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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does noise affect Seneca's ability to study?
(a) It does not affect it at all.
(b) He is very distracted by the smallest noise.
(c) He has a hearing disability and is slightly distracted by a constant, steady hum.
(d) He is very distracted by noise from crowds.

2. Seneca states that a virtuous man is not concerned with the loss of a friend because:
(a) He never shares.
(b) He can easily replace the friend.
(c) He never gets emotionally attached.
(d) He didn't have any friends anyway.

3. Why do people become slaves, according to Seneca?
(a) It is their choice.
(b) It is by their merit.
(c) It is punishment for a crime.
(d) It is by their fortune.

4. How does one perfect his own soul, according to Seneca?
(a) By getting plenty of sleep.
(b) By living according to his rational nature.
(c) By writing letters daily.
(d) By having faith in no more than three gods.

5. How does Seneca say all people -- young and old alike -- should live each day?
(a) Safely.
(b) Without much physical activity or worry.
(c) As if it is their last.
(d) As if it is their first.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Lucilius ask Seneca to include in his letters?

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

3. What is the specific distraction Seneca discusses in Letter XL?

4. Who thinks they are the most virtuous people, according to Senenca?

5. What is the characteristic of Lucilius' friend that Seneca does not hold against him?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the necessity of and the problem with diversions, according to Seneca.

2. What does Seneca tell Lucilius about the pace of speech?

3. What is a "quibbler" and what advice does Seneca offer to Lucilius about quibblers?

4. According to Seneca, from where where does one's soul originate?

5. What does Seneca say about the study of philosophy?

6. What is the appeal of a slow death for Stoics? What does Seneca believe happens after death?

7. What does Seneca say the unphilosophical life lacks and what does it have? Why is the life of a philosopher better?

8. What is Seneca's opinion of Vatia? How does it differ from public opinion?

9. What happened when Seneca went out on the town in search of "witty entertainment" and how was he affected by the situation?

10. What is the goal of philosophy, as stated by Seneca?

(see the answer keys)

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