Which phrase describes a life not defined by possessions?

Which phrase describes a life not defined by possessions?

• A. Wealth ensures security.
• B. Don't be greedy; A person's life does not consist of what he owns.
• C. Do not be greedy; life is measured by deeds.
• D. A life without possessions is worthless.

Answer: (D)

The idea being tested is that a life should not be defined by material possessions. The clearest way to express that is the phrase that says a person's life does not consist of what he owns. It directly communicates that ownership and belongings aren’t the measure of who you are, which is exactly what “a life not defined by possessions” means. Consider the other ideas: wealth as security ties life to possessions, which goes against the notion that life isn’t defined by what you own. Saying life is measured by deeds hints at valuing character over material things, which aligns with the concept but shifts the focus to deeds rather than the broader idea of definition by possessions. The idea that a life without possessions is worthless makes a judgment about value rather than describing what defines a life, so it doesn’t capture the intended meaning. So, the best phrase is the one that states life does not consist of what a person owns, because it directly conveys that possessions aren’t the defining measure of a person’s life.

The idea being tested is that a life should not be defined by material possessions. The clearest way to express that is the phrase that says a person's life does not consist of what he owns. It directly communicates that ownership and belongings aren’t the measure of who you are, which is exactly what “a life not defined by possessions” means.

Consider the other ideas: wealth as security ties life to possessions, which goes against the notion that life isn’t defined by what you own. Saying life is measured by deeds hints at valuing character over material things, which aligns with the concept but shifts the focus to deeds rather than the broader idea of definition by possessions. The idea that a life without possessions is worthless makes a judgment about value rather than describing what defines a life, so it doesn’t capture the intended meaning.

So, the best phrase is the one that states life does not consist of what a person owns, because it directly conveys that possessions aren’t the defining measure of a person’s life.