Question

many of confucius’s followers, known as confucians, taught that humans were naturally good. but, if people experienced hardship, such as poverty or hunger, they could become immoral and greedy.
the following passage comes from mencius, one of confucius’s most famous followers. read the passage. then answer the question below.
everyone has a heart that is sensitive to the sufferings of others. suppose someone suddenly saw a child about to fall into a well: everyone in such a situation would have a feeling of alarm and compassion—not because one wanted to get in good with the child’s parents, not because one wanted fame among their neighbors and friends, and not because one would dislike the sound of the child’s cries. . . . this sense of compassion is the seed of humanity.
alarm: worry
compassion: sympathy for the suffering of others
humanity: being human
mencius uses the example of a child falling into a well to show that humans naturally have compassion for others. according to mencius, which statement expresses a person’s natural reaction to a child falling into a well?
i should save this child so that my neighbors and community will respect me!
this child is crying, how annoying. i guess i should help him.
i should perform the proper ritual action and save this child!
the child needs my help right away!

Explanation:

Mencius' example shows natural compassion, not for fame, annoyance, or ritual. The option "The child needs my help right away!" reflects immediate concern (alarm and compassion) without ulterior motives, matching the passage's idea of natural human empathy. Other options have self - serving (fame), annoyed, or ritual - based motives, which go against the passage's message.

Answer:

The child needs my help right away!