustworthiness and reliability.

g. What is normative marriage? Explain.

Normative marriage is a form of social control, a way by which behaviors and aspirations are channeled appropriately. It is a force greater than the individuals involved because it represents the collective sentiments of others. Marriage in this view is qualitatively different from other intimate relationships.

Reference to the context

a. Discuss six dimensions that define normative marriage in America.

The six dimensions that define normative marriage in America are: marriages are entered voluntarily by mature, heterosexual adults with the expectation that husbands will be the principal earners, that both partners will be sexually faithful, and that married partners will become parents. Although many marriages depart from these ideals, the ideals still constitute the core of normative marriage as it is expressed in law, religion, and custom. Normative marriage is a form of social control, a way by which behaviors and aspirations are channeled appropriately. It is a force greater than the individuals involved because it represents the collective sentiments of others. Marriage in this view is qualitatively different from other intimate relationships. Much of the meaning of marriage in men’s lives will be found in these rules. Together, these six premises provide a definition of marriage that will inform the rest of this work.

b. Do marriages differ according to culture? How is your marriage practice different from marriage in America?

Marriage practices vary across cultures. Every culture has its own way of conducting marriage according to their traditions and customs. Most cultures share common customs and practices, while some cultures have unique practices. Even within our country, the marriage practices of one geographical place differ from those of others. However, the Hindu religion is practiced by the majority of Nepalese people.

Marriage practices in Nepal is totally different than in America. Marriage practices are not so important in the American culture, and couples are free to choose; to follow common or to choose a combination of practices. The American culture is not strong on the institution of marriage as it is for Nepal. The current American society does not consider marriage institution; its importance comes after career and financial matters. Nepal considers the marriage institution as very important and should be treated with all respect by all in the society. The importance of the marriage institution is evident from the marriage practices that have remained consistent in the Nepalese culture. In Nepal, most of the marriage are arranged by the parents but in America, couples choose their partner themselves. Marriage not only connects the two individuals (boy and girl), but also unites two different families. There is equal involvement of the parents of the couple for the marriage ritual in Nepal. In this way, the marriage practices differs in our culture than in America.

Reference beyond the text

a. Write an essay on the marriage practice in your own culture.

Marriage Practice in My Culture

Marriage is the social, spiritual, cultural and legal union between a man and a woman as husband and wife. Nepal has a wide variety of ethnicity and tribal population, giving diversity to the rituals and practices involved in weddings. However, the majority of marriages in Nepal are either according to Hindu tradition or Buddhist traditions. I am from Hindu culture.

In my culture the groom and his family along with neighbors, relatives and music band leave for bride’s house on the wedding day. The group of people along with the groom and music band is called ‘Janti’. The janti is leaded by the group of women carrying trays with foods and gift (called ‘Saipata’) for the bride’s family. There is traditional music band that play traditional musical instruments called ‘Panche Baja’. Behind them are groom and the group of people performing dance. The wedding ceremony is performed at bride’s house. On the arrival of janti at bride’s house they are welcomed by the parents and relatives of Bride. The saipata is handed to the bride’s family and Janti is welcomed with the feast called ‘Janti Bhoj’ (marriage party). Groom is taken to ‘Jaggey’ or ‘Mandap’ (the place to perform the wedding ritual).

The most important person of the wedding ceremony is ‘Pundit’ (priest). The Pundit performs the marriage ceremony by chanting the ‘mantras’ through the holy book. The marriage ceremony is interesting due to different rituals performed in front of the sacred fire. There are numerous instructions for the couples while performing the ceremony guided by the Pundit. The ritual is performed by revolving around the sacred fire for seven time with the knot tied between the couples indicating the seven lives of togetherness. The marriage ritual is completed when the groom puts ‘Sindur’ (red vermillion powder) on bride’s head and ‘Potey’ or ‘Tilari’ (a holy Necklace) around the neck. Sindur and Potey have great significance for married women in my culture. After this the bride’s father washes the feet of the wedded couple and all the relatives and family members will bless them with ‘Tika’ (on forehead) and gifts. Finally the married couple along with the janti departs from the bride’s house dancing and celebrating with Panche baja.

