2013 · GS Paper 4 · Q6(b) · 10 marks
Given below are three quotations of great moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these quotations, bring out what it means to you in the present context: "Nearly all men can withstand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." —Abraham Lincoln
In short
The quote means that hardship tests only endurance, while power, by removing outside checks, reveals whether a person has the restraint of real character. Nelson Mandela, who survived 27 years in prison and then left office after one term in 1999, passed both tests.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 294 words
Power removes the check
Hardship is faced under others' gaze, but power brings discretion and flattery, so only conscience decides; Lord Acton warned in 1887 that power tends to corrupt.
Both tests passed
Nelson Mandela endured 27 years in prison, yet his character showed most in office, choosing reconciliation and stepping down after one term in 1999.
The power test failed
The Emergency of 1975-77, with civil liberties suspended and the press censored, showed a mandate bent once power met no check.
Civil servants
T.N. Seshan as Chief Election Commissioner (1990-96) used his office to enforce the Model Code of Conduct on the powerful rather than to please them.
Political office
Lal Bahadur Shastri resigned as Railway Minister after the Ariyalur accident of 1956, owning an outcome he did not personally cause.
Corporate and digital power
Satyam's founder confessed in 2009 to falsifying accounts he controlled, and data platforms now face consent duties under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
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This chapter in the exam
Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from the world14 questions
Asked in 11 of 14 sittings since 2013
- 2025What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? "The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes." – William James
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2013 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.