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Adapted from "The Weakness, Unrest, and Defects of Man," from The Thoughts of Blaise Pascal (ed. 1901)
We care nothing for the present. We anticipate the future as too slow in coming, as if we could make it move faster; or we call back the past, to stop its rapid flight. So imprudent are we that we wander through the times in which we have no part, unthinking of that which alone is ours; so frivolous are we that we dream of the days which are not and pass by without reflection those which alone exist. For the days of the present generally gives us pain; we conceal it from our sight because it afflicts us, and if it be pleasant, we regret to see it vanish away. We endeavor to sustain the present by the future, and think of arranging things not in our power, for a time at which we have no certainty of arriving.
If we examine our thoughts, we shall find them always occupied with the past or the future. We scarcely think of the present, and if we do so, it is only that we may borrow light from it to direct the future. The present is never our end; the past and the present are our means, the future alone is our end. Thus we never live, but hope to live, and while we always lay ourselves out to be happy, it is inevitable that we can never be so.
Which of the following is the best form of the bolded selection, “not in our power. . .”?
- a)not in our power for a time at which
- b)not in our power—for a time at which
- c)not in our power, for a time at which
- d)not in our power; for a time at which
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Adapted from "The Weakness, Unrest, and Defects of Man," fro...
The Correct Answer: Option A
The correct form of the bolded selection is "not in our power for a time at which." This choice effectively conveys the intended meaning without unnecessary punctuation that could disrupt the flow of the sentence.
Explanation of Options
- Option A: "not in our power for a time at which"
- This option clearly connects the phrase “not in our power” with the subsequent clause. It maintains a smooth flow and clearly indicates that the action or arrangement is constrained by a specific time.
- Option B: "not in our power—for a time at which"
- The em dash introduces an abrupt pause that is not necessary here. It can imply an added or contrapuntal thought, which is not the case in this context.
- Option C: "not in our power, for a time at which"
- The comma before "for" creates a pause that detracts from the intended meaning. It suggests that the clause following "for" is an afterthought rather than a direct continuation of the main idea.
- Option D: "not in our power; for a time at which"
- The semicolon implies a separation of two independent clauses, which does not apply here. It creates a disjointed feeling rather than a cohesive thought.
Conclusion
Choosing option A preserves the integrity of the sentence and allows for a clear and direct connection between the limitations of our power and the timing of those limitations. This clarity is crucial in the context of Pascal's reflection on human nature and the futility of anticipating the future at the expense of the present.
The correct form of the bolded selection is "not in our power for a time at which." This choice effectively conveys the intended meaning without unnecessary punctuation that could disrupt the flow of the sentence.
Explanation of Options
- Option A: "not in our power for a time at which"
- This option clearly connects the phrase “not in our power” with the subsequent clause. It maintains a smooth flow and clearly indicates that the action or arrangement is constrained by a specific time.
- Option B: "not in our power—for a time at which"
- The em dash introduces an abrupt pause that is not necessary here. It can imply an added or contrapuntal thought, which is not the case in this context.
- Option C: "not in our power, for a time at which"
- The comma before "for" creates a pause that detracts from the intended meaning. It suggests that the clause following "for" is an afterthought rather than a direct continuation of the main idea.
- Option D: "not in our power; for a time at which"
- The semicolon implies a separation of two independent clauses, which does not apply here. It creates a disjointed feeling rather than a cohesive thought.
Conclusion
Choosing option A preserves the integrity of the sentence and allows for a clear and direct connection between the limitations of our power and the timing of those limitations. This clarity is crucial in the context of Pascal's reflection on human nature and the futility of anticipating the future at the expense of the present.
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Community Answer
Adapted from "The Weakness, Unrest, and Defects of Man," fro...
The word "for" is being used as a preposition in this sentence, not as a conjunction. The comma might confuse the reader into thinking this is "for" is a conjunction. (This is doubly distracting, as it would also mean that the sentence is just a long string of compounded independent clauses. This would likely make the reader "stumble" in confusion as well.)
