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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. What happened when the author analyzed closely his feelings before his speech at Poptech?
(a) The anxiety seemed to ebb.
(b) The shame increased.
(c) The fear went away.
(d) The fear stayed within practicable limits.

2. What does the author say is the only thought people have when eyeing a sugar doughnut?
(a) How eating it will leave them feeling tired or agitated later.
(b) How intensely they will want another one only seconds after eating this one.
(c) How eating it will help them relax.
(d) How good it will taste.

3. The author states that when the Buddhist techniques work, a person receives not just happiness, but what other element?
(a) A youthful smile.
(b) Tranquility.
(c) Improved health.
(d) Clarity of vision.

4. The author states that natural selection does not want people to be happy, but instead wants them to be what?
(a) Tenacious.
(b) Compassionate.
(c) Healthy.
(d) Productive.

5. The author states that "More and more, groups of people define their identity in terms of" (17) what?
(a) Material wealth.
(b) Family.
(c) Sharp opposition to other groups of people.
(d) Career.

Short Answer Questions

1. The author suggests that the reader check out the enlightenment scene in which film in order to get an idea of the vibrancy of the experience?

2. The Buddah lived and taught how many years ago?

3. What disorder does the author say makes it difficult for him to meditate?

4. What kind of benefits does the author describe self-delusion as harboring?

5. The author states that "coherence of motivation, though a desirable quality in a friend or collaborator, isn't by itself" (82) what?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the author say about ways in which people should NOT "conceive of modules" (86)?

2. How does the author get across his point about the need for the brain to provide rationale in the form of modules, even in illogical situations?

3. What effect is the author's choice of the word "delusions" intended to have on the reader?

4. What is the nature of the author's characterization of a meditation retreat?

5. Discuss the author's decision to begin the book with an allusion to the film The Matrix.

6. What is witness consciousness, according to the author?

7. How does the author use the example of bodily fluids in order to demonstrate the differences between Western Buddhism and Traditional Buddhism?

8. What is the author's view of the phenomenon of human feelings?

9. For what purpose does the author begin the entire narrative with a question?

10. How does the author shine a spotlight on his own flaws and for what purpose does he do so?

(see the answer keys)

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