UPSC Mains 2025 · GS IV · Q3(b) · 10 marks · 150 words

Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context ? “The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes.” – William James

हिन्दी में

महान विचारकों के तीन उद्धरण नीचे दिए गए हैं । वर्तमान संदर्भ में, प्रत्येक उद्धरण आपको क्या संप्रेषित करता है ? “मेरी पीढ़ी की सबसे बड़ी खोज यह है कि मनुष्य अपना दृष्टिकोण बदलकर अपना जीवन बदल सकता है ।” – विलियम जोन्स

AttitudeWorld Thinkers

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? a. Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. - Mahatma Gandhi”

Puru DubeyAIR 86 · CSE 2025 · 106 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

In this quote, Mahatma Gandhi has stressed upon the values of freedom, courage and curiosity.

Body · points

LIVING AS IF DYING TOMORROW

  1. Living in the moment not in the future ex) Yoga & Meditation in current times ensure mental health;
  2. Choose ethical path & not easy path: ex) Nazakat Ahmed shah in PAHALGAM saved lives as if there was no fear in him;
  3. Focus on the larger things and not transient things like money ex) Ratan Tata donated huge portion of his wealth durig COVID-19
  4. Doing things which makes the world remember us - As Kabir says - 'when you come to this world,

Close · no separate close

None written.

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025, General Studies Paper IV, Q3(b). The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.