“The deferring of anger is the best antidote to anger.”
- c. 4 BC – AD 65
- Roman
- Philosopher, Statesman, Dramatist, Stoic Thinker, Advisor to Emperor Nero
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Quote
“The deferring of anger is the best antidote to anger.”
Explanation
Seneca teaches that the key to mastering anger is delay. Anger, he argues, is often impulsive and irrational, flaring up before reason has time to intervene. By deferring our response—taking a pause, breathing, or stepping away—we allow time for judgment, reflection, and emotional clarity. This simple act of postponement can dissolve the intensity of the emotion and restore self-control.
This advice fits squarely within the Stoic tradition, which views emotions like anger not as uncontrollable forces, but as errors in judgment that can be corrected through rational discipline. For Seneca, the wise person is not ruled by passion, but governs it through habit and foresight. Anger, once delayed, often loses its urgency and reveals itself as misguided, excessive, or even baseless.
In modern life, this insight remains crucial—especially in moments of confrontation, online discourse, or high-stress environments. Reacting in anger often leads to regret, harm, or broken relationships, while a pause creates space for a measured and constructive response. Seneca reminds us that the greatest antidote to anger is not suppression, but strategic delay, which returns power to reason and preserves our dignity.
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