and responsibility were neglected to the point of disappearing. Athens was more and more looked on as a cooperative business possessed of great wealth in which all citizens had a right to share.

　　Athens reached the point when the freedom she really wanted was freedom from responsibility. There could be only one result. If men insisted on being free from the burden of self-dependence and responsibility for the common good, they would cease to be free. Responsibility is the price every man must pay for freedom. It is to be had on no other terms. Athens, the Athens of Ancient Greece, refused responsibility;she reached the end of freedom and was never to have it again.

　　But, "the excellent becomes the permanent, "Aristotle said. Athens lost freedom forever, but freedom was not lost forever for the world. A great American, James Madison, referred to:"The capacity(能力)of mankind for self-government. "No doubt he had not an idea that he was speaking Greek. Athens was not in the farthest background of his mind, but once man has a great and good idea, it is never completely lost. The Digital Age cannot destroy it. Somehow in this or that man's thought such an idea lives though unconsidered by the world of action. One can never be sure that it is not on the point of breaking out into action only sure that it will do so sometime.

1. What does the underlined word "tyrannies" in Paragraph 2 refer to?

A. Countries where their people need help.

B. Powerful states with higher civilization.

C. Splendid empires where people enjoy freedom.

D. Governments ruled with absolute power.

2. People believing in freedom are those who　　　.

A. regard their life as their own business

B. seek gains as their primary object

C. behave within the laws and value systems

D. treat others with kindness and pity

3. What change in attitude took place in Athens?

A. The Athenians refused to take their responsibility.

B. The Athenians no longer took pride in the city.

C. The Athenians benefited spiritually from the government.

D. The Athenians looked on the government as a business.