The wedded couples are welcomed in the groom’s house by groom’s family. Lot of entertainment activities and celebration is carried out at Groom’s house called “Ratyauli”. Ratyauli is celebration at groom’s house which includes singing, dancing and starts a day before the wedding. The marriage ritual is thus the most important as well as entertaining ritual since whole family members and relatives are involved. The wedded couple starts their new life by sharing their feeling, body, culture, and love for eternity. In this way, the couple begins their newly wed life in my culture.

b. Is marriage a social institution? Discuss.

Marriage is a social institution. It defines a personal forms of relationship between man and women who make a long-lasting commitment to each other. Marriage is a unique social institution that could be interpreted and defined in a variety of forms and characterizations.

In an emotional aspect, marriage can be generalized as being in a romantic love relationship in which it is legally monogamous. Although sharing an emotional bond with a significant other is important, there are several factors that must be taken into consideration when making a decision into getting married. A couple must understand the depths of marriage in terms of survival. This emphasizes the realistic aspect of marriage which involves money. Affording a house, a family, and the necessary items to accommodate the institution can accumulate. With the right education and career, middle and upper class couples’ divorce rates have decreased, their marital happiness is consistent along with family structure.

Marriage is a socially approved courtship between two individuals in which the relationship involves sexual and economic benefits that is assumed to be permanent and includes mutual rights and obligations. It is a stable relationship in which a man and a woman are socially permitted to live together without losing their status in the community. Marriage is not merely concerned with the couple; rather it affects the whole society and future generations. The responsibilities it entrusts a couple with are thus both heavy and delicate.

In Hindu view, marriage is not a concession to human weakness, but a means for spiritual growth. Man and woman are soul mates who, through the institution of marriage, can direct the energy associated with their individual instincts and passion into the progress of their souls. So, I think that marriage is a social institution.

Knowledge and Wisdom Exercise : Summary and Question Answers

Knowledge And Wisdom

Summary

Knowledge and wisdom are different things. According to Russell, knowledge is defined as the acquisition of data and information, while wisdom is defined as the practical application and use of the knowledge to create value. Wisdom is gained through learning and practical experience, not just memorization. Knowledge and Wisdom defines the various ways of achieving Wisdom. He laments that though vast knowledge has been acquired; there has been no corresponding increase in wisdom. Russell defines wisdom by telling us about things which contribute to wisdom.

The first is a sense of proportion. It is the capacity to consider all important factors in a problem carefully. Specialization makes it difficult. For example scientists discover new medicines but they do not know what impact these medicines will have on the life of the people. The medicines may reduce the infant death rate. But it may lead to increased population. In poor countries it may lead to shortage of food. If there are more people, it may lower the standard of life. The knowledge of the composition of the atom could be misused by a lunatic to destroy the world. If misused, knowledge of atom can lead human to destruction by manufacturing nuclear weapon.

Knowledge without wisdom can be harmful. It should be combined with the total needs of mankind. Even complete knowledge is not enough. It should be related with certain knowledge of the purpose of life. The study of history can illustrate it. For example Hegel wrote with great knowledge about history, but made the Germans believe that they were a master race. It led to war. It is necessary therefore to combine knowledge with feelings. Men who have knowledge and have no feelings lack wisdom. We need wisdom both in public and private life. We need wisdom to decide the goal of our life. We need it to free ourselves from personal prejudices. We may follow even a novel thing unwisely if it is too big to achieve. Man may attempt to achieve the impossible, he may do harm to himself in the process.

In personal life, says Russell, wisdom is needed to avoid dislike for one another. Two persons may remain enemies because of their prejudice. One may dislike the other for imaginary faults. If they can be told that we all have flaws (faults) then they may become friends. We can avoid hatred if we are wise. Wisdom lies in freeing ourselves from the control of our sense organs. Our ego develops through our senses. We cannot be free from the sense of sight, sound and touch. We know the world primarily through our senses. As we grow we discover that there are other things also. We start recognizing them. Thus we give up thinking of ourselves alone. We start thinking of other people and grow wiser. We give up on our ego. It is difficult to completely get rid of selfishness, but we can think of things beyond our immediate surroundings. Wisdom comes when we start loving others.

