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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Letters CXIV, CXXII, and CXXIII.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which line of studies does Seneca say tends to have a special temptation to vanity?
(a) Business and politics.
(b) Liberal arts.
(c) History.
(d) Sciences.

2. According to Seneca, what must one seek between extremes in all matters?
(a) Truth.
(b) Love.
(c) Balance.
(d) Kindness.

3. To whom will a person who is well-acquainted with poetry or history often be impressive?
(a) To the royalty.
(b) To the small-minded masses.
(c) To the entire public.
(d) To himself only.

4. What does Seneca say happens to life when one focuses too much on trivial and fleeting activities?
(a) It is fulfilled with recreation.
(b) It ends earlier.
(c) It becomes meaningless and not worth living.
(d) It causes much sickness.

5. What are Seneca's comments about the book he mentions in Letter XLVI?
(a) None - he wants to read it again.
(b) He likes the gift, but not its contents.
(c) He disagrees with the entire contents of the book.
(d) He wholeheartedly agrees with the entire contents of the book.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Seneca, what is man's only pride?

2. According to the last letter, what is man naturally inclined to do?

3. What does Seneca say is the worst noise of all?

4. What does Seneca give advice about coping with in Letter LXXVIII?

5. According to his criticism in Letter CVIII, what does Seneca say literary scholars do with philosophical theories?

(see the answer key)

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