The passage suggests that a learned man ____.

Introduction / Context:
This question builds on the same passage about learning and the so called learned man. The author highlights how this person knows many abstract facts but lacks understanding of real people around him. One sentence in particular mentions his oldest acquaintance, which directly supports one of the answer options.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The passage says that the learned man can talk about many historical characters but does not know basic things about people close to him. - It specifically states that he does not know whether his oldest acquaintance is a knave or a fool. - Options summarise possible features of such a man.

Concept / Approach:
The key idea is the contrast between his vast book knowledge and his ignorance of real people. The sentence about his oldest acquaintance shows that he has not judged or understood that person's character, even after knowing him for a long time. This supports the statement that he does not know his old acquaintances in any meaningful way.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the line: He does not know whether his oldest acquaintance is a knave or a fool. Step 2: Understand that this means he has no clear understanding of his acquaintance's character. Step 3: Examine the options: - Option A claims he understands his neighbours, which contradicts the passage stating he thinks and cares nothing about them. - Option B says he does not know his old acquaintances, which matches the example about the oldest acquaintance. - Option C claims he is not concerned about names and dates, but the passage says he prides himself on knowledge of names and dates. - Option D suggests he is interested in travelling, an idea that the passage does not discuss at all. Step 4: Therefore, Option B correctly reflects the passage.

Verification / Alternative check:
When you re read the relevant lines, you see a pattern: the learned man knows dimensions of distant cities, tribes and castes of foreign peoples, and historical personalities. However, he does not know basic qualities of those physically close to him. The example of his oldest acquaintance is meant to be striking, showing that years of contact have not led to real understanding. This strongly supports Option B.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A is wrong because the passage states explicitly that he thinks and cares nothing about his nextdoor neighbours. Option C contradicts the line that he prides himself in the knowledge of names and dates. Option D introduces travelling, which the passage neither supports nor mentions.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes project their own assumptions about what a learned man should be like, instead of focusing on what the author actually says. This can lead them to choose answers that sound positive or logical rather than those that reflect the passage. Always base your answer on explicit statements or clear implications in the text, especially when the author is being ironic or critical.

Final Answer:
The passage suggests that a learned man does not know his old acquaintances in any real sense.