Daily Advice 12.27.20
Dec. 27th, 2020 09:57 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
readoldthingsMore from Seneca, On Anger:
I had a situation recently where I had to confront someone-- an extremely unpleasant individual, who I dislike immensely. When I think about this person, I'm stunned at how a human being could let themselves become so vicious, and so needlessly cruel. And yet, during the confrontation, I lost my temper, and the whole thing degenerated into a shouting match. What did that accomplish?
That's the sort of thing Seneca is talking about, here. We should be able to be brave without anger; and work hard without being greedy; and be quiet when it is appropriate, not because we are intimidated into silence.
It's easier said than done!
May virtue be spared the calamity of having reason ever flee for help to vice! It is impossible for the mind to find here a sure repose; shattered and storm-tossed it must ever be if it depends upon its worst qualities to save it, if it cannot be brave without being angry, if it cannot be industrious without being greedy, if it cannot be quiet without being afraid - such is the tyranny under which that man must live who surrenders to the bondage of any passion.
I had a situation recently where I had to confront someone-- an extremely unpleasant individual, who I dislike immensely. When I think about this person, I'm stunned at how a human being could let themselves become so vicious, and so needlessly cruel. And yet, during the confrontation, I lost my temper, and the whole thing degenerated into a shouting match. What did that accomplish?
That's the sort of thing Seneca is talking about, here. We should be able to be brave without anger; and work hard without being greedy; and be quiet when it is appropriate, not because we are intimidated into silence.
It's easier said than done!
