readoldthings

More On Anger:

Again, anger embodies nothing useful, nor does it kindle the mind to warlike deeds; for virtue, being self- sufficient, never needs the help of vice. Whenever there is need of violent effort, the mind does not become angry, but it gathers itself together and is aroused or relaxed according to its estimate of the need; just as when engines of war hurl forth their arrows, it is the operator who controls the tension with which they are hurled.

I'm reminded of a story of a samurai sent to execute a traitorous lord. As the samurai raised his sword to strike, the lord spat in his face. The samurai sheathed his sword, bowed, and departed-- unwilling to kill in anger.

For Seneca, even when we have to fight-- as we sometimes do-- anger is no help at all. It overwhelms us and directs our actions in altogether unhelpful ways; in battle it is "as useless as the soldier who disregards the order to retreat.

The useful soldier will be one who knows how to obey orders; the passions are as bad subordinates they are leaders.