Directions: Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow by selecting the correct/most appropriate options.

Man who is believed to have evolved from apes, is a curious mixture of varied motives. He is not only the subject of needs but is also their creator. He not only seeks to satisfy his needs but also caters to his desire for beauty and grace. He is eager to satisfy his passion for more and more knowledge. Although in a general way, the maxim 'necessity is the mother of invention' is true, it is by no means the whole truth. Man is something much greater than an intelligent being using his intellect to make newer inventions from time to time. He has within him a spirit which is ever exhorting him to cut down his needs and learn to be happy with what he has. The real purpose underlying this maxim lies in its utility in the worldly sense. It tells us to be up and doing, not to be passive in our attitude to life. It asks us not to remain slaves of old habits and ways of life. We must face the new situations with a creative mind. Every new difficulty, every new problem, which confronts us in life, can be tackled successfully with the spirit of inventiveness.

What does the maxim mentioned in the passage teach us?

The correct option is To be active in life and do something to help mankind.

Step-by-step Explanation:

1. Analyze the Passage:
According to the passage, the maxim "necessity is the mother of invention" has its real purpose in its utility in the worldly sense. The passage explicitly states: "It tells us to be up and doing, not to be passive in our attitude to life. It asks us not to remain slaves of old habits and ways of life."

2. Evaluate the Options:
• Option 1: "To be worldly in the strict sense of the term" — Incorrect, as the passage emphasizes creativity and inventiveness rather than mere strict worldliness.
• Option 2: "To be slave of our needs and wants" — Incorrect, as the passage explicitly advises us "not to remain slaves of old habits and ways of life".
• Option 3: "To endeavour constantly to create new passions and desires" — Incorrect, because while man creates needs, the spirit within exhorts him to cut down needs, not blindly create endless desires.
• Option 4: "To be active in life and do something to help mankind" — Correct, because being "up and doing" and not passive directly corresponds to taking an active approach in life to tackle problems and invent solutions for human progress.

Therefore, the passage teaches us to be active in life and take initiative to address difficulties, which helps mankind progress.