“…. I have always possessed extreme contempt for wealth...I have on the contrary led a happier existence with plain living and ordinary fare...the pleasure of dining with one's friends is so great that nothing has ever given me more delight than their unexpected arrival.
I possess a well-balanced rather than a keen intellect--one prone to all kinds of good and wholesome study, but especially to moral philosophy and the art of poetry. The later I neglected as time went on, and took delight in sacred literature...Among the many subjects that interested me, I dwelt especially on antiquity [Roman empire time period], for our own age always repelled me, so that, had it not been for the love of those dear to me, I should have preferred to have been born in any other period than our own. In order to forget my own time, I have constantly striven to place myself in spirit in other ages, and consequently I delighted in history...”

5. In your own words - summarize what is being said in the text above.
Answer:

6. Why does the author prefer other time periods than his own?

5: The author describes how living a simple life holds the most bliss. That a life of wealth wouldn't allow you to truly experience the true joys of life. This would include being able to be free of toxicity, and being with those you love in a calm, and unforgettable fashion. The author also states that they suffer a wholesome and joyful spirit of love and philosophy. A spirit that simply doesn't fit in the modern world, but to one of an ancient manner. The author can't feel true joy unless reviewing the sacred text or wonders of an ancient world. History holds the true world in which life is simple and joyful.

6: The author prefers other/ancient time periods because he is in the utter ignorance that haunted his era. He was also upset with the lack of quality literature of his time. He also believed that other time periods held wonders in the form of literature or land that the modern world couldn't offer him. These ancient eras held a joyful spirit, and taught you how to live a truly serene life.

Explanation:

Hope that works, I believe I understood the text enough to write about it.