According to the passage about self-reliance and work, when is a man said to be "relieved and gay"?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: When he has put his heart into his work and has done his best

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This reading comprehension question refers to a specific line in a philosophical passage on self reliance and personal effort. The passage explains what truly brings peace and joy to a person. You are asked to identify exactly when, according to the author, a man is relieved and gay (happy and light-hearted).


Given Data / Assumptions:
The passage states clearly that:

  • "A man is relieved and gay when he has put his heart into his work and has done his best."
  • It then adds that what he has said or done otherwise will give him no peace.

The options are:

  • When he has untapped potential
  • When he has put his heart into his work and has done his best
  • When destiny smiles at him
  • When he achieves his goal


Concept / Approach:
This is a direct detail question, not an inference question. The correct answer must closely match the wording used in the passage. The author does not base relief and happiness on destiny or on the mere achievement of goals, but on heartfelt effort and doing one's best. Therefore, the option that repeats this idea is correct.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the exact sentence from the passage: A man is relieved and gay when he has put his heart into his work and has done his best. Step 2: Compare this line with the options to find the one that matches in meaning. Step 3: Option A, When he has untapped potential, does not appear in the passage. In fact, untapped potential suggests something not yet used, which would not bring relief according to the author. Step 4: Option B, When he has put his heart into his work and has done his best, closely repeats the author's line and therefore must be correct. Step 5: Option C, When destiny smiles at him, introduces the idea of fate or luck, which the passage does not emphasise. Step 6: Option D, When he achieves his goal, focuses on the result rather than the quality of effort. The author stresses doing one's best, not merely achieving an outcome. Step 7: Therefore, Option B is the accurate answer.


Verification / Alternative check:
We can confirm the author's viewpoint by looking at the sentences that follow. The passage adds that what a man does otherwise, that is, without putting his heart into his work, will give him no peace. This reinforces that inner peace and happiness come from wholehearted effort, not from success, destiny, or unused abilities. This supports the choice of Option B as the correct answer.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A is wrong because untapped potential refers to abilities not yet used; the passage suggests that unused potential does not bring relief. Option C is wrong because the passage does not mention destiny smiling or luck; instead it emphasises personal toil and self reliance. Option D is wrong because achieving a goal without putting one's heart into the work would still leave the person without peace, according to the passage; the author focuses more on sincerity and effort than on external success.


Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to choose answers that reflect general motivational themes, such as success or destiny, instead of paying attention to the exact details in the passage. Another pitfall is to assume that relief must come only with visible achievement, whereas the author clearly states that inner satisfaction is tied to heartfelt effort and doing one's best, regardless of the final outcome. Always match the option directly with the passage wording in detail oriented questions.


Final Answer:
According to the passage, a man is relieved and gay when he has put his heart into his work and has done his best.

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