Russell feels that wisdom can be taught as a goal of education. The message in the parable of the Good Samaritan is that we should love our neighbour whether friend or foe. Many a time we miss the message in this parable (story/fable)because we fail to love those who cause harm to the society. In brief Russell tells us not to hate anybody. The author draws out examples from the history of Queen Elizabeth I, Henry IV and Abraham Lincoln, who were free from the errors committed by other eminent people in the past.

The danger of hatred and narrow-mindedness can be pointed out in the course of giving knowledge. Russell feels knowledge and wisdom can be combined in the scheme of education. People should be educated to see things in relation to other things of the world. They should be encouraged to think of themselves as world citizens.

Understanding the text

Answer the following questions.

a. What are the factors that contribute to wisdom?

Russell believes that there are several factors that contribute to wisdom. The first factor is a sense of proportion. He defines it as the capacity to take account of all the important factors in a problem and to attach to each its due weight. The second factor focuses on awareness of the ends of human life. Russell substantiates this factor using the example of Hegel, an eminent historian from Germany. The third factor is emancipation from personal prejudice. Russell also stresses on the need to try and view the world with impartiality although to the view the world with complete impartiality is impossible.

b. What message does the writer try to convey with the example of technicians?

The writer tries to tell us knowledge itself cannot save the world. Knowledge without wisdom will not benefit the world and in some cases will even pose a serious threat to humanity. So a wise person has to have a comprehensive view.

c. Which leaders does Russell say were able to mix knowledge and wisdom soundly?

Queen Elizabeth I in England, Henry IV in France and Abraham Lincoln in the United States of America were the leaders Bertrand Russell says who were able to mix knowledge and wisdom soundly. Queen Elizabeth I and Henry IV remained free from the errors of their time, being unaffected by the conflict between the Protestants and the Catholics. Abraham Lincoln conducted a great war without ever departing from wisdom.

d. Why is wisdom needed not only in public ways, but in private life equally?

Wisdom helps to free ourselves from personal prejudices and hatred against one another. Two persons may remain enemies because of their prejudice. One may dislike the other for imaginary faults. However, if they can be told that we all have flaws then they may become friends. This is the matter of public life. Considering about the private life too, we may fail in choosing the target of our life and we may not have sufficient patience and sufficient persuasiveness. That’s why wisdom is needed not only in public ways, but in private life equally.

e. What, according to Russell, is the true aim of education?

Russell feels that wisdom can be taught as a goal of education. The message in the parable of the Good Samaritan is that we should love our neighbour whether friend or foe. However, in many situations we miss the message in this parable because we fail to love those who cause harm to the society. The only way to eradicate hatred is through understanding and love. Queen Elizabeth I in England, Henry IV in France and Abraham Lincoln in the United States of America were the leaders Russell says who were able to mix knowledge and wisdom soundly. Russell feels knowledge and wisdom can be combined in the scheme of education. People should be educated to see things in relation to other things of the world.

f. Can wisdom be taught? If so, how?

Yes wisdom can be taught as a goal of education. The message in the parable of the Good Samaritan is that we should love our neighbour whether friend or foe. However, in many situations we miss the message in this parable because we fail to love those who cause harm to the society. The only way to eradicate hatred is through teaching of the wisdom. The danger of hatred and narrow-mindedness can be pointed out in the course of giving knowledge. Russell feels knowledge and wisdom can be combined in the scheme of education. People should be educated to see things in relation to other things of the world. They should be encouraged to think of themselves as world citizens.

g. Why does the world need more wisdom in the future?

Wisdom is needed to free ourselves from personal prejudices and hatred against one another. Two persons may remain enemies because of their prejudice. One may dislike the other for imaginary faults. However, if they can be told that we all have flaws then they may become friends. We can avoid hatred if we are wise. Wisdom lies in freeing ourselves from the control of our sense organs. Our ego develops through our senses. As we grow, we give up thinking of ourselves alone. We start thinking of other people and grow wiser and thereby help us in giving up on our ego. Thus, the world needs more wisdom in the future.

Reference to the context

a. According to Russel, “The pursuit of knowledge may become harmful unless it is combined with wisdom.” Justify this statement.

The essay ‘Knowledge and Wisdom’ written by Bertrand Russell talks about the need to integrate knowledge and wisdom. He defines various ways of achieving wisdom and how knowledge without wisdom can be harmful.