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Adapted from "The Weakness, Unrest, and Defects of Man," from The Thoughts of Blaise Pascal (ed. 1901)We care nothing for the present. We anticipate the future as too slow in coming, as if we could make it move faster; or we call back the past, to stop its rapid flight. So imprudent are we that we wander through the times in which we have no part, unthinking of that which alone is ours; so frivolous are we that we dream of the days which are not and pass by without reflection those which alone exist. For the days of the present generally gives us pain; we conceal it from our sight because it afflicts us, and if it be pleasant, we regret to see it vanish away. We endeavor to sustain the present by the future, and think of arranging things not in our power, for a time at which we have no certainty of arriving.If we examine our thoughts, we shall find them always occupied with the past or the future. We scarcely think of the present, and if we do so, it is only that we may borrow light from it to direct the future. The present is never our end; the past and the present are our means, the future alone is our end. Thus we never live, but hope to live, and while we always lay ourselves out to be happy, it is inevitable that we can never be so.Which of the following is the best form of the bolded selection, “not in our power. . .”?a)not in our power for a time at whichb)not in our power—for a time at whichc)not in our power, for a time at whichd)not in our power; for a time at whichCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
Adapted from "The Weakness, Unrest, and Defects of Man," from The Thoughts of Blaise Pascal (ed. 1901)We care nothing for the present. We anticipate the future as too slow in coming, as if we could make it move faster; or we call back the past, to stop its rapid flight. So imprudent are we that we wander through the times in which we have no part, unthinking of that which alone is ours; so frivolous are we that we dream of the days which are not and pass by without reflection those which alone exist. For the days of the present generally gives us pain; we conceal it from our sight because it afflicts us, and if it be pleasant, we regret to see it vanish away. We endeavor to sustain the present by the future, and think of arranging things not in our power, for a time at which we have no certainty of arriving.If we examine our thoughts, we shall find them always occupied with the past or the future. We scarcely think of the present, and if we do so, it is only that we may borrow light from it to direct the future. The present is never our end; the past and the present are our means, the future alone is our end. Thus we never live, but hope to live, and while we always lay ourselves out to be happy, it is inevitable that we can never be so.Which of the following is the best form of the bolded selection, “not in our power. . .”?a)not in our power for a time at whichb)not in our power—for a time at whichc)not in our power, for a time at whichd)not in our power; for a time at whichCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for ACT 2025 is part of ACT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the ACT exam syllabus. Information about Adapted from "The Weakness, Unrest, and Defects of Man," from The Thoughts of Blaise Pascal (ed. 1901)We care nothing for the present. We anticipate the future as too slow in coming, as if we could make it move faster; or we call back the past, to stop its rapid flight. So imprudent are we that we wander through the times in which we have no part, unthinking of that which alone is ours; so frivolous are we that we dream of the days which are not and pass by without reflection those which alone exist. For the days of the present generally gives us pain; we conceal it from our sight because it afflicts us, and if it be pleasant, we regret to see it vanish away. We endeavor to sustain the present by the future, and think of arranging things not in our power, for a time at which we have no certainty of arriving.If we examine our thoughts, we shall find them always occupied with the past or the future. We scarcely think of the present, and if we do so, it is only that we may borrow light from it to direct the future. The present is never our end; the past and the present are our means, the future alone is our end. Thus we never live, but hope to live, and while we always lay ourselves out to be happy, it is inevitable that we can never be so.Which of the following is the best form of the bolded selection, “not in our power. . .”