The various conditions of men and the different uses they make of their powers and opportunities in life, are full of puzzling contrasts and contradictions. here, as elsewhere, it is easy to dogmatize, but it is not so easy to define, explain and demonstrate. the natural laws for the government, well-being and progress of mankind, seem to be equal and are equal; but the subjects of these laws everywhere abound in inequalities, discords and contrasts. we cannot have fruit without flowers, but we often have flowers without fruit. the promise of youth often breaks down in manhood, and real excellence often comes unheralded and from unexpected quarters.

the scene presented from this view is as a thousand arrows shot from the same point and aimed at the same object. united in aim, they are divided in flight. some fly too high, others too low. some go to the right, others to the left. some fly too far and others, not far enough, and only a few hit the mark. such is life. united in the quiver, they are divided in the air. matched when dormant, they are unmatched in action.

which of the following statements most directly expresses the author’s thesis in the passage?

a. “it is easy to dogmatize, but it is not so easy to define, explain and demonstrate.” (paragraph 1, sentence 2)

b. “the natural laws for the government, well-being and progress of mankind, seem to be equal and are equal.” (paragraph 1, sentence 3)

c. “we cannot have fruit without flowers, but we often have flowers without fruit.” (paragraph 1, sentence 4)

d. “real excellence often comes unheralded and from unexpected quarters.” (paragraph 1, sentence 5)

e. “the scene presented from this view is as a thousand arrows shot from the same point and aimed at the same object.” (paragraph 2, sentence 1)