Russell stresses on the importance of comprehensiveness, but at the same time says that comprehensiveness alone does not constitute wisdom. Hegel’s philosophy was comprehensive, but was lacking in wisdom and there was prejudice in his philosophy. Hegel wrote with great knowledge about history, but made the Germans believe that they were the most powerful race in the whole world which led to war. Therefore, it is necessary to combine knowledge with feelings. Men who have knowledge and have no feelings lack wisdom. We need wisdom both in public and private life.

b. What, according to Russell, is the essence of wisdom? And how can one acquire the very essence?

Russell believes that it is unwise to pursue certain goals if it is impossible of achievement. He points out that the essence of wisdom is to free oneself from the confinement of the physical world and the emotional world and look beyond. He also points out that emancipation from personal prejudice makes one’s thoughts and feelings to become less personal which contributes to wisdom.

Wisdom does not come immediately with knowledge. According to Russell, wisdom is defined as the practical application and use of the knowledge to create value. One can acquire the very essence through learning and practical experience, not just memorization.

Reference beyond the text

a. Why is wisdom necessary in education? Discuss.

Wisdom is necessary in education because with every increase of knowledge and skill, wisdom becomes more necessary. If wisdom is inculcated it helps us realise our purposes whether it is unwise or not. Wisdom is needed to free ourselves from personal prejudices and hatred against one another. Two persons may remain enemies because of their prejudice. One may dislike the other for imaginary faults. However, if they can be told that we all have flaws then they may become friends.

We can avoid hatred if we learn how to be wise. Wisdom lies in freeing ourselves from the control of our sense organs. Our ego develops through our senses. As we grow, we give up thinking of ourselves alone. We start thinking of other people and grow wiser and thereby help us in giving up on our ego. The danger of hatred and narrow-mindedness can be pointed out in the course of giving knowledge. Therefore, there is the great necessity of wisdom in education.

b. How can you become wise? Do you think what you are doing in college contributes to wisdom?

Wisdom is something that’s hard to define and yet somehow we know it when we see it. The wise people stay calm in a crisis. They recognize the limits of their own knowledge, consider alternative perspectives, and remember that the world is always changing.

Becoming wiser is not a matter of night. Patience and discipline are the key to become wiser. Wise reasoning is associated with a whole lot of positives: higher life satisfaction, fewer negative feelings, better relationships and less depressive rumination. A wise man commits mistakes. You learn by your own mistakes. It’s necessary to remember that the more you commit mistakes the more you learn and the more you improve. Staying happy is also a step to become wiser. No matter what happens in your life, just be happy, keep the faith and solve the problems calmly. A wise man is never afraid of any situations. He/she work peacefully to solve the problem. I think this are the certain ways to become wise.

Humility Exercise : Summary and Question Answers

Humility

Understanding the text

Answer the following questions.

a. Describe the claim of the Chinese nationalists about human history.

Chinese nationalists claim that history began with the Yellow Emperor and the Xia and Shang dynasties. They believe that anything that was accomplished by other rulers like westerners, Muslims or Indians is a bit imitation of Chinese achievement.

b. What do pious Muslims believe about human history?

Pious Muslims believe that all history follows the Quran. All the history before Prophet Muhammad was mostly meaningless and all history after that following Quran’s revelation revolves around the Muslim ummah.

c. What did the Aztecs firmly believe about the universe?

The Aztecs firmly believed about the universe that annual sacrifice is the reason behind the existence of the universe. Without annual sacrifice, the sun wouldn’t rise and the whole cosmos would collapse.

d. What, according to the essay, are the universal human abilities?

According to the essay, the universal human abilities are art, creativity, spirituality and mortality.

e. How are the basic yoga postures derived from the shape of the letters of the Hebrew alphabet?

The basic yoga postures derived from the shape of letters of the Hebrew alphabet as the yoga posture Tuladandasana imitates the letter ‘daled’, Trikonasana imitated the form of the Hebrew letter ‘aleph’ and so on.

Reference to the context

a. How do Hindu nationalists refute the Chinese claim that human history began with the Yellow Emperor and the Xia and Shang dynasties? Who do you agree with, and why?

