In 'De ira', Seneca delves into the tumultuous nature of anger, dissecting its origins and devastating effects on human relationships. He offers profound insights into the psychology of anger, advocating for the cultivation of self-control and rational thinking. Through vivid anecdotes and philosophical reflections, Seneca challenges readers to confront their emotions and choose reason over rage. The text serves as both a personal guide and a timeless exploration of the human condition. Prepare to embark on a journey of self-discovery that reveals how mastering our emotions can lead to a more tranquil life.
By Seneca, Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Published: 2019
""Anger, like a storm, can cloud the mind and distort the truth; to overcome it is to find clarity in the chaos of our emotions.""
Timeless wisdom on controlling anger in personal life and politics from the Roman Stoic philosopher and statesman Seneca In his essay “On Anger” (De Ira), the Roman Stoic thinker Seneca (c. 4 BC–65 AD) argues that anger is the most destructive passion: “No plague has cost the human race more dear.” This was proved by his own life, which he barely preserved under one wrathful emperor, Caligula, and lost under a second, Nero. This splendid new translation of essential selections from “On Anger,” presented with an enlightening introduction and the original Latin on facing pages, offers readers a timeless guide to avoiding and managing anger. It vividly illustrates why the emotion is so dangerous and why controlling it would bring vast benefits to individuals and society. Drawing on his great arsenal of rhetoric, including historical examples (especially from Caligula’s horrific reign), anecdotes, quips, and soaring flights of eloquence, Seneca builds his case against anger with mounting intensity. Like a fire-and-brimstone preacher, he paints a grim picture of the moral perils to which anger exposes us, tracing nearly all the world’s evils to this one toxic source. But he then uplifts us with a beatific vision of the alternate path, a path of forgiveness and compassion that resonates with Christian and Buddhist ethics. Seneca’s thoughts on anger have never been more relevant than today, when uncivil discourse has increasingly infected public debate. Whether seeking personal growth or political renewal, readers will find, in Seneca’s wisdom, a valuable antidote to the ills of an angry age.
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“"Anger, like a storm, can cloud the mind and distort the truth; to overcome it is to find clarity in the chaos of our emotions."”
De ira
By Seneca, Lucius Annaeus Seneca
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Lucius Annaeus Seneca, commonly known as Seneca the Younger, was a Stoic philosopher, statesman, and playwright from ancient Rome, born around 4 BC and died AD 65. He is best known for his contributions to Stoic philosophy, particularly through his essays and letters that emphasize ethics, moral integrity, and the pursuit of wisdom. Notable works include "Letters to Lucilius," a collection of moral epistles that address various philosophical topics, and tragedies such as "Phaedra," "Thyestes," and "Medea," which explore themes of human emotion and fate. Seneca's writing style is characterized by its rhetorical elegance, brevity, and depth, making profound philosophical concepts accessible to readers. His influence extends beyond philosophy to literature, having inspired countless writers and thinkers throughout history.
Lucius Annaeus Seneca, often known simply as Seneca, was a Roman Stoic philosopher, statesman, and dramatist born around 4 BC in Corduba (present-day Córdoba, Spain) and died in AD 65. A leading figure of Stoicism, Seneca's teachings emphasized rationality, self-control, and the importance of virtue in maintaining a good life. He served as an advisor to Emperor Nero and was subsequently forced to take his own life for perceived disloyalty. His notable works include "Letters to Lucilius," a collection of moral epistles; "Dialogues," which provide insights into his philosophical thoughts; and tragedies like "Phaedra" and "Thyestes," showcasing his talent in dramatic literature. Seneca's writing style is characterized by its clarity, brevity, and incisive wit, often blending philosophical discourse with powerful rhetorical techniques.
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