Lessons from stoicism: Anger is easy.

When I was a baby student in university, setting out to get a philosophy degree under my belt, I had a strong aversion to stoicism. I knew it to be a philosophy advocating for the suppression of emotions, which seemed unproductive at best, or outright destructive at worst. Turns out, I totally misinterpreted the essence of Stoicism. At its core, it's about understanding and managing emotions rather than pretending to be unfazed by what life throws at us.

Seneca, one of the prominent Stoic philosophers, once remarked that anger outlasts hurt. This means that when we are wronged or hurt, our immediate reaction is often anger. Anger can feel powerful and active, a way to lash out and express our upset. But when has that ever made anything better? It’s easier to be angry than to acknowledge hurt because anger distracts us from the pain.

Hurt, on the other hand, requires acceptance. It’s a "passive" feeling that we have to sit with and process. While anger can seem like a quick fix, it usually leads to further harm. Hurt, although difficult to endure, allows for reflection and understanding. It is in this space of acceptance that healing and growth occur.

A lot can shift when we face our feelings, understand their origins, and choose our responses wisely. This approach leads to a more balanced and resilient emotional state.

So, the next time you’re faced with a difficult emotion, remember the Stoic choice: will you react with anger, or will you take a beat to reflect on what's underneath the anger? The path you choose can make all the difference.