So how, exactly, do we handle anger? Here is a series of suggestions that Seneca makes in order to help us prevent anger in the first place, as compiled by translator Robert Kaster for his introductory essay to the Univ of Chicago Press edition of On Anger:

(i) Avoid people, activities, and circumstances you know are likely to provoke anger.

(ii) Make your best effort to judge other people’s intentions and act fairly and accurately.

(iii) Consider grounds for excusing other people’s mistakes, if possible.

(iv) Reasonably assess yourself and your own actions. After all, you may be the one at fault.

(v) Use humor, and look at things calmly, in a detached manner.

(vi) Consider the costs of anger.

(vii) Remind yourself that whoever is wronging you actually suffers from their own wrongdoing, because their conscience will be troubled.

(viii) Remember that doing harm to another person is contrary to the fundamentally cooperative nature of humanity.

Seneca also advises us to build a soothing environment around ourselves, for instance by decorating our rooms in colors that help us relax, or by playing music. He says to never engage in important discussions when we’re tired, hungry, or sick, because this interferes with our ability to conduct ourselves reasonably and prosocially.

Frank wrote Yesterday at 1:17pm:


Just so, dear boy. I do feel it helps to maintain a safe space. The last thing we want is for you people to feel butthurt and excluded. You add so much to our rich, multicultural tapestry, after all.

Remember, every day, in every way, things keep getting better and better. Say this to yourself each day and you'll be right as rain in no time, you'll see.