10 Questions
What does the author mean by the 'lost meaning of a grand old word' when describing ground zero?
The solemnity and awe that inspires people's actions there
What is the significance of the 'dozen apple brown bettys' that the cook gave the author?
It represents the small but meaningful acts of solidarity and kindness that are overwhelming the power of the terrorist act
What does the author mean when he says the 'joke turned on me' regarding the apple brown bettys?
The author initially underestimated the significance of the small gesture, but then realized its true importance
What is the significance of the author seeing the 'older man in a young crowd, sitting alone in utter exhaustion' and giving him the last apple brown betty?
It represents the small acts of kindness that are lifting the spirits of the exhausted rescue workers
What is the main message or lesson the author wants to convey through the stories and examples in the text?
The small acts of kindness and solidarity from ordinary people are more powerful than the terrorist's vision of fear
According to the passage, which of the following statements is most accurate regarding the balance between decency and depravity in human history?
Acts of kindness vastly outnumber acts of evil, but the latter have greater potential for destruction
What is the author's perspective on the relationship between complexity and destruction?
Complex systems can only be built gradually, while destruction can occur instantly
What does the author refer to as the 'Great Asymmetry'?
The disparity between the potential for destruction in rare acts of evil and the frequency of good deeds
What is the author's perspective on the perception of human behavior in the face of catastrophic events?
Catastrophic events distort our perception of ordinary human behavior towards depravity
Based on the passage, what does the author suggest is our 'duty' or 'holy responsibility'?
To record and honor the innumerable acts of kindness that outweigh rare acts of evil
Test your knowledge on the patterns of human history, decency, and depravity. Explore the balance of good and evil in societies and the essential truths that shape our understanding of history.
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