“By liberty I mean the eager maintenance of that atmosphere in which men have the opportunity to be their best selves.” Which one of the following expresses the view implied in the above statement ?
- (a) Liberty is the absence of restraint on human action.
- (b) Liberty is what law permits people to perform.
- (c) Liberty is the ability to do what one desires.
- (d) Liberty is the maintenance of conditions for the growth of human personality. ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• The statement defines liberty as maintaining an 'atmosphere' where individuals can be their 'best selves'.
• The phrase 'best selves' refers to the full development and realization of one's potential, which is synonymous with the growth of human personality.
• Option (d) directly translates 'opportunity to be their best selves' into 'conditions for the growth of human personality'.
• The other options focus on negative liberty (absence of restraint) or legal permissions, which do not capture the positive, developmental aspect emphasized in the quote.
• Therefore, the view implied is that liberty is the maintenance of conditions for the growth of human personality.
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) Liberty is the absence of restraint on human action.
- The statement emphasizes a positive environment for self-realization, not merely the absence of external restraint.
- (b) Liberty is what law permits people to perform.
- The quote focuses on the opportunity for personal excellence, not on the specific actions permitted by law.
- (c) Liberty is the ability to do what one desires.
- Being one's 'best self' implies moral or intellectual growth, which is distinct from the mere ability to do whatever one desires.
Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2015, held on 23 August 2015. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.