Seneca (4 BCE–65 CE)

Question 1

When was Seneca born?

Answer 1

c. 4 BCE

Question 2

What philosophical school is Seneca most associated with?

Answer 2

Stoicism

Question 3

Who was Seneca’s famous student?

Answer 3

Emperor Nero

Question 4

Where was Seneca born?

Answer 4

Corduba (modern-day Córdoba, Spain)

Question 5

Which famous Roman emperor did Seneca advise?

Answer 5

Emperor Nero

Question 6

Name one of Seneca’s most famous works on philosophy.

Answer 6

Letters to Lucilius

Question 7

What major illness did Seneca suffer from during his life?

Answer 7

Chronic asthma and respiratory issues

Question 8

What philosophical principle did Seneca emphasize in his writings?

Answer 8

Living virtuously, with self-control and inner peace

Question 9

Seneca’s writings had a significant influence on which later historical period?

Answer 9

The Renaissance

Question 10

What controversial accusation was made against Seneca regarding his wealth?

Answer 10

He amassed great wealth despite preaching Stoic simplicity.

Question 11

How did Seneca die?

Answer 11

He was forced to commit suicide after being implicated in a plot to assassinate Nero.

Question 12

What was the title of Seneca’s essay that discusses the fleeting nature of time?

Answer 12

On the Shortness of Life

Question 13

Which Roman tragedy written by Seneca was influential in the Renaissance?

Answer 13

Thyestes

Question 14

What were Seneca’s main contributions to philosophy?

Answer 14

His writings on Stoicism, particularly self-control and dealing with adversity.

Question 15

What major controversy involved Seneca and Nero?

Answer 15

Seneca was accused of being involved in the Pisonian Conspiracy against Nero.

Question 16

Why did some consider Seneca a hypocrite?

Answer 16

He preached Stoic simplicity but was very wealthy.

Question 17

What advice does Seneca give about anger?

Answer 17

That anger is often more harmful to us than the injury that provokes it.

Question 18

Seneca’s writings influenced which early modern philosophers?

Answer 18

Montaigne and Descartes

Question 19

In which empire did Seneca live?

Answer 19

The Roman Empire

Question 20

What event led to Seneca’s fall from favor with Nero?

Answer 20

The Pisonian Conspiracy, an alleged plot to assassinate Nero.

Question 21

Complete the sentence: Seneca’s letters to Lucilius are primarily about _____.

Answer 21

Ethical and philosophical advice

Question 22

Seneca’s essay ‘On the Shortness of Life’ is primarily concerned with _____.

Answer 22

The fleeting nature of time and how to live meaningfully.

Question 23

Seneca’s wealth was partly due to what controversial practice?

Answer 23

Lending money at high interest rates.

Question 24

Who was Seneca’s father, and what was his profession?

Answer 24

Seneca the Elder, a well-known rhetorician

Question 25

Fill in the blank: Seneca’s teachings influenced the philosophy of _____.

Answer 25

Stoicism

Question 26

Name one challenge Seneca faced while advising Nero.

Answer 26

Nero’s increasing tyranny and unpredictability.

Question 27

What did Seneca argue was more important than external circumstances?

Answer 27

Virtue and inner peace.

Question 28

Seneca’s death was related to which conspiracy?

Answer 28

The Pisonian Conspiracy

Question 29

Fill in the blank: Seneca’s philosophical work has been influential in discussions about _____.

Answer 29

Resilience and personal development