Chapter 1: The Nature of Anger in Stoicism

Anger and rage are emotions we all experience regularly. However, these feelings can be detrimental and conflict with the Stoic mindset we strive to embody. So, what can we do about it?

Adopting Stoic philosophy doesn’t shield us from these feelings; rather, it equips us to comprehend and navigate them. This understanding is our strength. I am The Wayward Stoic, and together we will explore this enlightening journey.

It’s essential to recognize that Stoics are fundamentally human. We share the same emotions and challenges as everyone else. We experience pain, suffering, and moments of vulnerability.

Even I, as someone who identifies with Stoicism, occasionally find myself overwhelmed by intense emotions, losing my temper at times. But this is a natural part of being human. We acknowledge that our willpower and patience have limits, and if we’re not cautious, we can succumb to our emotions. This is where the Cardinal Virtues and the Seven Threads of Stoicism come into play.

As Stoics, we enjoy deep contemplation and exploring hypothetical scenarios. For me, it's the pursuit of understanding the mechanisms behind our thoughts and feelings.

How should a Stoic approach anger? To answer this, I’ve devised a straightforward technique that I use during my own moments of distress: The Hand Test.

What is it exactly?

It's a practical method to determine if you're being influenced by an emotional trigger, such as anger.

How does it work?

It’s simple. Hold your hand at a slight angle just above your face. Position it close enough to feel its warmth while still being able to see what lies ahead.

This should create a slight sense of discomfort—if you're feeling that, you're on the right track.

For me, I always feel a form of “indivisible” pressure against my eye while maintaining this position. I can perceive what’s in front of me, but it feels more challenging and unnatural.

A Stoic’s initial reaction might be to question, “Why is my hand obstructing my view?”

However, if we are agitated or under the sway of negative emotions, our immediate thoughts may lean toward frustration and annoyance.

This moment is your opportunity for clarity.

When you're angry, you're viewing the world through a distorted lens. You can recognize the situation but are hindered by the emotional barrier before you.

If I find myself irritated by my own hand, it clearly indicates a lack of self-control. I would then distance myself from the situation that triggered this reaction, reflect on it, and search for a more constructive response.

It’s not always as straightforward as it seems, and it may take several attempts to successfully navigate the Hand Test. However, persistence is key; eventually, your ego will tire of clashing against the Stoic ideals, allowing you to regain your composure.

We cannot understand control without experiencing loss, nor can we lose it without first having it.

Balance is essential; we are both human and instinctual beings. The internal struggle of duality is yours to conquer.

Chapter 2: Video Insights on Stoic Anger Management

To complement our exploration, here are two insightful videos that provide additional perspectives on managing anger through Stoicism.

The first video, How The Stoics Manage Anger, offers practical insights into recognizing and controlling anger using Stoic principles.

The second video, 8 Stoic Strategies For Controlling Your Anger, presents actionable strategies grounded in Stoic philosophy for effectively managing anger.