Question

(1) In dealing with the State we ought to remember that its institutions are not aboriginal, though they existed before we were born; that they are not superior to the citizen; that every one of them was once the act of a single man; every law and usage was at man's expedient to meet a particular case; that they all are imitable, all alterable; we may make them better. (2) But politics rests on necessary foundations and cannot be treated with levity. (3) Republics abound in young civilians who believe that the laws make the city; that commerce, education, and religion may be voted in or out; and that any measure, though it were absurd, may be imposed on a people if only you can get sufficient voices to make it a law. (4) The law is only a memorandum. (5) We are superstitious and esteem the statute somewhat. (6) The statute stands there to say, "Yesterday we agreed so and so, but how feel ye this article today?" (7) Our statute is a coin which we stamp with our own portrait; it soon becomes unrecognizable and in process of time will return to the mint. (8) Nature is not democratic, nor limited-monarchical, but despotic and will not be fooled or abated of any jot of her authority by the protest of her sons; as fast as the public mind is opened to more intelligence, the code is seen to be brute and stammering. (9) It speaks not articulately and must be made to. (10) Meantime the education of the general mind never stops. (11) The reveries of the true and simple are prophetic. (12) What the tender poetic youth dreams, prays, and paints today, but shuns the ridicule of saying aloud, shall presently be the resolutions of public bodies. (13) The history of the State sketches in coarse outline the progress of thought and follows at a distance the delicacy of culture and aspiration.
adapted from Politics by Ralph Waldo Emerson
10
The last sentence in this passage says that the State follows at a distance the "delicacy of culture and aspiration." What does aspiration mean?
A.
the labor and accomplishment of citizens
B.
setting the norm for members of society
C.
to occupy a territory or possessions
D.
a strong desire for high achievement

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

D. a strong desire for high achievement

In this context, "aspiration" refers to the ambitions and high ideals that inspire individuals and society, which the State attempts to follow, albeit at a distance.