?a)not in our power for a time at whichb)not in our power—for a time at whichc)not in our power, for a time at whichd)not in our power; for a time at whichCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for ACT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Adapted from "The Weakness, Unrest, and Defects of Man," from The Thoughts of Blaise Pascal (ed. 1901)We care nothing for the present. We anticipate the future as too slow in coming, as if we could make it move faster; or we call back the past, to stop its rapid flight. So imprudent are we that we wander through the times in which we have no part, unthinking of that which alone is ours; so frivolous are we that we dream of the days which are not and pass by without reflection those which alone exist. For the days of the present generally gives us pain; we conceal it from our sight because it afflicts us, and if it be pleasant, we regret to see it vanish away. We endeavor to sustain the present by the future, and think of arranging things not in our power, for a time at which we have no certainty of arriving.If we examine our thoughts, we shall find them always occupied with the past or the future. We scarcely think of the present, and if we do so, it is only that we may borrow light from it to direct the future. The present is never our end; the past and the present are our means, the future alone is our end. Thus we never live, but hope to live, and while we always lay ourselves out to be happy, it is inevitable that we can never be so.Which of the following is the best form of the bolded selection, “not in our power. . .”?a)not in our power for a time at whichb)not in our power—for a time at whichc)not in our power, for a time at whichd)not in our power; for a time at whichCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
Adapted from "The Weakness, Unrest, and Defects of Man," from The Thoughts of Blaise Pascal (ed. 1901)We care nothing for the present. We anticipate the future as too slow in coming, as if we could make it move faster; or we call back the past, to stop its rapid flight. So imprudent are we that we wander through the times in which we have no part, unthinking of that which alone is ours; so frivolous are we that we dream of the days which are not and pass by without reflection those which alone exist. For the days of the present generally gives us pain; we conceal it from our sight because it afflicts us, and if it be pleasant, we regret to see it vanish away. We endeavor to sustain the present by the future, and think of arranging things not in our power, for a time at which we have no certainty of arriving.If we examine our thoughts, we shall find them always occupied with the past or the future. We scarcely think of the present, and if we do so, it is only that we may borrow light from it to direct the future. The present is never our end; the past and the present are our means, the future alone is our end. Thus we never live, but hope to live, and while we always lay ourselves out to be happy, it is inevitable that we can never be so.Which of the following is the best form of the bolded selection, “not in our power. . .”?a)not in our power for a time at whichb)not in our power—for a time at whichc)not in our power, for a time at whichd)not in our power; for a time at whichCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for ACT 2025 is part of ACT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the ACT exam syllabus. Information about Adapted from "The Weakness, Unrest, and Defects of Man," from The Thoughts of Blaise Pascal (ed. 1901)We care nothing for the present. We anticipate the future as too slow in coming, as if we could make it move faster; or we call back the past, to stop its rapid flight. So imprudent are we that we wander through the times in which we have no part, unthinking of that which alone is ours; so frivolous are we that we dream of the days which are not and pass by without reflection those which alone exist. For the days of the present generally gives us pain; we conceal it from our sight because it afflicts us, and if it be pleasant, we regret to see it vanish away. We endeavor to sustain the present by the future, and think of arranging things not in our power, for a time at which we have no certainty of arriving.If we examine our thoughts, we shall find them always occupied with the past or the future. We scarcely think of the present, and if we do so, it is only that we may borrow light from it to direct the future. The present is never our end; the past and the present are our means, the future alone is our end. Thus we never live, but hope to live, and while we always lay ourselves out to be happy, it is inevitable that we can never be so.Which of the following is the best form of the bolded selection, “not in our power. . .”?a)not in our power for a time at whichb)not in our power—for a time at whichc)not in our power, for a time at whichd)not in our power; for a time at whichCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for ACT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Adapted from "The Weakness, Unrest, and Defects of Man," from The Thoughts of Blaise Pascal (ed. 1901)We care nothing for the present. We anticipate the future as too slow in coming, as if we could make it move faster; or we call back the past, to stop its rapid flight. So imprudent are we that we wander through the times in which we have no part, unthinking of that which alone is ours; so frivolous are we that we dream of the days which are not and pass by without reflection those which alone exist. For the days of the present generally gives us pain; we conceal it from our sight because it afflicts us, and if it be pleasant, we regret to see it vanish away. We endeavor to sustain the present by the future, and think of arranging things not in our power, for a time at which we have no certainty of arriving.If we examine our thoughts, we shall find them always occupied with the past or the future. We scarcely think of the present, and if we do so, it is only that we may borrow light from it to direct the future. The present is never our end; the past and the present are our means, the future alone is our end. Thus we never live, but hope to live, and while we always lay ourselves out to be happy, it is inevitable that we can never be so.Which of the following is the best form of the bolded selection, “not in our power. . .”