Test on Marcus Aurelius: Philosophy as a Design for Living

Question 1: Marcus Aurelius distinguished between being strict with himself and being tolerant with others, considering the former as self-discipline and the latter as how he applied discipline to others.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: Marcus Aurelius had a lot of discipline, but he distinguished discipline from self-discipline. He was strict with himself, but he tried to be tolerant with others, understanding that they did not sign up for the same high personal standards he held himself to.

Question 2: Marcus Aurelius believed that eliminating inessential activities results in the enhanced performance of essential tasks.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: Marcus Aurelius states that when inessential things are eliminated, the double benefit of doing those essential things better is achieved. This practice allows individuals to focus on and improve the important tasks that truly matter.

Question 3: According to the study materials, how did Marcus Aurelius' question, 'Am I afraid of death because I won't be able to do this anymore?' serve as a litmus test for his daily activities?

A. It helped him identify activities that were essential and worth dedicating his limited time to.

B. It encouraged him to complain less about his duties as emperor.

C. It made him realize the importance of practicing self-discipline and tolerance towards others.

D. It served as a reminder to prioritize financial dealings and sales, like the one he held during the Antonine plague.

Explanation: The study materials explain that Marcus Aurelius' question, 'Am I afraid of death because I won't be able to do this anymore?' served as a litmus test to determine which activities were worth spending his limited time on. If it was something he wanted to live a long time to keep doing, he should do it; if not, he questioned why he was spending his time on it.

Question 4: According to the study materials, what was Marcus Aurelius's recommended approach when people injured or wronged him?

A. To respond with righteous indignation and fight back against the wrongdoers.

B. To feel sympathy and consider whether the wrongdoers believed they were acting correctly.

C. To immediately punish them severely to deter future offenses.

D. To become outraged and angry, expressing his displeasure openly.

Explanation: The study materials state that when people injured or hurt Marcus Aurelius, he believed one should feel sympathy rather than outrage or anger. He suggested considering if they thought what they were doing was right, or if they were misguided, in which case patience and an attempt to teach them were appropriate. This approach emphasizes empathy and giving grace, rather than indignation or fighting back.

Question 5: Marcus Aurelius was primarily motivated to fulfill his duties and responsibilities because external pressures compelled him to do so.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials state that Marcus Aurelius had the discipline to get up and get after his duties every day, explaining, "Nobody's making you do it. You don't have to do it, but you do it because you know it's good for you and the world." This indicates his motivation came from an internal understanding of what was good, not from external compulsion.