Weekly Wisdom Quiz

Life Changing Lessons

Dear Classical Wisdom Reader,

There really is a LOT to the Classics.

This week alone we looked at Socrates’ views on the persuasive power of words, the life-changing impact of ancient discipline techniques, and how numbers can help us understand the universe itself.

So, you know, nothing major!

And now’s the time to prove your knowledge of it all with The Weekly Wisdom Quiz.

As always, all questions are based on articles published this week on Classical Wisdom.

A full roundup of them all is available just after the quiz (along with the answers) just in case you want to revisit anything.

Now, no more delay… let’s get to it!

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1. Which Roman author wrote De re militari, describing legionary training?
A. Vegetius
B. Livy
C. Seneca
D. Cicero

2. What was Gorgias’ profession in Plato’s dialogue?
A. Physician
B. Historian
C. Mathematician
D. Rhetorician

3. Why is it said that the Pythagoreans avoided eating beans?
A. Beans were sacred to Hades
B. They believed passing gas released part of the soul
C. Beans dulled the intellect
D. They symbolized chaos

4. What was the name of the Spartan training system boys entered at age seven?
A. Ephebeia
B. Gymnasion
C. Agoge
D. Ludus

5. At what age did Spartan men achieve full citizenship after completing their training?
A. 25
B. 30
C. 20
D. 18

6. What practice weapon did Roman legionaries first train with?
A. Wooden gladius and spear
B. Dagger
C. Sling
D. Metal-tipped javelin

7. What was a central tenet of Pythagorean belief about the soul?
A. It dissolved at death
B. It transmigrated through reincarnation
C. It was created only once
D. It belonged solely to the gods

8. What did Socrates accuse rhetoric of being when separated from knowledge?
A. A noble lie
B. A kind of flattery
C. A necessary evil
D. A divine gift

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Answers

1. A - Vegetius (Discipline Lessons from the Ancient World)

2. D - Rhetorician (Socrates vs Spin)

3. B - They believed passing gas released part of the soul (The Cult of Pythagoras)

4. C - Agoge (Discipline Lessons from the Ancient World)

5. B - 30 (Discipline Lessons from the Ancient World)

6. A - Wooden gladius and spear (Discipline Lessons from the Ancient World)

7. B - It transmigrated through reincarnation (The Cult of Pythagoras)

8. B - A kind of flattery (Socrates vs Spin)

Wisdom Scale 🌟

0 - 2 correct: 🎲 Apprentice of Fortune
Like a new recruit with a wooden sword, you’re just beginning your training. Keep swinging: wisdom takes practice!

3 - 4 correct: ⚔️ Disciplined Citizen
The Agoge has hardened you, and you can hold your own in debate with sophists. Philosophy and discipline are starting to shape you.

5 - 6 correct: 🏛️ Sage of Harmony
You balance numbers, virtue, and reason like a true philosopher. You live in tune with truth itself.

7 - 8 correct: 🔱 Master of Wisdom
From Pythagoras’ theorem to Marcus Aurelius’ reflections, from Sparta’s training to Socrates’ logic — you command them all. Few reach such heights!

So, how did it go this week? Let us know in the comments below!

All the best,

Sean Kelly

Managing Editor

Classical Wisdom