?a)not in our power for a time at whichb)not in our power—for a time at whichc)not in our power, for a time at whichd)not in our power; for a time at whichCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Adapted from "The Weakness, Unrest, and Defects of Man," from The Thoughts of Blaise Pascal (ed. 1901)We care nothing for the present. We anticipate the future as too slow in coming, as if we could make it move faster; or we call back the past, to stop its rapid flight. So imprudent are we that we wander through the times in which we have no part, unthinking of that which alone is ours; so frivolous are we that we dream of the days which are not and pass by without reflection those which alone exist. For the days of the present generally gives us pain; we conceal it from our sight because it afflicts us, and if it be pleasant, we regret to see it vanish away. We endeavor to sustain the present by the future, and think of arranging things not in our power, for a time at which we have no certainty of arriving.If we examine our thoughts, we shall find them always occupied with the past or the future. We scarcely think of the present, and if we do so, it is only that we may borrow light from it to direct the future. The present is never our end; the past and the present are our means, the future alone is our end. Thus we never live, but hope to live, and while we always lay ourselves out to be happy, it is inevitable that we can never be so.Which of the following is the best form of the bolded selection, “not in our power. . .”?a)not in our power for a time at whichb)not in our power—for a time at whichc)not in our power, for a time at whichd)not in our power; for a time at whichCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for ACT.
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Here you can find the meaning of Adapted from "The Weakness, Unrest, and Defects of Man," from The Thoughts of Blaise Pascal (ed. 1901)We care nothing for the present. We anticipate the future as too slow in coming, as if we could make it move faster; or we call back the past, to stop its rapid flight. So imprudent are we that we wander through the times in which we have no part, unthinking of that which alone is ours; so frivolous are we that we dream of the days which are not and pass by without reflection those which alone exist. For the days of the present generally gives us pain; we conceal it from our sight because it afflicts us, and if it be pleasant, we regret to see it vanish away. We endeavor to sustain the present by the future, and think of arranging things not in our power, for a time at which we have no certainty of arriving.If we examine our thoughts, we shall find them always occupied with the past or the future. We scarcely think of the present, and if we do so, it is only that we may borrow light from it to direct the future. The present is never our end; the past and the present are our means, the future alone is our end. Thus we never live, but hope to live, and while we always lay ourselves out to be happy, it is inevitable that we can never be so.Which of the following is the best form of the bolded selection, “not in our power. . .”?a)not in our power for a time at whichb)not in our power—for a time at whichc)not in our power, for a time at whichd)not in our power; for a time at whichCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of
Adapted from "The Weakness, Unrest, and Defects of Man," from The Thoughts of Blaise Pascal (ed. 1901)We care nothing for the present. We anticipate the future as too slow in coming, as if we could make it move faster; or we call back the past, to stop its rapid flight. So imprudent are we that we wander through the times in which we have no part, unthinking of that which alone is ours; so frivolous are we that we dream of the days which are not and pass by without reflection those which alone exist. For the days of the present generally gives us pain; we conceal it from our sight because it afflicts us, and if it be pleasant, we regret to see it vanish away. We endeavor to sustain the present by the future, and think of arranging things not in our power, for a time at which we have no certainty of arriving.If we examine our thoughts, we shall find them always occupied with the past or the future. We scarcely think of the present, and if we do so, it is only that we may borrow light from it to direct the future. The present is never our end; the past and the present are our means, the future alone is our end. Thus we never live, but hope to live, and while we always lay ourselves out to be happy, it is inevitable that we can never be so.Which of the following is the best form of the bolded selection, “not in our power. . .”