The best cure for anger is silence
This quote has been taken from Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations and it relates to the wise knowledge of speaking less and thinking before you act. This is something that comes up a lot in history from many great thinkers like:
"silence is a source of strength"
- Lao Tzu
"Silence is the sleep that nourishes wisdom"
- Francis Bacon
"Silence is better than unmeaning words"
-Pythagoras
"Silence is golden when you can't think of a good answer"
- Muhammad Ali
"Nothing strengeths authority as such as silence"
- Leonardo Da Vinci
"Silence is argument carried by other means"
- Che Guevera
In the context of anger, silence, as hard as it may be to sustain is the best form of defence. Each time we are angry and decide to be silent in response to the anger, we strengthen our ability to reside in the silence next time. In the process of doing so, we become more self-aware and therefore more aware of others around us.
It is in this context, and similar contexts (to anger) that silence is the best form of response, and we should meditate on that more.
Have a great week!
Marcus Aurelius
Born on April 26th 121 AD in Rome, Italy
He went on to become the Roman emperor in 161 AD and was regarded the last of the five so-called Good Emperors. He wrote the famous book on Stoicism called Meditations which wasn’t formerly meant as a book for the masses but rather just a journal for himself on how to live his life. Unbelievably years later, the lessons he used and applied in those days can still be applied to society today, and it used as a tool by many titans of industry present today. He later died in 180 AD and is celebrated as the ideal emperor.