According to the passage, what constitutes the ‘first reality’?

Concept

For an explicit-detail comprehension question, identify the exact phrase in the passage and preserve the author’s stated relationship between its terms.

A nearby contrasting phrase must be kept separate; outside associations should not replace the passage’s wording.

Application

The passage describes the “first reality” as one of enlightened rationalism and contrasts it with the “second reality” of the Beyond and sacred perception.

Contrast

• Economic prosperity refers to material well-being, but the passage does not use it as the name of either reality.

• Political development concerns institutions and governance, while the passage mentions political materialism only as part of the century’s problem.

• Sacred perception belongs to the passage’s description of the “second reality,” not the first.

Cross-check

Reading the paired clause directly gives “first reality” → enlightened rationalism and “second reality” → the Beyond or sacred perception.

Result

Therefore, the “first reality” constitutes enlightened rationalism.