#18: On Anger (De Ira)
Quotes that resonate, from ‘How to Keep Your Cool: An Ancient Guide to Anger Management’ by Seneca, selected, translated and introduced by James Romm.
[45]
We must, then, hold back our anger, whether the one who needs to be taken on is our equal, our better, or our inferior. To fight with an equal is a chancy affair; with a better, insane; with an inferior, tawdry.
[46]
Only weak things think they’re being wounded if they’re touched.
[47]
It will make us gentler if we consider how that person, the one we’re angry at, has helped us in the past; his offense will win pardon from his merits.
[48]
Keep this too in mind: how much praise a reputation for mercy will bring us, how many people our kindness will turn into valuable friends.
[49]
There’s nothing more unjust than for someone to become the heir of hatred incurred by his father [or mother].