Chapter 12
Our Civilisation - II
1. What are the main features of a democratic country?
Answer: A democratic country is one where all citizens are equal before the law and have the right to participate in choosing their government. Every individual has a voice in deciding who will govern them and how the country should be run. This system ensures fairness, justice, and participation, making it one of the most desirable forms of governance.
2. Why is the sharing of wealth still unfair in democratic countries?
Answer: Although democracy ensures political equality, economic equality is still lacking. Wealth is not distributed fairly among people. A small number of people enjoy luxury, while a large number struggle to meet basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter. This unequal distribution creates a gap between the rich and the poor.
3. How does inequality affect people's daily lives?
Answer: Inequality leads to serious hardships for the poor. Many people do not get enough food to eat or proper clothes to wear. They live in overcrowded and unhealthy conditions, while the rich enjoy comfort and luxury. This creates social imbalance and dissatisfaction.
4. What kind of living conditions do poor families face in cities?
Answer: Even in the finest cities, poor families often live in a single room. In that room, they cook, eat, sleep, bathe, and even spend their entire lives. These cramped conditions are not chosen for comfort but forced by poverty, making their lives difficult and uncomfortable.
5. Why do poor families live in a single room?
Answer: Poor families live in a single room because they cannot afford better housing. Their limited income forces them to adjust in small spaces, where all daily activities take place. It is not a matter of choice but a result of financial hardship.
6. What is the danger of war in modern times?
Answer: War has become far more dangerous today because of scientific and technological advancements. Humans have developed powerful weapons that can cause massive destruction. Unlike earlier times, modern wars can destroy entire cities and populations quickly.
7. How has man’s mastery over nature increased the danger of war?
Answer: As humans have gained control over natural forces, they have also learned to use them for destructive purposes. Each scientific advancement has made it easier to create more powerful weapons, increasing the scale and intensity of war.
8. What is the significance of the discovery of atomic energy?
Answer: The discovery of atomic energy has given humans immense power. While it can be used for beneficial purposes, it has also led to the creation of atomic bombs, which are capable of causing total destruction. This discovery has made war extremely dangerous.
9. What could happen if atomic bombs are used in war?
Answer: If atomic bombs are used on a large scale, they could lead to total destruction of civilization. Entire cities could be wiped out, and life on Earth could be severely affected. The consequences would be unimaginable and long-lasting.
10. What does the humorous remark about future wars suggest?
Answer: The remark suggests that if atomic weapons destroy modern civilization, future generations may have to return to primitive methods of fighting, such as bows and arrows. It highlights the destructive potential of modern warfare.
11. What is one major defect of modern civilization?
Answer: A major defect is that modern civilization does not know how to use its knowledge wisely. Although science has given humans great power, they often misuse it, leading to destruction rather than progress.
12. How has science given man god-like powers?
Answer: Science has enabled humans to control natural forces, create advanced machines, and develop powerful weapons. These abilities are so great that they are compared to the powers of gods.
13. Why does the author say we use these powers like children?
Answer: The author believes that humans lack maturity in using their knowledge. Instead of using it responsibly, they often misuse it for selfish or destructive purposes, just like careless children.
14. What role were machines supposed to play in human life?
Answer: Machines were created to serve humans and make life easier. They were meant to reduce human effort and save time and energy.
15. How have machines become masters instead of servants?
Answer: Humans have become overly dependent on machines. Instead of controlling them, people now spend much of their time maintaining and serving machines, making them seem like masters.
16. Why are machines described as “stern masters”?
Answer: Machines require constant care, fuel, and maintenance. If not properly handled, they can stop working or even cause destruction. This strict demand makes them appear like stern masters.
17. What happens if machines are not properly maintained?
Answer: If machines are not properly maintained, they may break down or even explode, causing damage and destruction. This shows the risks of depending too much on machines.
18. How dependent have humans become on machines?
Answer: Humans have become so dependent on machines that they find it difficult to live, work, or even play without them. Machines have become an essential part of daily life.
19. What fear does the author express about the future of machines?
Answer: The author fears that machines may one day completely control humans, just as humans control animals today.
20. What important question does the author raise about time and energy?
Answer: The author asks what humans should do with the extra time and energy saved by machines, emphasizing that this is an important issue.
21. How do people generally use the time saved by machines?
Answer: People mostly use the saved time to create more machines, rather than using it for meaningful or creative purposes.
22. Why is this use of time considered wasteful?
Answer: It is wasteful because it does not contribute to true human development or happiness. Instead, it only increases dependence on machines.
23. What does the author suggest as the proper use of time and energy?
Answer: The author suggests using time and energy to become more civilized, develop creativity, gain knowledge, and improve human relationships.
24. What is the true meaning of civilization according to the author?
Answer: Civilization means appreciating beauty, thinking freely, living rightly, and maintaining justice among people. It goes beyond material progress.
25. Why are machines not considered true civilization?
Answer: Machines are only tools that assist civilization. They do not define it. True civilization lies in human values and behavior.
26. What does “making and liking beautiful things” mean?
Answer: It means appreciating art, culture, and creativity, which enrich human life and make it more meaningful.
27. What is meant by “thinking freely”?
Answer: Thinking freely means having the ability to express ideas, question beliefs, and make independent decisions without fear.
28. What does “living rightly” imply?
Answer: It implies leading a moral and ethical life, making decisions that are fair and just.
29. Why is justice important in civilization?
Answer: Justice ensures fairness and equality among people. It prevents exploitation and promotes harmony in society.
30. Why does modern man have a better chance to be civilized?
Answer: Modern man has more time, energy, and knowledge than ever before. These advantages provide greater opportunities for personal and social development.
Answer by Mrinmoee
