Mains Practice Questions

1. Ans:

Introduction:

In the harsh winter of 1944, Viktor Frankl, a young psychiatrist, found himself in a Nazi concentration camp. Surrounded by despair, starvation, and death, he observed that some prisoners lost hope and succumbed quickly, while others endured unimaginable hardships. Those who survived often had a clear reason to live—a loved one waiting, a mission to fulfill, or a personal goal. This observation reflects Friedrich Nietzsche’s assertion: “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” Life’s challenges—the “how”—become bearable when guided by a strong purpose—the “why.”

Body:

Understanding the Quote

• “Why to live”: Purpose, meaning, personal values, or responsibilities.
• “How to live”: Hardships, difficulties, or challenges encountered in life.
• Core idea: A sense of purpose equips humans with resilience and determination to endure adversity.

Philosophical Perspective

• Nietzsche emphasises that life is inherently challenging, and humans need meaning to endure suffering.
• Viktor Frankl’s survival in concentration camps demonstrates that those with a reason to live could endure extreme pain and deprivation.
• Example: Frankl himself survived, motivated by the desire to reunite with his loved ones and to write his psychological treatise on human resilience (Man’s Search for Meaning).

Historical Examples

• Mahatma Gandhi: During multiple imprisonments, Gandhi endured harsh conditions, hunger strikes, and political pressure, guided by his commitment to truth and non-violence and the goal of India’s independence.
• Nelson Mandela: Despite 27 years in prison under inhumane conditions, Mandela remained steadfast because of his vision of racial equality and freedom for South Africa.
• Malala Yousafzai: Survived a targeted attack on her life and continued advocating for girls’ education, motivated by her belief in the right to education.

Contemporary Examples

• Parents working multiple jobs to provide education and a better future for their children. Their purpose—the welfare of their children—helps them endure exhaustion and financial struggles.
• Patients with chronic illnesses persevering through treatments and pain, driven by hope to live or responsibilities toward family.
• Entrepreneurs and social workers often face repeated failures, risks, and societal challenges but continue their work due to a clear mission or vision.

Psychological and Social Perspective

• Purpose provides mental strength, resilience, and motivation to overcome trauma, stress, and adversity.
• Modern psychology supports goal-setting, meaning-making, and purpose-driven living as essential for mental well-being.
• Example: People recovering from natural disasters or accidents often survive extreme trauma due to family bonds or personal goals.
• Supportive communities amplify the ability to endure hardships, illustrating the importance of social support alongside personal purpose.

Counter-Perspective

• Without a “why,” even minor challenges may feel overwhelming.
• Resilience also relies on internal strength, adaptive strategies, and social networks.

Conclusion

The experiences of Viktor Frankl, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and many ordinary individuals demonstrate that a strong purpose enables humans to face even the most severe adversities. A clear “why” strengthens resilience, guides choices, and inspires perseverance in life. As Ralph Waldo Emerson wisely said, “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” In today’s rapidly changing world, discovering one’s purpose is essential—not only for personal growth but also for contributing meaningfully to society and shaping a better future.

2.Ans:

Introduction:

In 1914, a young scientist named Robert Oppenheimer was driven by his ambition to unlock the secrets of nuclear energy. His brilliance and ambition led to the development of the atomic bomb—a feat of immense scientific achievement but one that unleashed unprecedented destruction. Oppenheimer later reflected on the moral weight of his creation, realizing that ambition without wisdom can become a tempest, capable of causing havoc if not guided by ethical judgment. Similarly, people often desire comfort and contentment without effort, only to find it illusory, like a mirage in the desert.

Body:

Ambition Without Wisdom

• Explanation: Ambition drives progress and innovation, but without prudence, ethical guidance, and foresight, it can lead to disastrous consequences.
• Examples:
  • Historical: Napoleon Bonaparte’s unbridled ambition led to massive wars, destabilization, and eventual defeat.
  • Contemporary: Business leaders pursuing growth without considering ethical or environmental impact have caused financial and social crises.
• Lesson: Ambition must be accompanied by wisdom, planning, and ethical grounding to transform energy into constructive outcomes rather than destructive forces.

Contentment Without Effort

• Explanation: Contentment without effort is illusory; true fulfillment comes from hard work, perseverance, and personal contribution.
• Examples:
  • Students expecting academic success without disciplined study often face failure.
  • Societies that rely solely on inherited privileges or unearned wealth stagnate culturally, economically, and morally.
• Lesson: Effort creates a foundation for lasting contentment, ensuring that satisfaction is genuine and sustainable.

Balanced Perspective

• Ambition guided by wisdom leads to sustainable and ethical success.
• Contentment achieved through effort results in real satisfaction and self-respect.
• Example:
  • Mahatma Gandhi’s ambition for India’s independence was guided by ethical principles and persistent effort, resulting in profound national and personal fulfilment.
  • Entrepreneurs like Ratan Tata combined ambitious goals with careful planning and relentless effort to achieve meaningful innovation.

Conclusion

Life teaches us that unchecked ambition or effortless contentment can mislead individuals and societies. Life demands a delicate balance between drive, ethical judgment, effort, and satisfaction. In today’s fast-paced, competitive world, cultivating wisdom alongside ambition and earning one’s contentment through dedicated effort ensures personal growth, social responsibility, and sustainable success.

As Aristotle wisely said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Moving forward, individuals and communities must align their ambitions with wisdom and their contentment with effort, creating a life of purpose, integrity, and meaningful contribution