Xavier Aptitude Test 2022 Paper

Instructions [17 - 19 ]
Read the passage carefully and answer the THREE questions that follow.
Comprehension:
What does a good life look like to you? For some, the phrase may conjure up images of a close-knit family, a steady job, and a Victorianhouse at the end of a street arched with oak trees. Others may focus on the goal of making a difference in the world, whether byworking as a nurse or teacher, volunteering, or pouring their energy into environmental activism.According to Aristotlean theory, the firstkind of life would be classified as “Hedonic”—one based on pleasure, comfort, stability, and strong social relationships. The secondis“Eudaimonic,” primarily concerned with the sense of purpose and fulfillment one gets by contributing to the greater good. The ancientGreek philosopher outlined these ideas in his treatiseNicomachean Ethics, and the psychological sciences have pretty much stuck them ever since when discussing the possibilities of what people might want outof their time on Earth. But a new paper, published in the American Psychological Association’s Psychological Review, suggests there’sanother way to live a good life. It isn’t focused on happiness or purpose, but rather it’s a life that’s “psychologically rich.”
What is a psychologically rich life? According to authors Shige Oishi, a professor of psychology at the University of Virginia, and ErinWest gate, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Florida, it’s one characterized by “interesting experiences in whichnovelty and/or complexity are accompanied by profound changes in perspective.”
Studying abroad, for example, is one way that college students often introduce psychological richness into their lives. As they learn moreabout a new country’s customs and history, they’re often prompted to reconsider the social mores of their own cultures.Deciding toembark on a difficult new career path or immersing one’s self in savant-grade art(the paper gives a specific shout-out to James Joyce’sUlysses) also could make a person feel as if their life is more psychologically rich.
Crucially, an experience doesn’t have to be fun in order to qualify as psychologically enriching. It might even be a hardship. Living throughwar or a natural disaster might make it hard to feel as though you’re living a particularly happy or purposeful life, but you can still come outof the experience with psychological richness. Or you might encounter less dramatic but nonetheless painful events: infertility, chronicillness, unemployment.Regardless of the specifics, you may experience suffering but still find value in how your experience shapes yourunderstanding of yourself and the world around you.