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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who is the person that it was most difficult for Archbishop Tutu to personally forgive in his own life?
(a) His daughter.
(b) His brother.
(c) His father.
(d) His cousin.

2. Which of the following pillars of joy is a quality of the mind?
(a) Forgiveness.
(b) Empathy.
(c) Humility.
(d) Education.

3. What position did Nelson Mandela hold when he was imprisoned on Robben Island?
(a) Commander in Chief of the Military Wing of the ANC.
(b) Chairperson of the Freedom Fighters.
(c) Chief Architect of Capetown.
(d) President of South Africa.

4. What does Abrams mention his wife's profession is?
(a) She is a nurse.
(b) She is a lawyer.
(c) She is a history professor.
(d) She is in an integrative physician.

5. Why does the Dalai Lama say impermanence happens?
(a) Because of disease.
(b) Because of anger.
(c) Because of interdependence.
(d) Because of gratitude.

6. What does the Dalai Lama recall the Tibetan saying about wisdom says?
(a) Wisdom is like hard work - it yields great benefits.
(b) Wisdom is like storytelling - it requires a group of people to work well.
(c) Wisdom is like rainwater - both gather in low places.
(d) Wisdom is like rice - it is better when shared.

7. What does Archbishop Tutu think about developing one's sense of humor?
(a) It can only be taught by one's parents.
(b) It is a skill to be cultivated.
(c) It is innate.
(d) It can only be taught by a comedian.

8. When did the first Democratic election in South Africa take place?
(a) 2000.
(b) 2004.
(c) 1994.
(d) 1980.

9. Which doctor of the Dalai Lama's does Archbishop Tutu see in Dharamsala?
(a) Virgil Maglio.
(b) Yeshi Dhonden.
(c) Morris Forworn.
(d) Benito Murlo.

10. What does the Dalai Lama say the Virgin Mary is a symbol of?
(a) Sadness.
(b) Love.
(c) Sacrifice.
(d) Forgiveness.

11. What does Abrams say acceptance is the opposite of?
(a) Resignation and defeat.
(b) Happiness.
(c) Empathy.
(d) Loneliness.

12. Which part of the brain do some researchers think gratitude stimulates?
(a) The amygdala.
(b) The hypothalamus.
(c) The frontal cortex.
(d) The medulla oblongata.

13. Why are some people afraid of receiving compassion from others, according to Abrams?
(a) Because they think people will want something in return.
(b) Because they do not really want to be happy.
(c) Because they are more inclined to worry.
(d) Because they do not feel worthy of love and attention.

14. What phrase of the Dalai Lama's regarding handling difficulties in life is Abrams particularly struck by in Part III?
(a) Passing through difficulties.
(b) Rising to the occasion.
(c) Handling the stone.
(d) Finding your inner strength.

15. What does Archbishop Tutu say is necessary for two friends to be able to joke easily with one another?
(a) Sadness.
(b) Empathy.
(c) Trust.
(d) Regret.

Short Answer Questions

1. What key paradox of Buddhism does Abrams point out in the section titled Acceptance: The Only Place?

2. What does the Dalai Lama say forgiveness is a sign of?

3. What does Archbishop Tutu greet almost every new experience with?

4. What does Abrams write that he is tempted to see humor as a universal index of?

5. How does Abrams's friend Daniel Goldman characterize the Dalai Lama's attitude towards life?

(see the answer keys)

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