All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Given below is a quotation of great thinker. What does this quotation convey to you in the present context? "Learn everything that is good from others, but bring it in, and in your own way absorb it, do not become others." — Swami Vivekananda

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CSE 2024 (Prelims) CSAT Previous Year Paper (16-Jun-2024)

Swami Vivekananda's profound words resonate deeply in our interconnected world today. In an era of globalization and constant information flow, it's easy to be overwhelmed by external influences and lose one's authentic self. This quote encourages us to be open-minded and discerning learners, embracing valuable ideas, practices, and innovations from diverse cultures, societies, and individuals.

However, the crucial second part emphasizes assimilation, not mere imitation. It’s about critically evaluating what we learn, internalizing it, and adapting it to our unique context, values, and strengths. For an individual, this means cultivating a strong sense of self while remaining receptive to growth. For a nation, it implies adopting global best practices in governance, technology, or development, but customizing them to align with its own ethos, history, and societal needs, rather than blindly replicating foreign models. This approach fosters genuine progress, creativity, and authenticity, preventing cultural erosion and promoting self-reliance.

Answered By:

Anushka Goel

Anushka Goel is a dynamic exam mentor who has cracked multiple competitive exams including CUET, NDA, IBPS Clerk, RRB Office Assistant and SSC CHSL. With a strong academic record and a strategic approach to exam preparation, she has mentored thousands of students in their early career journey. Anushka is known for curating smart, concept-driven MCQs and study resources that closely align with actual exam trends.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. The application of Artificial Intelligence as a dependable source of input for administrative rational decision-making is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view.

  2. "Ethics encompasses several key dimensions that are crucial in guiding individuals and organizations towards morally responsible behaviour." Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human actions. Discuss how these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in the professional context.

  3. Global warming and climate change are the outcomes of human greed in the name of development, indicating the direction in which extinction of organisms including human beings is heading towards loss of life on Earth. How do you put an end to this to protect life and bring equilibrium between the society and the environment?

  4. Given below is a quotation of great thinker. What does this quotation convey to you in the present context? "Faith is of no avail in the absence of strength. Faith and strength, both are essential to accomplish any great work." — Sardar Patel

  5. Given below is a quotation of great thinker. What does this quotation convey to you in the present context? "In law, a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics, he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so." — Immanuel Kant

  6. "The concept of Just and Unjust is contextual. What was just a year back, may turn out to be unjust in today's context. Changing context should be constantly under scrutiny to prevent miscarriage of justice." Examine the above statement with suitable examples.

  7. "It is not enough to talk about peace, one must believe in it; and it is not enough to believe in it, one must act upon it." In the present context, the major weapon industries of the developed nations are adversely influencing continuation of number of wars for their own self-interest, all around the world. What are the ethical considerations of the powerful nations in today's international arena to stop continuation of ongoing conflicts?

  8. "Mindless addiction to Form, ignoring the Substance of the matter, results in rendering of injustice. A perceptive civil servant is one who ignores such literalness and carries out true intent." Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.

  9. The soul of the new law, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) is Justice, Equality and Impartiality based on Indian culture and ethos. Discuss this in the light of major shift from a doctrine of punishment to justice in the present judicial system.

  10. The 'Code of Conduct' and 'Code of Ethics' are the sources of guidance in public administration. There is code of conduct already in operation, whereas code of ethics is not yet put in place. Suggest a suitable model for code of ethics to maintain integrity, probity and transparency in governance.


Important Questions from GS4

  1. The application of Artificial Intelligence as a dependable source of input for administrative rational decision-making is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view.

  2. "Ethics encompasses several key dimensions that are crucial in guiding individuals and organizations towards morally responsible behaviour." Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human actions. Discuss how these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in the professional context.

  3. Global warming and climate change are the outcomes of human greed in the name of development, indicating the direction in which extinction of organisms including human beings is heading towards loss of life on Earth. How do you put an end to this to protect life and bring equilibrium between the society and the environment?

  4. Given below is a quotation of great thinker. What does this quotation convey to you in the present context? "Faith is of no avail in the absence of strength. Faith and strength, both are essential to accomplish any great work." — Sardar Patel

  5. Given below is a quotation of great thinker. What does this quotation convey to you in the present context? "In law, a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics, he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so." — Immanuel Kant

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
UPSC CMS
August 02, 2026
IAS Exam
August 21, 2026
UPSC SO Steno
December 12, 2026
Test Series
IAS img
UPSC
UPSC CSE (IAS) 2027 Prelims Mock Test Series
654 Tests 3 Tests Free
681 Attempts
4.8(182)
English, Hindi

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App