The majority of people who fail to accumulate money sufficient
for their needs, are generally, easily influenced by the opinions of
others. They permit the newspapers and the gossiping neighbours to do
their thinking for them. Opinions are the cheapest commodities on the
earth. Everyone has a flock of opinions ready to be wished upon by
anyone who will accept them. If you are influenced by opinions when you
reach decisions, you will not succeed in any undertaking.
What is the main idea of the passage?

Correct Option (A)

The passage explicitly states that individuals who fail to accumulate sufficient money are generally influenced by the opinions of others, such as newspapers and gossiping neighbours. It concludes that being influenced by opinions when making decisions leads to a lack of success in any undertaking. Therefore, the main idea is to caution against being swayed by external opinions.

Incorrect Options:

This option misrepresents the passage's primary focus. While the passage mentions the failure to accumulate money as a consequence of being influenced by others' opinions, its central theme is the importance of independent thought and decision-making, not the mere accumulation of wealth.

The passage does not advocate for a complete cessation of giving or accepting opinions. Instead, it warns against being passively influenced by others' opinions, particularly those that are readily available and often uncritical, to the extent that one's own thinking is neglected.

This option presents an absolute interpretation not supported by the passage. The passage advises against being "influenced by opinions" and allowing others to "do their thinking for them." It does not suggest that accepting any opinion whatsoever will lead to failure, but rather emphasizes the need for critical discernment and independent thought in decision-making.