#39: 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.
[105]
You should assume that there are many things ahead you have to suffer.
Is anyone surprised at getting a chill in winter? Or getting seasick while on the sea? Or that they get bumped walking a city street?
The mind is strong against things it has prepared for.
[106]
You’ve been seated in a less honored place at table, do you start to get angry at your fellow guest, at your host, at the one who was seated in a more favored spot. Mad man! What does it matter what part of a dining-couch you park yourself on? Can a cushion make you either nobler or baser?
[107]
So someone insulted you. Surely it wasn’t a greater insult than Diogenes, the Stoic philosopher, received when, as he was discoursing about anger, an arrogant young man spat on him. He put up with this in genial and wise humour. “I’m not angry,” he said, “but I’m not sure whether I should be.”