Many psychologists recommend that people cultivate self-esteem instead of criticizing themselves for their shortcomings. But this is clearly a bad principle if the goal is a society whose citizens are genuinely happy, for no one can be genuinely happy if he or she is not pursuing personal excellence by seeking to improve himself or herself.
Which of the following is an assumption required by the argument?
(A) Those who are willing to change will probably find genuine happiness.
(B) People who do not criticize themselves are less likely than others to pursue personal excellence.
(C) Personal excellence cannot be acquired by those who lack genuine confidence in their own abilities.
(D) People are justified in feeling content with themselves when they have achieved some degree of personal excellence.
(E) Happiness is not genuine unless it is based on something that is painful to obtain.
Which of the following is an assumption required by the argument?
(A) Those who are willing to change will probably find genuine happiness.
(B) People who do not criticize themselves are less likely than others to pursue personal excellence.
(C) Personal excellence cannot be acquired by those who lack genuine confidence in their own abilities.
(D) People are justified in feeling content with themselves when they have achieved some degree of personal excellence.
(E) Happiness is not genuine unless it is based on something that is painful to obtain.
