“We praise a man who feels angry on the right grounds and against the right persons and also in the right manner at the right moment and for the right length of time.”
- 384 BC – 322 BC
- Originating from Macedonia in ancient Greece
- Philosopher and scientist, founder of the Lyceum academy
- A student of Plato, he constructed systematic knowledge in logic, biology, politics, ethics, etc., and had a major impact on the development of Western thought and science
Quote
“We praise a man who feels angry on the right grounds and against the right persons and also in the right manner at the right moment and for the right length of time.”
Explanation
In this quote, Aristotle highlights the virtue of anger, not as an emotion to be avoided, but as one that can be appropriate and virtuous when expressed in the right way. He argues that anger itself is not inherently bad, but its value depends on how it is managed. The ideal person who exhibits virtuous anger does so for the right reasons (the right grounds), toward the right people, in the right way, at the right time, and for the right duration. This balance ensures that anger serves a constructive purpose rather than leading to harm or injustice. Virtue, in this case, is about mastering the emotional response to align with rational judgment and moral reasoning.
This concept is highly applicable in modern life, especially when managing emotions in personal relationships or professional settings. In an era where emotional responses can be easily amplified, Aristotle’s wisdom teaches us that emotion regulation—including how we handle anger—is critical for maintaining both personal integrity and healthy relationships. Anger, when expressed appropriately, can drive positive change, protect boundaries, or address injustice. However, when misdirected or prolonged, it can cause harm and disrupt harmony.
For example, a person who becomes angry when witnessing injustice—such as witnessing bullying or unfair treatment—might express their anger by standing up for what is right, in a measured and controlled manner. On the other hand, impulsive anger or anger misdirected at an innocent party can lead to unnecessary conflict and damage relationships. Aristotle’s quote encourages us to cultivate a sense of emotional maturity, where we can express anger in a reasoned and measured way, contributing to fairness and positive outcomes rather than impulsive, destructive reactions.
