Final answer:
The author's attitude towards winning the prize is best described as respectful and cautious, inferred from the context of absorbing a weighty message and valuing hard work.
Step-by-step explanation:
The description of the author's attitude towards winning a prize can be inferred from the two provided context examples. In the first scenario, the author expresses various emotions such as anxiety and excitement towards the culmination of the book. This suggests a respectful and cautious approach to the subject, as the author acknowledges the weight of the message. In the second scenario, a businessman who believes in the merit of hard work over the pursuit of personal gain further emphasizes a respectful and cautious stance. Therefore, the author's attitude can be best described as respectful and cautious (option b).