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On Anger (De Ira)
AI source guide
How can I apply this idea: Anger is a desire to punish a perceived injury. Seneca argues it fits neither human nature, which is built for mutual help, nor any practical task, since reason does every job better and anger cannot be kept within limits once admitted?
How can I apply this idea: The first jolt at a seeming injury is involuntary and is not yet anger. Anger begins only when the mind agrees that it was wronged and ought to take revenge, which is why Seneca holds it can be stopped by reasoning?
How can I apply this idea: Prevention starts in childhood. Seneca wants a child's spirit kept alive without letting it grow into arrogance, which means steering between praise and restraint, avoiding indulgence and flattery, and choosing calm teachers?
