CBSE Class 9 Words and Expressions NCERT Solutions Chapter 4

The exercise requires identifying famous personalities based on the provided quotes. Here are the correct identifications:

• The quote "It is very simple to be happy, but it is very difficult to be simple." belongs to Rabindranath Tagore.
• The quote "Weakness of attitude becomes the weakness of character." belongs to Albert Einstein.
• The quote "The best and the most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart." belongs to Helen Keller.
• The quote "One individual may die for an idea, but that idea will, after his death, incarnate itself in a thousand lives." belongs to Subhash Chandra Bose.

The quotes reflect the profound thinking and core philosophies of these personalities:

• Rabindranath Tagore's quote highlights a deep understanding of human nature. He suggests that while happiness can be attained relatively easily, the virtue of simplicity is much harder to achieve. The explanation points out that our inherent desire for comfort and luxury, influenced by elements like 'sky' (representing aspiration and space), often pulls us away from a simple life. This reflects a contemplative mind that observes the complexities of human desires versus the ideal of simplicity.
• Albert Einstein's quote and its explanation emphasize the critical link between one's attitude and character. He views character as a mirror reflecting our inner disposition. Any flaws or weaknesses in our attitude are directly mirrored in our character. This shows a mind focused on the foundational aspects of personal integrity and the power of mindset in shaping who we are.
• Helen Keller's quote and explanation delve into the nature of true beauty. She posits that genuine beauty is not superficial or physical, but rather an abstract, emotional, and spiritual experience that can only be felt by the heart. This reflects a profound perspective, especially given her personal experiences, valuing inner feelings and spiritual connection over outward appearances.
• Subhash Chandra Bose's quote, particularly in the context of India's freedom struggle, speaks to the enduring power of ideas. The explanation clarifies that significant ideas, like freedom or truth, do not perish with the individuals who champion them. Instead, they can inspire and be carried forward by countless others, becoming immortal and continuing to influence generations. This reflects a mind focused on legacy, sacrifice, and the collective spirit of a movement.

This section requires understanding the provided passage. The passage, titled "The World as I See It," discusses the impact of industrial and technological advancements on society and the individual.

The author suggests that the current signs of societal decline or "decadence" are largely due to the increased severity of the struggle for existence, which has been brought about by the development of industry and machinery. This intense competition negatively affects the "free development of the individual."

However, the passage also points out a paradox: the advancement of machinery is reducing the amount of work an individual needs to do to meet the community's basic needs. This trend makes a "planned division of labour" increasingly necessary. Such a division is expected to provide individuals with material security. This security, along with the resulting spare time and energy, could then be utilized for the individual's personal growth and development.

The author expresses a hopeful outlook, suggesting that if this path is followed, the community might recover its well-being. The passage concludes with the hope that future historians will view the current societal problems not as permanent failures, but as temporary "childhood ailments" of a humanity that is striving and growing.