#37: 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.
[101]
You get mad at this one, then that… at parents, then at children; at the famous, then at common folk.
Everywhere you look there are plenty of grounds, unless your mind steps up for the defense.
Your rage at this man drives you one way; at that man, another; your fury will go on and on, fed by newly arising grievances.
So then, unhappy fellow, will you ever love?
Oh, the good time you waste in an evil business! How much better to build friendships and lessen enmities, tend to the common good, shift your effort into your household affairs, rather then looking around to see what harm you can do to someone, what wound you can inflict on his reputation or his estate or his body – even though this must involve you in struggle and danger, even if it’s a lesser man you contend with!