“Hatred is inveterate anger.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“Hatred is inveterate anger.”
Explanation
This quote defines hatred as anger that has hardened over time, becoming a deep, enduring, and destructive emotion. Cicero suggests that while anger may be momentary and reactive, hatred is sustained and entrenched, feeding on past grievances and refusing reconciliation. The use of the word “inveterate”—meaning long-established or deeply rooted—implies that hatred is anger left unchecked, transformed into something more corrosive and dangerous.
In Cicero’s rhetorical and philosophical works, he often warned about the dangers of unchecked emotions, especially in political life. Anger might arise in a debate or personal offense, but hatred fuels factionalism, revenge, and civil unrest. This quote reflects his belief that moral and civic life require the mastery of emotion, particularly in matters of justice, governance, and personal virtue. Allowing anger to fester into hatred undermines reason, peace, and public trust.
In today’s world—marked by ideological divisions, personal animosities, and cultural polarization—Cicero’s warning is strikingly relevant. Hatred erodes dialogue, empathy, and social cohesion, often disguising itself as justified outrage. His quote reminds us that anger, if not resolved through understanding or forgiveness, decays into something far more harmful. To preserve both individual character and collective harmony, we must confront and transform anger before it becomes hatred.
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