#34: 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.
[97]
It is best to look ahead for ways to block our known vices and, above all, to so compose our mind that even when battered by sudden and weighty affairs, it either doesn’t feel anger, or if anger does get stirred up by the scale of the unexpected injury, the mind drags this feeling back into its depths and gives no vent to its pain.
[98]
Nothing would have been easier for King Antigonus than to order the execution of two of his soldiers; while leaning against the king’s tent, they were doing what people do with great delight, even though it’s very dangerous, bad-mouthing their own king. Antigonus heard it all, as there was only a piece of cloth between the talkers and the listener. He moved that cloth gently aside and said, “Move further off, so that the king won’t hear you.”