50–135 CE · Stoicism
Epictetus on anger
Epictetus thought it absurd to guard the body and give away the mind. We would be furious if someone handed our body to a stranger, yet we hand our peace to anyone who happens to irritate us.
If a person gave your body to a passer-by, you would be angry. Yet you hand over your own mind to anyone who comes along, to be disturbed and confounded.
Epictetus — Enchiridion, 28
Try this
- Notice the moment you start handing your peace to someone else.
- Reclaim the judgement; the insult only lands if you accept it.
Questions
What did Epictetus say about anger?
Epictetus thought it absurd to guard the body and give away the mind. We would be furious if someone handed our body to a stranger, yet we hand our peace to anyone who happens to irritate us.
Where did Epictetus write about anger?
In Enchiridion, 28.
Ask Epictetus about your anger
Put your own situation to Epictetus and hear the answer in their own words.
Talk to Epictetus