Passage
As the new century begins, it is becoming evident to urban dwellers, whether in industrial or developing countries, that there is an immanent conflict between the automobile and the city. Urban air pollution, often from automobiles, claims millions of lives. Congestion also takes a direct economic toll in rising costs in time and the use of petrol.
Another cost of cities that are devoted to cars is a psychological one, a deprivation of contact with the natural world — an "asphalt complex". There is a growing body of evidence that there is an innate human need for contact with nature. Both ecologists and psychologists have been aware of this for some time. Ecologists, led by Harvard University biologist E.O. Wilson, have formulated the "biophilia hypothesis", which argues that those who are deprived of contact with nature suffer psychologically and that this deprivation leads to a measurable decline in well-being.
Meanwhile psychologists have coined their own term — ecopsychology — in which they make the same argument. Theodore Roszak, a leader in this field, cites a study that documents humans' dependence on nature by looking at the rate of recovery of patients in a hospital in Pennsylvania. Those whose rooms overlooked gardens with grass, trees, flowers, and birds recovered from illnesses more quickly than those who were in rooms overlooking the parking lot.
Urban Conflict: Automobiles vs. Cities
The passage identifies a significant conflict between automobiles and urban environments. Key issues highlighted include:
- Environmental Impact: Urban air pollution, largely from automobiles, causes millions of deaths.
- Economic Impact: Congestion leads to increased costs in terms of time and fuel consumption.
- Psychological Impact: Cities prioritizing cars contribute to an "asphalt complex," a deprivation of contact with the natural world.
The Need for Nature Connection
The passage emphasizes the innate human requirement for connection with nature, supported by scientific concepts:
- Biophilia Hypothesis: Formulated by E.O. Wilson, it suggests that deprivation of nature contact leads to psychological suffering and a decline in well-being.
- Ecopsychology: This field, with leaders like Theodore Roszak, parallels the biophilia hypothesis. A study cited shows patients recovering faster when their hospital rooms overlooked natural scenes (gardens, birds) compared to those overlooking parking lots.
Answering the Question
Based on the passage, the core message revolves around the negative consequences of car-centric cities and the fundamental human need for nature. Therefore, the passage draws attention to:
- Option 4: The need to remain close to nature even within our cities. This directly addresses the "asphalt complex" and the evidence presented from both ecology and psychology about the benefits of nature contact for well-being.
The other options are not the main focus:
- Option 1 is contrary to the passage's critique of car dependency.
- Option 2 is a detail supporting the main argument, not the central theme itself.
- Option 3 (banning cars) is a potential implication but not the direct point the passage makes; it focuses on the *need* for nature.
Similar Questions
- According to the passage, what can adversely affect the walking tour ?
'The many genres of academic and popular history run the full gamut from logically systematic to impressionistic' means:
- What, according to the author, makes historians come to conflicting conclusions?
1. They are influenced by their philosophical beliefs in asking questions on the same data.
2. They apply different interpretations on the same data.
3. They go for the primary data and evidence.
4. They are influenced by the current political developments.
Select the correct answer using the code given below: - Which word(s) from the passage can be substituted for the assertion that "all events and human actions are ultimately shaped by causes external to the will" ?
- Which one of the following relates to the post-modernist approach to History?
- According to the passage, what is the primary purpose of a walking tour?
- According to the passage, a walking tour should be gone upon alone because :
- According to the passage, how should a walking tour conclude ?
- What is the meaning of the word "dilettantes" in the passage?
- Which of the following does not amount to historical analysis?
Important Questions from Reading Comprehension
What is the meaning of ‘intrigued’?
What are ice shelves?
What are icebergs?
When the iceberg turns upside down, it appears ________.
The use of science in its simple form has helped man to ____________
