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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How can a person be prepared for any tragedy that might happen?
(a) Calm events = calm people.
(b) Imagine all the situations, then you won't be surprised.
(c) Don't serve wine at any event.
(d) Plan every last detail so you have a firm schedule.

2. According to Stoic thought, what is the formless substance with "unlimited potential?"
(a) Mass.
(b) Matter.
(c) Cause.
(d) Reason.

3. Which of Seneca's friends grieved the burning of the town discussed in Letter XCI?
(a) Liberalis.
(b) Tibius.
(c) Flaccus.
(d) Lucilius.

4. Who says there are four causes?
(a) Plato.
(b) Seneca.
(c) Sophocles.
(d) Aristotle.

5. According to Seneca, who has a misguided interest in philosophy?
(a) Women.
(b) Misguided intellects.
(c) Political figures.
(d) Priests.

6. For Stoics, what are two basic elements found in any object?
(a) Matter and cause.
(b) Sound and fury.
(c) Mass and reason.
(d) Weight and size.

7. Who is the author of all that happens in the world, according to Seneca?
(a) God.
(b) Zeus and Jupiter.
(c) Seneca.
(d) Yourself.

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

9. According to Seneca, what should a person use to guide his life?
(a) Examples.
(b) Theory.
(c) Logic.
(d) Religion.

10. What does Seneca give advice about coping with in Letter LXXVIII?
(a) Illness.
(b) Love.
(c) Grief.
(d) Religious faith.

11. In Letter LXXXIII, whose logic does Seneca question?
(a) Sappho's.
(b) Plato's.
(c) Aristotle's.
(d) Zeno's.

12. According to Seneca in Letter LXXXVIII, what should man strive to become?
(a) A pleasant man.
(b) A good man.
(c) A learned man.
(d) A religious man.

13. Who does Posidinus credit for the invention for various technological innovations?
(a) Mathematicians.
(b) Historians.
(c) Philosophers.
(d) Gods.

14. What does Seneca say is the greatest of all arts?
(a) Religion.
(b) Wisdom.
(c) Painting.
(d) Sculpting.

15. What is symptomatic of excessive attachment to the body, according to Seneca?
(a) Frequent baths.
(b) Excessive concern with pain.
(c) Excessive primping.
(d) Frequent trips to community baths.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who wrote the Iliad?

2. Which line of studies does Seneca say tends to have a special temptation to vanity?

3. According to Seneca, what destroyed man's harmonic relationship with nature?

4. What does Seneca admit that he cares less about as he ages?

5. Why does Seneca say he decided not to commit suicide?

(see the answer keys)

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