“Anger is like those ruins which smash themselves on what they fall.”
- c. 4 BC – AD 65
- Roman
- Philosopher, Statesman, Dramatist, Stoic Thinker, Advisor to Emperor Nero
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Quote
“Anger is like those ruins which smash themselves on what they fall.”
Explanation
Anger is a force that destroys both its target and itself. Seneca the Younger uses a vivid metaphor to describe how rage, like collapsing ruins, harms whatever it strikes—but also breaks apart in the process. In other words, when we lash out in anger, we often inflict damage not only on others but also on our own mind, character, and peace.
This image aligns with Stoic teachings that view anger as a destructive and irrational passion, unworthy of the wise. For Seneca, anger is not a show of strength but a kind of self-inflicted wound—an emotion that consumes the one who harbors it. Just as falling stones crush what lies beneath and reduce themselves to rubble, the angry person loses control, dignity, and judgment in the very act of expressing fury.
In today’s world, this insight is especially relevant in personal conflicts, online discourse, and even politics. Reacting in anger may bring momentary satisfaction, but often leads to regret, broken relationships, or reputational harm. Seneca reminds us that to master oneself is greater than to defeat another, and that the true cost of anger is often paid by the one who feels it.
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