What is the most likely meaning of the phrase lower its sights as it is used in this passage? These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable, but no less profound, is a sapping of confidence across our land; a nagging fear that America’s decline is inevitable, that the next generation must lower its sights.

1. inherit the mistakes of those who came before
2. perform jobs that no one else wants to do
3. settle for something less than originally strived for or hoped for
4. accept that sometimes progress is not an option

settle for something less than originally strived for or hoped for

Explanation:

The most likely meaning of the phrase lower its sights as it is used in this passage is "settle for something less than originally strived for or hoped for".

To lower one's sight means that the person should be become less ambitious or for the person to lower their expectations and then accept something which is less than what the person originally hoped for.

c. explains words’ origins and variations.

"fire and ice" is one of robert frost's most popular poems. it was published in december 1920 in harper's magazine and in 1923 in his pulitzer prize−winning book new hampshire. it discusses the end of the world, likening the elemental force of fire with the emotion of desire, and ice with hate.

c. the power of desire is greater than the power of hate.