Question

Read the extract and answer the questions that follow:

“With absence of mental stimulus of this kind, human co-operation would be entirely impossible” (para 8).

Explain the “mental stimulus” that is referred to? When can it become very dangerous to society?

Answer 1

The “mental stimulus” is the desire for approval, recognition and consideration from others, which helps bind people together and encourages cooperation. It becomes dangerous when the desire to be better, stronger or more intelligent than others turns into excessive egoism and harms both the individual and the community.