On Anger

The essay On Anger is addressed to Seneca's older brother, Gallio. The first part (I-II, xvii) deals with theoretical issues, while the second part (II,xviii - final) offers therapeutic advice. It begins with a preamble on the horrors of anger, followed by its definitions. It continues with questions such as whether anger is natural, whether it can be tempered, whether it is involuntary, and whether it can be completely erased.

The second part leads with advice on how to avoid anger and how this can be taught to children and adults. Then followed by several pieces of advice on how anger can be postponed or extinguished, and many real cases are given of cases to be imitated or avoided. The work draws to a close with some tips on how to calm others.

In On Anger Seneca defends the thesis - contrary to that of other ancient philosophers, such as Aristotle - that anger is always harmful. According to Seneca, a great man should never be angry, and when it is not possible to repress anger, he should try to calm down as soon as possible. The depth of thought, the liveliness of style, and the rich examples provided by Seneca to confirm his theses make the reading of On Anger extremely satisfying. 


“The best remedy for anger is postponement.”