3. Given below are three quotations from great thinkers. What does each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?
(a) “Those who in trouble untroubled are, Will trouble trouble itself.” – Thiruvalluvar. (150 words, 10 marks)
Directions: Intro-----Meaning + Relevance in present context------Conclusion.
Introduction:
Describe Thiruvalluvar (or) give the general meaning of this quote.
Main Body
Meaning & interpretation
- Neutralising Obstacles – Remaining calm during a crisis breaks the momentum of the problem.
- Psychological Advantage – Panic amplifies a crisis, whereas a clear mind allows for strategic problem-solving.
- Defeating the Crisis – When adversity fails to break your spirit, the problem loses its power over you.
Relevance in present context
- Navigating Modern Anxiety – High-stress environments require extreme mental fortitude.
- Managing Information Overload – Constant influx of sensationalised digital news & social media panic demands an unbothered mindset to maintain mental health.
- Leadership in crisis in unpredictable global challenges.
- Personal adaptability in a rapidly changing world.
- Public administration – A civil servant facing public protests, political pressure or administrative failures must remain objective and solution-oriented.
- Ethical dimension – Reflects fortitude, self-control, courage and wisdom – Emphasises responding to adversity through reason rather than emotional impulse.
Contemporary example
- During natural disasters such as floods or cyclones, administrators who remain calm, coordinate agencies effectively and communicate clearly can prevent panic and save lives. Thus, composure becomes an instrument of problem-solving.
Conclusion:
Give a neutral conclusion.
(b) “The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes.” – William James. (150 words, 10 marks)
Directions: Intro------ Meaning + Relevance in present context------Conclusion.
Introduction:
Describe attitude (or) give a basic explanation for this quote.
Main Body
Meaning and relevance in the present context
- Attitude shapes behaviour
- Resilience in adversity
- Professional excellence
- Social harmony – Attitudes of tolerance, empathy and respect.
- Adaptability in a changing world – Technological disruption, particularly AI, requires a mindset of continuous learning.
- Emotional intelligence
Examples
- APJ Abdul Kalam - Used humble beginnings and limited resources as motivation to pursue scientific excellence.
- Mahatma Gandhi - Transformed the attitude of passive resistance into Satyagraha, making moral courage a political instrument.
- Civil servant during a disaster - Instead of viewing difficult terrain and limited resources as constraints, a solution-oriented administrator can mobilise communities, technology and multiple agencies.
Ethical values reflected – Optimism, Resilience, Self-awareness, Courage, Empathy, Responsibility, Perseverance, Adaptability, Emotional intelligence.
Conclusion:
Give a balanced conclusion.
(c) “The strength of a society is not in its laws, but in the morality of its people.” — Swami Vivekananda. (150 words, 10 marks)
Directions: Intro ------ Limitations of law + Role of morality + Contemporary relevance----Conclusion.
Introduction:
Describe law and morality.
Main Body
Limitation of law
- Enforcement challenges
- External enforcement
- Inefficiency
- Presence of loopholes
Role of morality in society
- Social trust
- Protection of vulnerable sections
- Better civic sense
- Proactive Self-Regulation
- Ethical leadership
Contemporary relevance
- Issues such as corruption, tax evasion, environmental degradation, cybercrime and hate speech demonstrate that legal enforcement alone is insufficient without responsible citizens.
Conclusion:
Give a neutral conclusion.
Law is public; morality is private. Morality comes from multiple sources like education, family, society, etc.
