Passage-2

“I learned this, at least, by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours”. Henry David Thoreau's quote encapsulates a profound insight into the power of intentional living and unwavering pursuit of one's aspirations. He suggests that when an individual courageously moves towards their envisioned life and actively works to manifest their dreams, they unlock a level of success that transcends ordinary expectations. This isn't merely about wishful thinking, but about the transformative effect of aligning one's actions with deeply held desires. Such confident endeavor, the "experiment", can lead to unforeseen achievements and a reality that surpasses what seemed impossible in mundane daily existence.

4. The author's interpretation of Thoreau's "experiment" as a principle of achieving "unforeseen achievements" presupposes that:
(a) The "experiment" was conducted with scientific methodology, allowing for objective validation of Thoreau's conclusions about success.
(b) The "success unexpected in common hours" is an internal, psychological shift in perception rather than an alteration of external circumstances.
(c) The pursuit of an "imagined life", inherently involves a departure from conventional paths, thereby opening possibilities not visible within "mundane daily existence."
(d) All individuals who replicate Thoreau's "experiment" of intentional living will achieve a similar degree of "unexpected success."

Question

Passage-2

&ldquo;I learned this, at least, by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours&rdquo;. Henry David Thoreau's quote encapsulates a profound insight into the power of intentional living and unwavering pursuit of one's aspirations. He suggests that when an individual courageously moves towards their envisioned life and actively works to manifest their dreams, they unlock a level of success that transcends ordinary expectations. This isn't merely about wishful thinking, but about the transformative effect of aligning one's actions with deeply held desires. Such confident endeavor, the "experiment", can lead to unforeseen achievements and a reality that surpasses what seemed impossible in mundane daily existence.

4. The author's interpretation of Thoreau's "experiment" as a principle of achieving "unforeseen achievements" presupposes that:
(a) The "experiment" was conducted with scientific methodology, allowing for objective validation of Thoreau's conclusions about success.
(b) The "success unexpected in common hours" is an internal, psychological shift in perception rather than an alteration of external circumstances.
(c) The pursuit of an "imagined life", inherently involves a departure from conventional paths, thereby opening possibilities not visible within "mundane daily existence."
(d) All individuals who replicate Thoreau's "experiment" of intentional living will achieve a similar degree of "unexpected success."

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Statement (a) is not correct: The passage refers to Thoreau's "experiment" in a philosophical or experiential sense, not a formal scientific one. The validation comes from the insight gained, not objective, replicable methodology.

Statement (b) is not correct: While psychological transformation might be part of it, "unforeseen achievements" and a "reality that surpasses what seemed impossible" suggest tangible, external outcomes, not just an internal shift.

Statement (c) is correct: For the experiment to lead to "unforeseen" achievements beyond "common hours," it is assumed that stepping confidently towards an imagined, unconventional life, inherently creates new pathways and outcomes that wouldn't be encountered or considered possible within a mundane daily existence.

Statement (d) is not correct: The passage presents a general principle Thoreau learned. It doesn't assume a guaranteed, identical outcome for everyone replicating a specific lifestyle, but rather the potential unlocked by the manner of pursuit.

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Passage-2 “I learned this, at least, by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours”. Henry David Thoreau's quote encapsulates a profound insight into the power of intentional living and unwavering pursuit of one's aspirations. He suggests that when an individual courageously moves towards their envisioned life and actively works to manifest their dreams, they unlock a level of success that transcends ordinary expectations. This isn't merely about wishful thinking, but about the transformative effect of aligning one's actions with deeply held desires. Such confident endeavor, the "experiment", can lead to unforeseen achievements and a reality that surpasses what seemed impossible in mundane daily existence. 4. The author's interpretation of Thoreau's "experiment" as a principle of achieving "unforeseen achievements" presupposes that: (a) The "experiment" was conducted with scientific methodology, allowing for objective validation of Thoreau's conclusions about success. (b) The "success unexpected in common hours" is an internal, psychological shift in perception rather than an alteration of external circumstances. (c) The pursuit of an "imagined life", inherently involves a departure from conventional paths, thereby opening possibilities not visible within "mundane daily existence." (d) All individuals who replicate Thoreau's "experiment" of intentional living will achieve a similar degree of "unexpected success."