Recently, a professor of philosophy in the United States has written a book called Money and the Meaning of Life.He has discovered that how we deal with money in our day-to-day life has more meaning than we usually think.One of the exercises he asked his students to do is to keep a record of every penny they spend for a week.From the way they spend their money, they can see what they really value in life.
He says our relation with others often become clearly defined when money enters the picture.You might have wonderful friendship with somebody and you think that you are very good friends.But you’ll know him only when you ask to lend you some money.If he does, it brings something to the relationship that seems stranger than ever before.Or it can suddenly weaken the relationship if he doesn’t.This person may say that he has a certain feeling, but if it is not carried out in the money world, there is something less real about it.
Since money is important to us, we consider those who possess a lot of it to be very important.The author interviewed some millionaires in researching his book.
Answer: The most surprising thing is why people give me so much respect.I’m nothing.I don’t know much.All I am is rich.
People just have an idea of making more and more money, but what is it for? How much do I need for any given purposes in my life? In this book, the professor uncovered an important need in modern society; to bring back the idea that money is an instrument rather than the end.Money plays an important role in the modern world, but expecting money to give happiness may be missing the meaning of life.
【小题1】According to the first paragraph, people haven’t realized __________.
A.how important money is in their day-to-day life
B.how one spends money shows what is important to him
C.that money is more important than their philosophy of life
D.that their understanding of life is more important than money
【小题2】What can we learn about the millionaire from his answer in the interview is that .
A.he does not feel that he is well -educated
B.he does not consider himself to be very successful
C.he does not think that he is a very important person
D.he does not think being rich deserves so much attention
【小题3】What does the American professor of philosophy want to explain in his book?
A.Money is a means. B.Money is everything.
C.Money is an end. D.Money is unimportant.
【小题4】Which of the following might the author disagree?
A.Money is important in modern society.
B.Wealth will surely bring the owner happiness.
C.The meaning of life doesn’t completely lie in money.
D.Happiness is not necessarily the result of wealth.