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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Letters XXXIII, XXXVIII, XL, XLI, XLVI, XLVII, XLVIII.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why, according to Seneca, shouldn't old age frighten a wise man?
(a) Because his mind is too far gone to be scared.
(b) Because old and wise go together.
(c) Because he knows he will go to heaven.
(d) A wise man doesn't fear death.

2. What is an oxymoron?
(a) A theory related to oxygen.
(b) Someone who does not practice virtue at all.
(c) Someone who does not understand Oxystoicism.
(d) A combination of contradictory words or phrases.

3. Which philosopher believes the idea of "cheerful poverty" is absurd?
(a) Aristotle.
(b) Seneca.
(c) Plato.
(d) Epicurius.

4. Seneca says that a philosopher must distinguish himself from others with virtue, but what must the philosopher obey when doing so?
(a) Seneca's laws.
(b) No one.
(c) Society's conventions.
(d) The emperor and no one else.

5. In Letter VII, what does Lucilius accuse Seneca of being?
(a) A corrupt politician.
(b) A hypocrite.
(c) An illegitimate child.
(d) A loser.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which city does Seneca say is so filled with wicked people that it could be a threat to even a wise man's soul?

2. What is it that Seneca says no human being merits?

3. What does Seneca say happens to life when one focuses too much on trivial and fleeting activities?

4. What does Seneca say in Letter XVI is of no interest to the wise man?

5. Which word is the best meaning of apatheia?

(see the answer key)

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