2014考研英語復習：模擬試題之新題型專項練習(十五)_跨考網(wǎng)

　　2014考研英語復習：模擬試題之新題型專項練習(十五)

　　Part B

　　Directions:

　　In the following article, some sentences have been removed. For questions 41—45, choose the most suitable one from the list a—g to fit into each of the numbered blank. There are two extra choices, which do not fit in any of the gaps.

　　Enlightenment is man's leaving his self-caused immaturity. Immaturity is the incapacity to use one's intelligence without the guidance of another.

　　Such immaturity is self-caused if it is not caused by lack of intelligence, but by lack of determination and courage to use one's intelligence without being guided by another. Have the courage to use your own intelligence! Is therefore the motto of the enlightenment.

　　Through laziness and cowardice a large part of mankind, even after nature has freed them from alien guidance, gladly remain immature. It is because of laziness and cowardice that it is so easy for others to usurp the role of guardians. It is so comfortable to be a minor! 41)___________________________________. The guardians who have kindly undertaken the supervision will see to it that by far the largest part of mankind, including the entire beautiful sex, should consider the step into maturity, not only as difficult but as very dangerous.

　　After having made their domestic animals dumb and having carefully prevented these quiet creatures from daring to take any step beyond the lead-strings to which they have fastened them, these guardians then show them the danger which threatens them, should they attempt to walk alone. Now this danger is not really so very great; for they would presumably learn to walk after some stumbling. 42)______________________.

　　It is difficult for the isolated individual to work himself out of the immaturity which has become almost natural for him. He has even become fond of it and for the time being is incapable of employing his own intelligence, because he has never been allowed to make the attempt. Statues and formulas, these mechanical tools of a serviceable use, or rather misuse, of his natural faculties, are the ankle-chains of a continuous immaturity. Whoever threw it off would make an uncertain jump over the smallest trench because he is not accustomed to such free movement. 43)__________________________________.

　　44)_______________________________________. For there will always be some people who think for themselves, even among the self-appointed guardians of the great mass who, after having thrown off the yoke of immaturity themselves, will spread about them the spirit of a reasonable estimate of their own value and of the need for every man to think for himself……

　　45)_____________________________________________. Through revolution, the abandonment of personal despotism may be engendered and the end of profit-seeking and domineering oppression may occur, but never a true reform of the state of mind. Instead, new prejudices, just like the old ones, will serve as the guiding reins of the great, unthinking mass.

　　[a]a public can only arrive at enlightenment slowly.

　　[b]but it is more nearly possible for a public to enlighten itself: this is even inescapable if only the public is given its freedom.

　　[c]if I have a book which provides meaning for me, a pastor who has conscience for me, a doctor who will judge my diet for me and so on, then I do not need to exert myself. I do not have any need to think; if I can pay, others will take over the tedious job for me.

　　[d]all that is required for this enlightenment is freedom; and particularly the least harmful of that may be called freedom, namely, the freedom for man to make public use of his reason in all matters.

　　[e]however, an example of this kind intimidates and frightens people out of all further attempts.

　　[f]much still prevents men from being placed in a position to use their own minds securely and well in matters of religion.

　　[g]therefore there are only a few who have pursued a firm path and have succeeded in escaping from immaturity by their own cultivation of the mind.