Hindu nationalists refute the Chinese claim that humans began with the Yellow Emperor and the Xia and Shang dynasties by claiming that Indian sages developed the theory of planes and nuclear weapons long before Plato, Confucius or Einstein and the Wright brothers.

In the Hindu holy books of Hindus, different evidence of discoveries and inventions are found long before any scientists proved them. Hinduism is found to be the oldest religion in the world according to various scientific as well as archaeological studies. Thus I agree with the Hindu nationalists over Chinese claims through different evidence that was found in Hinduism.

b. The author has dealt with a controversial debate on human history. Why do you think history has been a major contested issue in the present world?

The essay ‘Humility’ written by Yuval Noah Harari is about the different controversies about human history. The essay presents the thoughts and people’s beliefs in human history according to their religion.

In my opinion, history has been a major contested issue in the present world due to egoism. I would like to call egoism the supremacy of their belief in their religion only rather than understanding others. Most individuals believe that their religion is the oldest and they are the center of the universe. They believe that their culture is superior to all others. According to them, everything originated from their culture. So because of egoism human history has been a major contested issue. The author wishes to remove a sense of superiority and domination from humanity.

Human Rights and the Age of Inequality Exercise : Summary and Question Answers

Human Rights And The Age Of Inequality

Understanding the text

Answer the following questions.

a. What is the first human rights declaration adopted by the United Nations?

The first human rights declaration adopted by the United Nations is mobilization for economic and social rights.

b. When is Human Rights Day observed?

Human rights day is observed on 10th December every year.

c. What is the goal of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

The goal of the Universal Declaration of human rights is to assure the most basic entitlements and key values of human welfare and rights like equality, dignity, freedom, fairness and respect. Also, its goal is to assert justice and peace in the world alongside the foundation of freedom.

d. What are two big stages that involve writing the history of human rights about that of political economy?

The two big stages that involve writing the history of human rights about that of the political economy include the heroic age of national welfare after the condition of World War II and the bitter enemies of the new cold war era in 1948.

e. What are the facts that have been missed in Roosevelt’s call for a “second Bill of Rights”?

The facts that have been missed in Roosevelt’s call for a “second Bill of rights” are:

– It marked a provincial America’s late and ginger entry into a North Atlantic consensus which is already foreordained.

– His highest promise was “special privileges for the few” instead of protection of masses which creates a ceiling of inequality.

– He hoped that it would h4 the globe but it was organized nationally instead of organizing internationally.

f. Write the truth expressed in Herodotus’s Histories.

The truth expressed in Herodotus’ histories is to assure global socio-economic justice, local socio-economic justice. it would require redistribution from rich to poor by novel forms of legal activism.

g. Why is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights important to you?

The universal declaration of human rights is important to me as it assures the basic rights of humans and provides justice, equality, equity for all human beings equally. it aimed to remove injustice, partiality, discrimination, inequality and so many inhuman behaviors from society.

Reference to the context

a. Does the essay give ways on how to stigmatize inequality? Explain.

The essay “human rights and age of inequality” written by Samuel Moyn is the essay briefing about how the concept of human rights arises and what it brought to human welfare. The essay focuses on the stigmatization of inequality rather than giving some specific ways how to stigmatize inequality. History shows us that there are wrong kinds of agents who are not fearful enough to provoke redistribution. Surely, opponents will arise someday if inequality grows like this.

Thus the need for justice and equality is in demand. so the new human rights movement sorted of different views for the common people can bring and justify social equality and liberation. it is very necessary to remove partiality and discrimination by proper supervision, monitoring and enacting strict laws. For the welfare of common people and all human beings, inequality must be removed as it is believed to be a stigma for society.

b. Is another human rights movement necessary? Why?

In my opinion, another human rights movement is necessary. Also as the essayist finds human rights is functioning under different political and economical suppression, I also agree on that point. He wishes to see other human rights movements in the coming days due to many reasons. The people with political and economical power and in higher positions are violating the law. In human affairs, inequality has been contained. The practice of nepotism and favoritism is still in use and it has suppressed different new ideas and talents. More than that political and social hegemony is still prevalent. Laws and rights are only documented rather than taken into practice. And the major thing is the classification of society based on their economic conditions like rich or poor has brought injustice and inequality. Thus the need for another human rights movement is true.