People desire a sense of purpose in their lives, but they often remain idle unless they have a clear reason to act. This concept is illustrated by the retirement paradox. People work hard to prepare for a future without work but find life meaningless after achieving that goal.
A study was carried out to determine if a reason, even a minor one, could encourage idle people to take action. __1__ Upon finishing the first, they were instructed to drop it off at a location either right outside the room or at a spot farther away, which would take around 12 minutes to walk to and return. __2__ Candy was offered as a reward after survey submission, but participants received different instructions. Some were informed of identical candy at both spots, while others were told the candy differed by location.
人們渴望生活有目標感，但除非有明確的行動理由，否則人們常常閒散著。退休矛盾說明了這個概念。人們辛勤工作，為不用工作的未來做準備，但在實現這個目標後卻發覺生活毫無意義。
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有一項研究的進行是為了確定是否有了某個因素（即使是很小的原因）就可以鼓勵閒散的人們採取行動。大學生被聚集起來填完兩項調查，兩項調查中間隔了十五分鐘。填完第一項調查後，他們收到指示要將調查就放在房間外的某個位置，或者放置於步行往返約需十二分鐘的較遠處。也就是說，選擇距離較近的選項會讓受測者有更多空閒時間。繳交調查後會得到糖果作為獎勵，但受測者收到不同的指示。有些人被告知兩個地點的糖果是一樣的，有些人則被告知糖果因地點而異。
Words in Use
1. illustrate vt.（用圖表、實例等）說明
These examples illustrate the main concepts discussed in the chapter.
這些例子說明了本章討論的主要概念。
2. retirement n. 退休
Lots of people look forward to retirement as a time to relax and enjoy hobbies.
許多人期待退休時能放鬆身心並享受嗜好。
3. instruct vt. 指示，命令
The boss instructed the team to complete the project by the end of the week.
老闆吩咐那個團隊於本週結束前完成專案。
Practical Phrases
1. break free from. . . 突破∕打破……
Many people strive to break free from the limitations society places on them.
許多人努力突破社會對他們的限制。
2. carry out... / carry. . . out 執行∕實行……
The company plans to carry out a new marketing campaign.
該公司計劃執行一項新的行銷活動。
3. drop. . . off / drop off. . . 把……送到某處
Please drop off the package at the post office on your way to work.
麻煩你在上班途中將包裹
投遞至郵局。
To be continued tomorrow（明日待續）
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本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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