De Ira (On Anger) is a Latin work by Seneca (4 BC-65 AD). The work defines and explains anger within the context of Stoic philosophy, and offers therapeutic advice on how to prevent and control anger.
(Note to KZfaq: This is my own recording, it is not taken from anywhere else. I retain the copyright)
Translated by Aubrey Stewart
en.wikisource.org/wiki/Of_Ang...
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Notes:
1: Anger is not above the control of reason
2: Some motions like shivering are beyond our control. But anger can be put to flight by wise maxims; for it is a voluntary defect of the mind.
3: Passions begin with impulses. We cannot avoid the impulse, but we can prevent them becoming fully fledged passions. It is a conscious choice to allow it to develop or not.
4: Impulses and emotions differ. Emotions are brought into existence by deliberate mental acts.
5: Anger if too readily indulged it can eventually develop into a permanent character trait of cruelty.
6: Joy at good actions is glorious, anger at bad actions is base. The Wise man will become irascible if always angered by bad deeds.
7: If you’re angry at evil deeds your mood will depend upon others, you will also never cease to be angry since there’s so much evil in the world
8: The mob is fraught with vices
9: If you want to be as angry as men’s crimes require, you will not be angry but go mad with rage.
10: People committing sin is to be expected, it’s foolish to be angry at things you expect. Be not an enemy to but an improver of sinners.
11: Anger is not to be praised for inducing fear. Fear affects feeble minds and there is nothing great in it.
12: It is possible to overcome anger. The mind can carry out whatever orders it gives itself.
13: There’s no need for us to defend anger. Get rid of it. The wise man does his work without the help of any evil passion, especially one which needs to be watched so closely.
14: It is acceptable to feign anger, but not to be angry. Great athletes avoid anger because it clouds judgment.
15: Cultures prone to anger are less successful.
16: We revere wild animals, but they are not to be imitated. Humans possess reason which is superior, and if you imitate anything, imitate God.
17: Don’t be angry but don’t be feeble either. Do be prepared to use force when necessary but not out of anger.
18: Two categories of remedies for anger: Preventing it from arising and avoiding doing wrong when it does arise.
19: Different people have different natural dispositions to anger
20: Those who are predisposed to anger should deliberately avoid arousing it. Those of calmer dispositions should take care to avoid opposite vices such as cowardice, despair and suspiciousness. It’s possible for anger to become a learned habit of the mind.
21: Overindulging or flattering children can lead them to develop angry characters. Raise them in a down to earth manner. It’s a fine balance, subdue their anger, but avoid crushing their spirit. They should focus on conquering their antagonists but not on hurting them. They must earn things by merit and never by begging.
22: To resist anger, focus on its first cause: the belief that we are injured. Allow time to elapse before forming your opinion.
23: Choosing not to feel injured and forgiving wrongs often leads to better outcomes for all.
24: Avoid suspicion and mistrust. Focus on being straightforward and having kindly interpretations of other people’s actions.
25: Luxury leads to irritation at petty things. Toughen up, choose to live a less luxurious life.
26: Inanimate objects, animals and children are ignorant of any wrong they do us. As are foolish men who have little more sense than children. It’s daft to feel anger towards any of them.
27: The universe does not revolve around you; natural events are nothing to be angry at.
Punishments received from good men are usually intended for our benefit not harm.
28: No one is faultless. When others sin, remind yourself of the sins you yourself have committed.
29: “The greatest remedy for anger is delay”
30: You can always find a reason to forgive someone.
31: Anger arises from a sense of injury or of unjust treatment
32: It is usually more honorable, and better for all, to ignore transgressions than to avenge them.
33: If you do seek revenge, do so only as a remedy, not out of anger.
34: Forgiveness yields better results than aggression. Violent acts escalate over time.
35: Anger damages itself in its lust for revenge
36: Anger can lead men to ruin and to destroy their own lives. “men have thrust swords through the bodies of those whom they loved, and have slain those in whose arms they have lain”
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