?a)not in our power for a time at whichb)not in our power—for a time at whichc)not in our power, for a time at whichd)not in our power; for a time at whichCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Adapted from "The Weakness, Unrest, and Defects of Man," from The Thoughts of Blaise Pascal (ed. 1901)We care nothing for the present. We anticipate the future as too slow in coming, as if we could make it move faster; or we call back the past, to stop its rapid flight. So imprudent are we that we wander through the times in which we have no part, unthinking of that which alone is ours; so frivolous are we that we dream of the days which are not and pass by without reflection those which alone exist. For the days of the present generally gives us pain; we conceal it from our sight because it afflicts us, and if it be pleasant, we regret to see it vanish away. We endeavor to sustain the present by the future, and think of arranging things not in our power, for a time at which we have no certainty of arriving.If we examine our thoughts, we shall find them always occupied with the past or the future. We scarcely think of the present, and if we do so, it is only that we may borrow light from it to direct the future. The present is never our end; the past and the present are our means, the future alone is our end. Thus we never live, but hope to live, and while we always lay ourselves out to be happy, it is inevitable that we can never be so.Which of the following is the best form of the bolded selection, “not in our power. . .”?a)not in our power for a time at whichb)not in our power—for a time at whichc)not in our power, for a time at whichd)not in our power; for a time at whichCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Adapted from "The Weakness, Unrest, and Defects of Man," from The Thoughts of Blaise Pascal (ed. 1901)We care nothing for the present. We anticipate the future as too slow in coming, as if we could make it move faster; or we call back the past, to stop its rapid flight. So imprudent are we that we wander through the times in which we have no part, unthinking of that which alone is ours; so frivolous are we that we dream of the days which are not and pass by without reflection those which alone exist. For the days of the present generally gives us pain; we conceal it from our sight because it afflicts us, and if it be pleasant, we regret to see it vanish away. We endeavor to sustain the present by the future, and think of arranging things not in our power, for a time at which we have no certainty of arriving.If we examine our thoughts, we shall find them always occupied with the past or the future. We scarcely think of the present, and if we do so, it is only that we may borrow light from it to direct the future. The present is never our end; the past and the present are our means, the future alone is our end. Thus we never live, but hope to live, and while we always lay ourselves out to be happy, it is inevitable that we can never be so.Which of the following is the best form of the bolded selection, “not in our power. . .”?a)not in our power for a time at whichb)not in our power—for a time at whichc)not in our power, for a time at whichd)not in our power; for a time at whichCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an
ample number of questions to practice Adapted from "The Weakness, Unrest, and Defects of Man," from The Thoughts of Blaise Pascal (ed. 1901)We care nothing for the present. We anticipate the future as too slow in coming, as if we could make it move faster; or we call back the past, to stop its rapid flight. So imprudent are we that we wander through the times in which we have no part, unthinking of that which alone is ours; so frivolous are we that we dream of the days which are not and pass by without reflection those which alone exist. For the days of the present generally gives us pain; we conceal it from our sight because it afflicts us, and if it be pleasant, we regret to see it vanish away. We endeavor to sustain the present by the future, and think of arranging things not in our power, for a time at which we have no certainty of arriving.If we examine our thoughts, we shall find them always occupied with the past or the future. We scarcely think of the present, and if we do so, it is only that we may borrow light from it to direct the future. The present is never our end; the past and the present are our means, the future alone is our end. Thus we never live, but hope to live, and while we always lay ourselves out to be happy, it is inevitable that we can never be so.Which of the following is the best form of the bolded selection, “not in our power. . .”?a)not in our power for a time at whichb)not in our power—for a time at whichc)not in our power, for a time at whichd)not in our power; for a time at whichCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice ACT tests.
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