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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the specific distraction Seneca discusses in Letter XL?
(a) Talking too fast or too slow.
(b) Long hair.
(c) Company with the opposite sex.
(d) Alcohol and food.

2. According to Seneca, what does an inordinate attachment to wealth or public opinion make a man?
(a) Happy.
(b) A politician.
(c) Miserable.
(d) Lucky.

3. How long does it take Seneca to read the book he mentions in Letter XLVI?
(a) One week.
(b) One year.
(c) One sitting.
(d) One month.

4. According to Seneca as he comforts Lucilius, what is the death of a friend a reminder to do?
(a) To take better care of yourself.
(b) To send notes to the grieving family.
(c) Not to get close to people because they will only die.
(d) To appreciate your friends in life.

5. While looking for witty entertainment, what does Seneca stumble upon?
(a) A poetry reading.
(b) A comedian telling jokes.
(c) A gladiator battle.
(d) A musical production.

6. According to Letter XLI, where is the soul from?
(a) Earth.
(b) Deep inside.
(c) Dark desires.
(d) Heaven.

7. What does Seneca say cannot be learned only through reading?
(a) Astronomy.
(b) Virtue.
(c) Writing.
(d) Mythology.

8. Who, according to Seneca, retired out of fear of being persecuted by the Emperor?
(a) Himself.
(b) Lucilius.
(c) Nero.
(d) Vatia.

9. What kind of ailments does Seneca say are not as obvious as they worsen?
(a) Breathing-related ones.
(b) Spiritual.
(c) Physical.
(d) Mental.

10. According to Seneca, if one begins taking lessons other than philosophy, what happens?
(a) His life will be governed by that subject rather than philosophy.
(b) He becomes known as a Renaissance Man.
(c) He diversifies his talents.
(d) He becomes a well-rounded man.

11. Who thinks they are the most virtuous people, according to Senenca?
(a) The most wicked people.
(b) Slave owners.
(c) Governmental leaders.
(d) Religious leaders.

12. Which city does Seneca say is so filled with wicked people that it could be a threat to even a wise man's soul?
(a) Croton.
(b) Athens.
(c) Rome.
(d) Parma.

13. What kind of people does Seneca warn Lucilius to steer clear of in Letter XLVIII?
(a) Wealthy rulers.
(b) Drunken people.
(c) Slaves.
(d) Quibblers.

14. In Letter XVI, what kind of life is said to have no direction?
(a) Philosophical.
(b) Lazy.
(c) Unphilosophicla.
(d) Hard working.

15. According to Letter XL, what clue do people give as to whether they are organized or disorganized?
(a) A glance at one's kitchen.
(b) How their house or apartment looks.
(c) How fast or slow they talk.
(d) Their hairstyle and grooming.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who, according to Seneca, is deliberate and prepared?

2. What specific things might a philosopher lack that could tarnish philosophy's reputation among outsiders?

3. What does Seneca recount taking a ride on in Letter LV?

4. How did Seneca's ancestors treat their slaves?

5. Who finances the celebration that is held at the time Letter XVII is written?

(see the answer keys)

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