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If you do not wish to be prone to anger, do not feed the…

“If you do not wish to be prone to anger, do not feed the habit; give it nothing which may tend to its increase. At first, keep quiet and count the days when you were not angry: "I used to be angry every day, then every other day: next, every two, then every three days!" and if you succeed in…” quote by Epictetus
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“If you do not wish to be prone to anger, do not feed the habit; give it nothing which may tend to its increase. At first, keep quiet and count the days when you were not angry: "I used to be angry every day, then every other day: next, every two, then every three days!" and if you succeed in passing thirty days, sacrifice to the gods in thanksgiving.”

Epictetus

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Anger grows when we nurture it; by abstaining and measuring calm periods we weaken the habit.

In simple terms: Avoid feeding anger; track calm days.

Key Takeaway

Count calm days, celebrate milestones.

Themes

self‑control habit formation mindfulness

Mood

reflective motivational

Type

philosophical self‑help

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • work stress
  • parenting
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

Stoicism self‑regulation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you identify early signs of anger?
  • What habits replace the urge to react?
A Different Perspective

Anger may resurface if underlying triggers aren't addressed.

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