Weekend Roundup

Quiz Time!

Dear Classical Wisdom Reader,

We’re doing something a little bit different this week…

As a bit of a change up to our usual weekend roundup format, today we have a quiz for you! All the questions are based on articles we published this week.

Don’t worry, all the answers are available at the bottom… and, of course, in this week’s articles (links are available just below, as usual). Check your score and discover if you are a budding philosopher!

So grab your mental toga, summon your inner Socrates, and let’s begin.

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1. According to Epicurus, what is one of the four key principles (Tetrapharmakos) for achieving happiness?

A) Pursue wealth and power
B) You have nothing to fear from the gods
C) The pursuit of pleasure leads to excess
D) Always follow the laws of your city

2. Marcus Aurelius famously stated, "The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes _______."

A) A lesson
B) A greater obstacle
C) The way
D) Impossible to overcome

3. According to Epicurean philosophy, why should we not fear death?

A) The gods protect us in the afterlife
B) Death means nothing to us, as we do not experience it
C) Our souls will be reincarnated
D) The underworld is a place of reward and punishment

4. What act is Fulvia accused of committing against Cicero’s severed head?

A) Tossing it into the Tiber River
B) Displaying it in the Roman Forum
C) Piercing the tongue repeatedly
D) Burning it in a public ceremony

5. Marcus Aurelius suggests that true happiness can be found even in which unexpected place?

A) A monastery
B) A battlefield
C) A palace
D) Exile

6. According to Epicurus, what is the ultimate source of all human suffering?

A) The wrath of the gods
B) The pursuit of unnecessary desires
C) The inevitability of fate
D) The corruption of the soul

7. Fulvia’s political influence was so significant that some historians argue she played a key role in which event?

A) The drafting of the Lex Titia, legalizing the Second Triumvirate
B) The downfall of Mark Antony’s alliance with Cleopatra
C) The siege of Perusia, a civil war between Antony’s supporters and Octavian
D) The assassination of Julius Caesar

Need to refresh your memory? Check out this week’s resources just below…

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Answers

1. B) You have nothing to fear from the gods (Epicurus’ Tetrapharmakos)

2. C) The way (“What stands in the way becomes the way.” – Marcus Aurelius)

3. B) Death means nothing to us, as we do not experience it (Epicurean view on death)

4. C) Piercing the tongue repeatedly (Fulvia and Cicero’s severed head)

5. C) A palace (“It is possible to be happy, even in a palace.” – Marcus Aurelius)

6. B) The pursuit of unnecessary desires (Epicurus taught that suffering comes from unfulfilled and excessive desires, not external forces like gods or fate.)

7. C) The siege of Perusia, a civil war between Antony’s supporters and Octavian (Fulvia played a crucial role in the conflict, attempting to secure her husband's power.)

The Wisdom Scale

How wise are you, dear philosopher? Check your score and claim your title!

0-2 correct: Novice Philosopher – You have glimpsed the path, but there is still much to learn. Back to the scrolls!
3-4 correct: Aspiring Sophos – Your wisdom grows, like an olive tree under the Athenian sun.
5-6 correct: Agora Adept – You could hold your own in a symposium. Well done!
7 correct: Master of the Classics – Seneca himself would nod approvingly at your knowledge. Bravo!

Did you enjoy this week’s quest for wisdom? Share your results and let us know your favorite insight from the ancients!

All the best,

Sean Kelly

Managing Editor

Classical Wisdom