The 370 GRE Words You Must Know: Passage 14

Shades of Obscurity

Within the realm of human existence, some souls are destined for notoriety (fame for doing something negative or criminal), their actions etched in the annals of infamy. Others, however, dwell in the obscure (mysterious or not well-known) corners of existence, where secrets and enigmas abound.

Life, in its infinite wisdom, offers a nuance (subtle shades of difference) of experiences. It is in these subtleties that the true essence of being is revealed, hidden beneath the surface like whispers carried by the wind.

Yet, some hearts remain obdurate (stubborn, obstinate), unyielding in the face of change. Their minds entrenched in their own convictions, unwilling to navigate the labyrinthine corridors of compromise.

Veiled in an opaque (not see-through; blocking light) shroud, they traverse the realms of uncertainty, embracing the obscure (mysterious or not well-known) and the occult (the mystical and supernatural). The hidden knowledge that lies beyond the veil calls to them, beckoning their restless spirits.

Amidst the tapestry of life, forces of opposition emerge, seeking to occlude (block or obstruct) the path to truth and enlightenment. Yet, these seekers of wisdom, relentless in their pursuit, overcome obstacles with unwavering determination.

Some individuals, driven by ulterior motives, adopt an obsequious (overly fawning and helpful in a way that is disingenuous) demeanor. Their actions, laced with calculated intentions, mask their true nature, as they navigate the intricate web of human interactions.

The burdens of existence weigh heavily upon the shoulders of those who refuse to yield. The onerous (difficult or burdensome) challenges they face test the limits of their endurance, yet they persist, unyielding in their resolve.

For every action, there exists a reaction, an offset (counterbalance or counteract) to the forces that seek to disrupt equilibrium. The cosmic dance of cause and effect weaves its intricate patterns, as the universe strives to maintain harmony.

Our senses, attuned to the world around us, embrace the olfactory (relating to smell or the sense of smell) realm. The fragrances that waft through the air, carrying memories and emotions, awaken dormant senses and transport us to realms unseen.

But who among us can claim the mantle of omniscience (the quality or state of being all-knowing)? The enigma of existence, with its myriad complexities, eludes even the most astute minds. We are but humble seekers of truth, traversing the corridors of wisdom.

Some, driven by the pursuit of self-interest, succumb to the temptations of opportunism (the practice of taking advantage of opportunities as they arise without particular concern for morality or ethics). They forsake the path of righteousness, lured by the ephemeral promises of personal gain.

In the ebb and flow of life, we oscillate (swing back and forth between two points, poles, or positions), dancing between hope and despair, joy and sorrow. It is in this delicate balance that the essence of our existence resides.

As we traverse the tapestry of existence, let us not succumb to the allure of the ostentatious (overly showy in a way that is gaudy or vulgar). For true beauty lies not in flamboyance, but in the subtleties and intricacies that whisper to our souls.

And so, we journey onward, driven by a yearning to surpass our limitations, to outstrip (overtake or outrun) the boundaries that confine us. With each step, we embrace the mysteries that lie ahead, for the allure of the unknown beckons us ever forward.

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