#28: 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.
[76]
[T]here is no beneficial place or healthy climate that has ever benefited the body as much as the company of a better crowd benefits unsteady minds. To see this point as clearly as you can, just look at how wild animals get accustomed to our society, and how not even a huge beast hold s on to its aggression if it has lived with people a long time. All its savagery is blunted and forgotten, little by little, amid more peaceful surroundings.
[77]
[T]he arrogant ones will offend you with their scorn, the acerbic with their insults, the impudent with their slights, the spiteful with their malice, the belligerent with their quarrels, the boastful and false with their vanity…
[78]
[T]oo much agreement gives offense to angry natures.
[79]
But even Caelius soon gave up, angered because his guest wasn’t angered and he had no opponent.