Passage

For two or three generations past, ever-increasing number of individuals have been living as workers merely, not as human beings. An excessive amount of labor is rule today in every circle of society, with the result that man's spiritual element cannot thrive. He finds it very difficult to spend his little leisure in serious activities. He does not want to think; or he cannot even if he wants to. He seeks not Self-improvement, but entertainment which would enable him to be mentally idle and to forget his usual activities. Therefore, the so-called culture of our age is dependent more on cinema than on theatre, more on newspapers, magazines and crime stories than on serious literature.

Question

CSATEasyPrelims 2022Comprehension

The passage is based on the idea that

Explanation

In Passage-1, the author emphasizes how, over the past generations, people have increasingly lived as "workers merely, not as human beings." This phrase highlights a growing tendency towards excessive labor and the detrimental effects of overworking on individuals' spiritual and intellectual well-being. The passage mentions how "an excessive amount of labor is rule today," which prevents people from engaging in meaningful or serious activities during their limited leisure time. Instead, they turn to forms of entertainment that allow them to mentally escape and avoid self-improvement.

Thus, the central idea is that excessive work (overstrain) has led people away from spiritual growth, meaningful thinking, and self-improvement. This makes B the best answer, as it captures the essence of the passage: overstrain is seen as the "great evil of our age," impacting human spiritual and mental development.