Question 141
MediumOriginal questionThe was outside, on his knees, sowing seeds in the beds that had been dug the day before.
The King approached him, and said:
"For the last time, I pray you to answer my questions, wise man."
"You have already been answered!" said the hermit, still on his thin legs, and looking up at the King, who stood before him.
"How answered? What do you mean?" asked the King.
"Do you not see," replied the hermit. "If you had not pitied my weakness yesterday, and had not dug those beds for me, but had gone your way, that man would have attacked you, and you would have of not having stayed with me. So the most important time was when you were digging the beds; and I was the most important man; and to do me good was your most important business. Afterwards when that man ran to us, the most important time was when you were to him, for if you had not bound up his wounds he would have died without having made peace with you. So he was the most important man, and what you did for him was your most important business. Remember then: there is only one time that is important—Now! It is the most important time because it is the only time when we have any power. The most necessary man is he with whom you are, for no man knows whether he will ever have with any one else: and the most important affair is, to do him good, because for that purpose alone was man sent into this life!"
What is the hermit's answer to the King's questions?
Show the answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
"There is only one time that is important—Now!", "The most necessary man is he with whom you are" and "the most important affair is, to do him good".
Worth noting
The hermit does not tell him to plan ahead; his whole point is that only the present can be acted in.
- Concept
- Finding the central idea
- Typical timeTypical
- 45 s
- Your timeYours
- —
Ten questions from Literary passages, at your own pace.