The Most Damaging Emotion

You are angry about the world.

You are tired of injustice, wars, and people talking bullshit.

Maybe someone you loved died, but the world continues as if nothing happened.

You hit the gym or go for walks in the rain.

You wear hoodies, put on your headphones, and just want to forget your problems for a while.

“But why should we feel angry about the world? As if the world would notice,” Euripides reminds you.

Your explanation for what happens to you determines your reaction, the Stoics believed.

Everything happens inside your mind.

“When someone arouses your anger,” says Epictetus, “it’s really your opinion that fuels it.” 

If someone calls me stupid, I may get offended. But when they call you stupid, you don't.

Same situation, different reaction.

Thus, the response to anger is not objective, but subjective.

Your reaction is under your control.

Otherwise, we would all become enraged about the same things.

Marcus Aurelius proved that 'it isn't manly to be enraged.'

Why?

Because if self-control and temperance are 'manly' traits, then losing your mind due to anger is synonymous with losing your self-control, and thus, unmanly.

I was struggling with anger, but thanks to Stoicism, I've managed to conquer it.

Do you want to know the best remedy to anger?

'Pause,' says Seneca.

'But it can't be so simple,' you say.

Yes, it can.

Did you actually try it?