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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Letters CIV, CV, CVII, and CVIII.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. In Letter XVI, what kind of life is said to have no direction?
(a) Unphilosophicla.
(b) Philosophical.
(c) Lazy.
(d) Hard working.

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

4. According to Seneca, who doesn't care if he is rich or poor?
(a) A public official.
(b) A philosopher.
(c) A pagan priest.
(d) A Christian priest.

5. 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.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Seneca say happens to life when one focuses too much on trivial and fleeting activities?

2. What does Seneca consider to be the gift of gods?

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

4. According to Seneca, what often brings the most unusual tragedies?

5. According to Stoic thought, what is the formless substance with "unlimited potential?"

(see the answer key)

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