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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is the Dalai Lama's longtime translator?

2. What is the Buddhist term for the recognition of our interdependence?

3. Who is one of the world's leading experts on the science of the unconscious?

4. Who was the white president of South Africa that Archbishop Tutu mentions in Part II?

5. What does Archbishop Tutu say hope is the antidote to?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Part II, what is the meaning of the word "dukkha?"

2. In Part II, what do both the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu advise as a way of handling one's worries?

3. In Part I, what do the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu agree is necessary for the creation of something beautiful?

4. In Part II, what distinction does Archbishop Tutu draw between hope and optimism?

5. In Part I, what kind of creatures does Archbishop Tutu tell Abrams humans are?

6. In Part II, what does Abrams learn about Archbishop's Tutu methods of calming himself when the two are stuck in bad traffic?

7. In Part I, why does Archbishop Tutu wonder how the Dalai Lama is not morose?

8. In the Introduction, why does Abrams say Archbishop Tutu might not have been able to travel to take part in the talks that made up the material for the book?

9. In Part I, how does Abrams explain the so-called hedonic treadmill?

10. In Part I, what kind of relationship does the Dalai Lama tell Archbishop Tutu he considers their relationship to be a bit like?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Abrams chose to include several black and white photographs of both the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu from the week they all spent together in conversation that The Book of Joy is based upon. How do you think the photos affect the reader's experience and understanding of the two subjects of the book? Write an essay explaining your answer.

Essay Topic 2

How were Archbishop Desmond Tutu's ideas and concepts of forgiveness shaped by his work in South Africa as one of the leaders of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission following the end of apartheid? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

How does generosity of spirit relate to the practice of all the other pillars of joy, according to Abrams? Write an essay explaining your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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