One of the many interesting features of American society is the prestige granted to business institutions. Their status is arguably greater than that of any other kind of organization including, or perhaps especially, the government. What exactly is it about Americans that makes them place business on such a high social level and admire the successful business person so openly?
One possible explanation could be that Americans view business as being more firmly based on the concept of competition than other institutions in their society. Fair and open competition is an ideal long cherished, one could even say deep rooted in American political and economic life. It is seen as the source of progress, prosperity and opportunity. In fact, in the American psyche, the importance of free competition goes even deeper than that； free competition is the means by which other defining values such as democracy and individual liberty are achieved and ensured.
In American eyes, competition protects the freedom of the individual by ensuring that there is no monopoly of power, either economic or political. As in politics, where the government is divided into branches, each with powers that offset those of the others, businesses compete against each other for profits. The idea being that if one business tries to take unfair advantage of its customers, it will lose to competitors who treat their customers more fairly. In theory, where many businesses compete for the customers' dollars，the interests of the consumer will be paramount.
Competition in business is also believed to strengthen the American ideal of equality of opportunity. It is seen as an open and beneficial contest where success goes to the fittest； to those most deserving of it. Competitive success is commonly seen as the American alternative to social rank based on inherited status. In America, accomplishment in business and the accumulation of wealth and power thereby is viewed in the same light as an aristocratic ancestry once was in the Old World.
56. According to the passage, business achievement in America __________.
A. is losing the respect of the society
B. has always been highly regarded
C. is second only to public service in social status
D. has been viewed differently over the years
57. .In the American view, who benefits from business competition?
A. The wealthy. B. The government.
C. The dishonest businessman. D. The society as a whole.
58. Government and business are said to be similar for what reason?
A. Both are considered untrustworthy. B. Both primarily benefit the wealthy.
C. Both are based on competition. D. Both have a monopoly on power.
59. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage about what Americans believe?
A. Competition is generally fair.
B. Competition should be limited to business.
C. Competition should be regulated by the government.
D. Competition does not benefit the poor.
【答案】
One possible explanation could be that Americans view business as being more firmly based on the concept of competition than other institutions in their society. Fair and open competition is an ideal long cherished, one could even say deep rooted in American political and economic life. It is seen as the source of progress, prosperity and opportunity. In fact, in the American psyche, the importance of free competition goes even deeper than that； free competition is the means by which other defining values such as democracy and individual liberty are achieved and ensured.
In American eyes, competition protects the freedom of the individual by ensuring that there is no monopoly of power, either economic or political. As in politics, where the government is divided into branches, each with powers that offset those of the others, businesses compete against each other for profits. The idea being that if one business tries to take unfair advantage of its customers, it will lose to competitors who treat their customers more fairly. In theory, where many businesses compete for the customers' dollars，the interests of the consumer will be paramount.
Competition in business is also believed to strengthen the American ideal of equality of opportunity. It is seen as an open and beneficial contest where success goes to the fittest； to those most deserving of it. Competitive success is commonly seen as the American alternative to social rank based on inherited status. In America, accomplishment in business and the accumulation of wealth and power thereby is viewed in the same light as an aristocratic ancestry once was in the Old World.
56. According to the passage, business achievement in America __________.
A. is losing the respect of the society
B. has always been highly regarded
C. is second only to public service in social status
D. has been viewed differently over the years
57. .In the American view, who benefits from business competition?
A. The wealthy. B. The government.
C. The dishonest businessman. D. The society as a whole.
58. Government and business are said to be similar for what reason?
A. Both are considered untrustworthy. B. Both primarily benefit the wealthy.
C. Both are based on competition. D. Both have a monopoly on power.
59. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage about what Americans believe?
A. Competition is generally fair.
B. Competition should be limited to business.
C. Competition should be regulated by the government.
D. Competition does not benefit the poor.
【答案】
苏19057182-3号