A Panorama of Life — Class 11
Chapter 3: Liberty and Discipline
Author: Field Marshal Sir William Slim
Q.1 Comprehension
(a) Short Answer Type Questions
1. How does the author define ‘liberty’?
Liberty means freedom to think, speak, work and go wherever we like, without unnecessary restrictions.
2. What is discipline?
Discipline is the practice of accepting and following rules and responsibilities. It helps people live and work together while respecting one another’s freedom.
3. Why should one keep to the left of the road?
One should keep to the left for personal safety, consideration for others, confidence in fellow road users and fear of punishment.
4. How does pure discipline differ from enforced discipline?
Pure discipline is self-discipline based on understanding, reason and willingness. Enforced discipline is imposed through fear, punishment or physical force.
5. What types of liberty do the British believe in?
The British believe in the freedom to think what they like, say what they like, work at what they like and go where they like.
6. Why does one have a natural inclination to avoid discipline?
One tends to avoid discipline because it places restrictions on liberty. People naturally prefer freedom and may resist rules that limit their choices.
7. Why is discipline unavoidable for a modern man?
Discipline is unavoidable because modern people live in complex communities and depend on one another. Without discipline, society cannot function peacefully and efficiently.
8. How did the author acknowledge the salute of a private soldier?
The author acknowledged the private soldier’s salute with an airy wave of his hand.
9. How did the Colonel punish the author for not returning a salute properly?
The Colonel ordered the Regimental Sergeant Major to plant his staff in the ground and make the author practise saluting it until he learnt to return a salute correctly. The author had to do this in front of the whole battalion.
10. What did the Colonel tell the author about discipline?
The Colonel told the author, “Discipline begins with the officers!” He wanted him to understand that leaders must set an example by disciplining themselves first.
11. How can a leader build up the leadership of his team?
A leader can build up the leadership of his team by practising self-discipline, accepting responsibility, setting a good example and explaining the purpose of orders rather than merely expecting blind obedience.
12. What, according to the author, was not a new technique invented in the last war?
Taking men into confidence and helping them understand what they are fighting or working for was not a new technique invented in the last war.
13. How can you say that discipline is not derogatory?
Discipline is not derogatory because willingly accepting it for a worthwhile purpose is ennobling. It develops character, responsibility and initiative.
14. What type of discipline is deliberately designed to submerge the individual?
Totalitarian discipline is deliberately designed to submerge the individual. It uses mass obedience and slogans to suppress individual freedom.
15. How does the author commend the role of British railway signalmen in the last war?
The author praises the British railway signalmen for remaining at their posts during the bombing raids of the Second World War. They continued performing their duties despite the danger because they understood the importance of their work to others and to their country.
16. How can a nation overcome an economic or a military crisis?
A nation can overcome an economic or military crisis through discipline, collective responsibility, hard work and a willingness to perform one’s duties. Public opinion should also support responsible behaviour.
17. What, according to the author, is meant by democracy?
According to the author, democracy means decentralisation of responsibility. Everyone must accept a fair share of responsibility and must not avoid their duties.
(b) Long Answer Type Questions
1. How does History teach us the need of a disciplined living? Explain.
History teaches us that discipline is essential for the stability, prosperity and security of a nation.
- Discipline maintains order: When people follow rules and fulfil their responsibilities, society functions smoothly.
- Indiscipline causes decline: According to the author, when idleness, weakness or factionalism destroys a nation’s sense of order, its economic life begins to decay.
- Living standards fall: A lack of discipline can lead to declining living standards and the disappearance of security.
- Dictatorship may arise: When a nation cannot maintain order through responsible conduct, a militant power or dictator may impose strict control through fear and force.
- Discipline protects the weak: Discipline helps preserve security for weaker and poorer members of society.
- Collective effort brings success: A nation can overcome difficult economic or military situations only when people work responsibly and accept their share of the burden.
Thus, History demonstrates that discipline is necessary for national progress, public security and the well-being of society.
2. What is the relationship between liberty and discipline?
Liberty and discipline are closely related. Although discipline places certain limits on individual freedom, it also makes genuine liberty possible.
- Meaning of liberty: Liberty means freedom to think, speak, work and move according to one’s wishes.
- Need for discipline: People cannot enjoy unlimited freedom because they live in communities and depend on one another.
- Consideration for others: Following rules, such as keeping to the correct side of the road, protects everyone’s safety and freedom.
- Discipline prevents disorder: Without discipline, stronger individuals may dominate weaker people, and public security may disappear.
- Self-discipline supports freedom: When people willingly accept rules because they understand their importance, they can work together without unnecessary coercion.
- Freedom carries responsibility: Liberty requires individuals to perform their duties and respect the rights of others.
The author concludes that discipline can exist without liberty, but liberty cannot exist without discipline. Therefore, the two must go hand in hand.
