Seneca, On Anger book 2 | Anger At Unfairness Of Harm | Philosophy Core Concepts

Seneca argues that anger often stems from perceived unfairness and unmet expectations, particularly regarding enemies and those in our daily lives. He advises against unrealistic expectations of others, emphasizing that humans are inherently flawed and prone to negative behaviors. By acknowledging this and tempering our expectations, we can mitigate the likelihood of experiencing anger and related negative emotions.

Anger from Unfairness

• 00:01:32 Seneca identifies two primary causes of anger: the perception of being wronged and the belief that the wrong was done unfairly. He explains that we often perceive situations as unfair when our expectations are violated, including trivial matters like a misplaced remote or a friend's carelessness.

Unrealistic Expectations

• 00:03:37 Seneca emphasizes the detrimental impact of unrealistic expectations, especially concerning enemies and individuals in our daily lives. He highlights that we are often disappointed when others don't meet our subjective standards, and this disappointment can easily fuel anger and resentment.

Enemies & Harm

• 00:06:00 Seneca questions why we get upset when enemies behave in a harmful manner, given that their nature is to inflict harm. He suggests that this stems from excessive self-love and an unrealistic expectation that enemies should not cause us distress. Ignorance or arrogance often fuels these expectations.

Human Nature & Expectations

• 00:09:34 Seneca advises adopting realistic expectations of human nature, acknowledging that even those with good habits can be prone to flaws and imperfections. He urges us to be mindful of the general character of humanity, and reminds us that not everyone is as exceptional as we might wish or expect.

Curbing Unrealistic Expectations

• 00:11:43 Seneca concludes that by managing our expectations, we can reduce the likelihood of experiencing anger. He provides a nautical metaphor, advising us to keep our 'tackle' handy – realistic expectations – to navigate life's challenges and avoid the storms that arise from unmet expectations.