Question

"We shall have to see about giving you a school-name," said the Patriarch. "We have twelve words that we use in these names, according to the grade of the pupil. You are in the tenth grade." "What are the twelve words?" asked ________. "They are Wide, Big, Wise, Clever, True Conforming, Nature, Ocean, Lively, Aware, Perfect, and Illumined. As you belong to the tenth grade the word Aware must come in your name. How about Aware-of-Vacuity?" "Splendid!" said Monkey, laughing. "From now onwards let me be called Aware-of-Vacuity."

Answer 1

The excerpts explore themes related to learning, understanding, self-awareness, and the influence of culture on language and identity. They highlight the significance of questioning, self-improvement, curiosity, and the deeper meanings behind words and names.

Step-by-step explanation:

The passages provided touch upon themes of knowledge, self-awareness, education, culture, and language. They present a variety of perspectives on learning, the growth of the individual, and the implications of societal and cultural structures on personal development.

For instance, Carl Sagan laments the loss of curiosity in students from kindergarten to twelfth grade, while Socrates discusses the limitations of perception in different lighting.

The quotes from Confucius focus on self-improvement and the pursuit of truth, and the passage regarding the Wampanoag language illustrates the connection between language and cultural perspective.

Finally, the references to names and their significance suggest a layer of identity bestowed upon individuals by society or culture, as seen in the anecdote about school-names.