Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;
7. To be satisfied with what one possesses is one of our most famous virtues. This means that it is a personality type that has been, over centuries, promoted as an admirable quality. Do you think there is downside to being content in life? Critically analyse. (150 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and mentioned as part of Mission-2023 Secure timetable (revision).
Directive word:
Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by defining contentment.
Body:
Write about the importance of contentment – Contentment means to be happy with what you have, who you are, and where you are. It is respecting the reality of the present. It is appreciating what you do have and where you are in life.
Next, write about the critique of contentment and how it can negatively impact.
Next, write that Contentment does not mean the absence of desire; it just means you are satisfied with your present, and you trust that the turns your life takes will be for the best.
Cite suitable examples to substantiate the above.
Conclusion:
Complete the answer by summarising.
