Chapter 3

Secret of Happiness

(i). Answer the following questions in your own words: 

1. Which is the greatest day in any individual's life?

Answer: The greatest day in any individual's life is the day when he conquers his fears.

This idea comes from the passage you shared — it emphasizes that overcoming fear leads to true freedom, peace of mind, and personal success.


2. What enthralled the student in the Psychology class?

Answer: The student in the Psychology class was enthralled by the flashing illumination — the sudden realization that fear is the greatest enemy of personality development.


3. Did the boy change as a result of the realization?

Answer: Yes, the boy changed as a result of the realization.

After understanding that fear was his greatest enemy, he decided to face and conquer his fears, which helped him grow stronger and more confident.

4. What is there in the personality of every man?

Answer: In the personality of every man, there is a great reservoir of unused power.

    This hidden strength can be tapped when a person overcomes fear and gains confidence

5. How can weak personalities become strong?

Answer: Weak personalities can become strong by consolidating their dissipated powers and bringing all their scattered forces to a focus.

With effort and confidence, they can develop inner strength and achieve success.


6. What would Chesterton preach if he had just one sermon to deliver?

Answer: If Chesterton had just one sermon to deliver, he said he would preach a sermon against fear.


7. What are the different types of fear experienced by the people?

Answer: People experience different types of fear such as:

  • Financial fears (fear of losing money or facing poverty)
  • Fears of ill health (worrying about getting sick)
  • Fears about the future (anxiety about what might happen)
  • Fears about the consequences of past actions (regret or guilt)
  • General fears that haunt people and disturb their happiness.

8. What did the author of 'Secret of Happiness' find when he flung open the door?

Answer: When the author of 'Secret of Happiness' flung open the door, he found that it was not a group of dangerous intruders as he had feared, but just a small chipmunk that scurried off into the darkness.


9. How can one have a real escape from fear?

Answer: One can have a real escape from fear by developing a deep, unshakable faith that God watches over us, cares for us, and will help us overcome all difficulties. With such faith, a person can attain total peace of mind and replace fear with confidence forever.


10. What was the priceless secret discovered by Mr. Kagawa? 

Answer: The priceless secret discovered by Mr. Kagawa was that by immersing himself over a long period in the grace of God, he entered into a profound calm that nothing could destroy. This deep connection with God helped him overcome all fears and maintain inner peace even in the face of great challenges.


(ii) Answer the following questions in 50 words each:

1. Describe, in your own words, how the professor changed the total attitude of the student.

Answer: The professor changed the total attitude of the student by helping him realize the hidden potential within himself. During the Psychology class, the professor spoke about how every person has great energy and power stored inside. This idea completely enthralled the student. It gave him a new understanding of himself and filled him with confidence. As a result, the student changed his thinking, became more positive, and began to work hard to develop his abilities, leading to a stronger and more successful personality.


2. Write a small paragraph on "The Proper use of Human Energy.

Answer: The Proper Use of Human Energy

    Human energy is a precious gift that, when used wisely, can lead to great achievements. It is important to focus this energy on positive and meaningful goals rather than wasting it on fear, worry, or negativity. Proper use of human energy means concentrating on building strong character, facing challenges bravely, and constantly improving oneself. It also involves staying calm during difficulties and channeling efforts toward creative and constructive activities. When human energy is directed with purpose, optimism, and discipline, it can turn dreams into reality and make life truly successful and fulfilling.


3. Relate the incident of North Woods in your own words.

Answer: The Incident of North Woods

One night, in a lonely cabin deep in the North Woods, the author heard strange noises on the porch. It was dark and silent, making the sounds even scarier. He felt frozen with fear, imagining that dangerous intruders were approaching. Terrifying thoughts about recent murders flashed through his mind. Unable to bear the suspense, he gathered courage, rushed to the door, and flung it open — only to find a tiny chipmunk scurrying away into the darkness! He realized then that fear had made him imagine things far worse than reality. This taught him an important lesson: fears often seem much bigger until we face them.


4. Write, in brief, the message given by Mr. Kagawa.

Answer: The Message Given by Mr. Kagawa

Mr. Kagawa, a great Japanese preacher and social worker, shared a powerful message of peace and strength. He said that by immersing oneself deeply and continuously in the grace of God, a person could achieve a profound inner calm that no difficulty or danger could shake. Despite facing threats, illnesses, and opposition, Kagawa never lost his peace. His message was clear: true faith in God removes fear and fills life with unbreakable confidence and serenity.