Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: Cowards
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This reading comprehension question is based on a philosophical passage that discusses self reliance, inner power, and sincere work. The specific line being tested is the author's comment that "God will not have his work made manifest by cowards". To answer correctly, you must connect this statement with the options and understand what kind of people, according to the author, cannot be instruments of divine work.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
In comprehension questions, when the stem asks "According to the author", you should rely on the literal wording and clear implications of the passage, not on your personal opinion. Here, the author is describing how divine work or higher purpose shows itself in the world. He insists that only those who put their heart into their work, act bravely, and faithfully express the divine idea within them can manifest God's work. The one group he explicitly excludes is "cowards". Therefore, the correct answer must match that exact term rather than some broader or different group.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Locate the relevant line in the passage: "but God will not have his work made manifest by cowards."Step 2: Observe that the word "cowards" is specifically used by the author; no other group is named in this clause.Step 3: Understand the meaning: a coward is someone who is afraid to act, afraid to speak truth, or afraid to express the divine idea within.Step 4: Compare the options. Only option A repeats the exact word "Cowards".Step 5: Reject options that add new categories like "stubborn people" or "weaklings", which the passage does not mention in this context.
Verification / Alternative check:
Re read the surrounding sentences: the author says that when a man puts his heart into his work, he is relieved and joyful, but when he acts half heartedly, his genius deserts him and no muse or hope supports him. This reinforces the idea that courage, not cowardice, is required to manifest God's work. However, the question is not asking about all possible disqualifications; it is asking what the author specifically says God will not use, which is "cowards". Thus, the literal text confirms the answer.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B, "Stubborn people", is not mentioned in the passage in relation to God's work. A person might be stubborn yet still courageous and sincere. Option C, "Weaklings", suggests physical or emotional weakness, but the author does not say that physical weakness alone prevents someone from manifesting divine work. Option D, "All of these", would imply that the passage explicitly rejects cowards, stubborn people, and weaklings together, which it does not. Only "cowards" appears in the original sentence.
Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes over interpret philosophical passages and assume that if cowards are rejected, then stubborn or weak people must also be rejected. However, comprehension questions reward careful reading, not guesswork. Another pitfall is to pick "All of these" when more than one option sounds negative. To avoid this, always look for exact phrases or clearly supported ideas in the text. Here, only "cowards" is explicitly named as unfit to manifest God's work.
Final Answer:
According to the author, God will not have his work made manifest by cowards.
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