3. What does indiscipline lead to?
Indiscipline can damage individuals, communities and nations in several ways.
- Loss of order: When people neglect their duties, order and cooperation gradually weaken.
- Economic decline: A nation’s economic life suffers when people are idle, irresponsible or divided by factions.
- Falling living standards: Economic decline reduces people’s standard of living.
- Loss of security: Without discipline, the weak and the poor may lose the protection they need.
- Rise of dictatorship: When society fails to maintain order, a powerful militant force or dictator may impose control through fear and punishment.
- Reduced productivity: If people do not work sincerely or fulfil their responsibilities, national progress becomes difficult.
- Threat to liberty: Disorder may lead to stricter controls, thereby reducing individual freedom.
Therefore, indiscipline threatens prosperity, security, democracy and liberty. Responsible self-discipline is essential to prevent these consequences.
4. How can an officer inculcate a sense of discipline in his subordinates?
An officer can develop discipline among subordinates by setting an example and helping them understand the purpose of their duties.
- Practise self-discipline: An officer must follow rules and maintain high standards of conduct before expecting others to do so.
- Accept greater responsibility: A person in authority must accept more responsibility and a stricter standard of self-discipline than those being led.
- Lead by example: The officer should demonstrate the behaviour expected from the team.
- Explain the purpose of orders: Rather than relying only on commands, an officer should help subordinates understand why their work matters.
- Build trust: Taking team members into confidence encourages cooperation and a sense of shared responsibility.
- Encourage willing obedience: Discipline should be based on understanding and consent rather than fear alone.
- Ensure accountability: Orders must be followed, and everyone should understand their responsibilities.
The author’s experience with the Colonel illustrates that discipline begins with those in authority. A leader who practises what he teaches can build a disciplined and effective team.
5. What are the advantages of discipline?
Discipline benefits individuals, organisations and nations in many ways.
- Maintains order: Discipline enables people to live together peacefully and cooperate with one another.
- Protects liberty: It allows individuals to enjoy freedom while respecting the rights of others.
- Promotes security: It helps protect vulnerable members of society from disorder and irresponsible behaviour.
- Develops character: Self-discipline encourages responsibility, honesty, patience and commitment.
- Fosters initiative: When people understand the purpose of their work, they become more willing to act responsibly without constant supervision.
- Improves productivity: Disciplined workers perform their duties sincerely and efficiently.
- Strengthens leadership: Leaders who practise self-discipline earn trust and inspire others.
- Helps during crises: Discipline enables a nation to face economic and military difficulties through collective effort.
- Promotes national progress: When citizens fulfil their responsibilities, the country becomes more stable and prosperous.
Thus, discipline is not merely obedience to rules. It is a positive force that develops character, protects freedom and contributes to individual and national progress.
Q.2 Vocabulary
1. Tick the correct meaning of each word
- Choose — Select
- Sermon — A holy lecture
- Inclination — Bent of mind
- Unavoidable — Inevitable
- Acknowledge — Recognise or admit
- Technique — Method
- Derogatory — Insulting
- Initiative — Courage to start
- Crisis — A difficult situation
- Ennobling — Praiseworthy
2. Form adjectives from the following words
| Word | Adjective |
|---|---|
| Defect | Defective |
| Ornament | Ornamental |
| Delight | Delightful |
| Business | Busy |
| Use | Useful |
| Craft | Crafty |
| Taste | Tasteful |
| Curiosity | Curious |
| Memory | Memorable |
| Wit | Witty |
Q.3 Grammar
1. Fill in each blank with a suitable determiner
- We felt an indefinable sense of discomfort.
- Many fugitives had fled from Hiroshima.
- Every living thing was petrified in an attitude of indescribable suffering.
- Children begin learning by imitating their elders.
- Each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.
2. Change the form of narration
(i) The teacher will say, “Gita is performing on the stage.”
The teacher will say that Gita is performing on the stage.
(ii) She said, “If I were rich, I would help him.”
She said that if she were rich, she would help him.
(iii) “Oh, Tom,” she said, “I am so ashamed of you!”
She exclaimed, addressing Tom, that she was very ashamed of him.
(iv) The lawyer asked Bob, “Do you still deny the charges?”
The lawyer asked Bob whether he still denied the charges.
(v) The Principal said, “Virtue is its own reward.”
The Principal said that virtue is its own reward.
3. Use each of the following words as a noun and a verb
(i) Face
- Noun: His face was covered with dust.
- Verb: We must face difficulties bravely.
(ii) Lock
- Noun: The lock is broken.
- Verb: Please lock the door before leaving.
(iii) Delight
- Noun: The children’s success was a great delight to their parents.
- Verb: The performance will delight the audience.
(iv) Water
- Noun: We should drink clean water.
- Verb: Please water the plants every morning.
(v) Consent
- Noun: The plan was approved with the consent of the committee.
- Verb: I consent to the proposed arrangement.