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

2. What is the topic of Letter III?
(a) Money.
(b) Friendship.
(c) Investing.
(d) Greed.

3. What does Seneca encourage in Letter VI?
(a) Contributions to poor slaves.
(b) Suicide among the elderly.
(c) Living in Rome.
(d) Lucilius come to live with him.

4. Who says that excessive anger is a threat to one's sanity?
(a) Seneca.
(b) Sophocles.
(c) Epicurius.
(d) Plato.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Seneca says though one may suffer more or less in life, the suffering is surrounded by what on either side?

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

3. How does one perfect his own soul, according to Seneca?

4. In Letter XVI, what kind of life is said to have no direction?

5. Which philosopher does Seneca quote in Letter II despite the fact that he does not particularly like him?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Seneca say about developing friendships?

2. What is a sedan chair and why does Seneca use one occasionally?

3. What is the difference between physical and spiritual ailments, according the Seneca's seasick boat trip example?

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

5. According to Seneca, how should a wise man deal with grief itself?

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

7. What is Seneca's thoughts on the phrase "cheerful poverty?"

8. In Letter II, how does Seneca advise Lucilius to proceed with his study of philosophy?

9. What are Seneca's thoughts on fear and how to eliminate it from life?

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

(see the answer keys)

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