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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How did Seneca's ancestors treat their slaves?
(a) With respect.
(b) With physical abuse.
(c) Emotionless.
(d) With mental torture.

2. What virtue does Seneca say does not perish or disappoint?
(a) Wisdom.
(b) Fortune.
(c) Kindness.
(d) Beauty.

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

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

5. Who finances the celebration that is held at the time Letter XVII is written?
(a) The state.
(b) Local businesses.
(c) Seneca.
(d) A traveling carnival.

6. What, according to Seneca, generally presents more opportunity to be tempted away from virtuous living?
(a) Public hangings.
(b) Mass crowds.
(c) Theater.
(d) Religion.

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

8. Which philosopher does Seneca quote in Letter II despite the fact that he does not particularly like him?
(a) Epicurus.
(b) Zeno.
(c) Aristotle.
(d) Plato.

9. According to Seneca, what creates anxiety?
(a) Demanding family members.
(b) Striving to fulfill one's ever-expanding desires.
(c) Having to worry about finances.
(d) Having to find a stable job.

10. What does Seneca recommend avoiding in Letter VII?
(a) Prostitutes.
(b) People without shoes.
(c) Religious zealots.
(d) The masses.

11. What do people who attend the celebration discussed in Letter XVII do?
(a) Praise Seneca.
(b) Feast and get drunk.
(c) Discuss town issues.
(d) Watch acrobats and clowns.

12. According to Seneca, what are people who are easily disturbed by noises lacking?
(a) Religion.
(b) Ear plugs.
(c) Common sense.
(d) Peace.

13. Who advises that one ought to imagine being watched by some great, virtuous figure at all times in order to check one's own behavior?
(a) Epicurius.
(b) Plato.
(c) Seneca.
(d) Aristotle.

14. What is it that Seneca says no human being merits?
(a) Mental torture.
(b) Correction.
(c) A beating.
(d) Love.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Seneca, what does an inordinate attachment to wealth or public opinion make a man?

2. What kind of ailments does Seneca say become more obvious as they worsen?

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

4. Seneca states that a virtuous man is not concerned with the loss of a friend because:

5. What does Seneca say about slaves?

(see the answer keys)

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