Previous Stoicism

DON’T GET MAD. HELP

“Are you angry when someone’s armpits stink or when their breath is bad? What would be the point? Having such a mouth and such ampits, there’s going to be a smell emanating. You say, they must lane sense, can’t they tell how they are offending others? Well, you have sense too, congratulations! So, use your natural reason to awaken theirs, show them, call it out. If the person will listen, you will have cured them without useless anger. No drama nor lienly show required.”

- MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS

Summary:
Marcus Aurelius highlights the futility of getting angry at others for things they may not realize, such as having bad breath or body odor. Instead of reacting with frustration, we should use our own awareness and reason to guide and help them. By calmly addressing the issue, we can resolve it without unnecessary anger or conflict.

Interpretation:
In real life, this means that when we encounter situations where others’ behavior might irritate us, it’s better to respond with understanding and a desire to help, rather than reacting emotionally. For example, if a colleague is being disruptive during a meeting, instead of getting upset, you can gently point it out and offer a solution. This way, you turn a potentially frustrating situation into an opportunity for improvement, fostering better communication without drama.

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