Anger Quote by David A. Powlison
““Every one of us has a hard time changing. It’s hard to think straight about anger. It grabs you and it’s got you. The ancient Romans had a saying, Ira furor brevis est, “Anger is a brief madness.” Anger makes us crazy, blind, confused, and confusing. The beams of sanity are rare. Have you ever noticed and marveled later at your irrationality? What came over me? How could I have thought that, said that, done that? Sometimes the insanity is not so brief. It settles in and stays a while. Sometimes the habit runs on for a lifetime—a hamster wheel you don’t ever get off.””
About This Quote
Changing is difficult; anger clouds judgment and can become a persistent, self‑reinforcing habit that disrupts rational thought.
In simple terms: Anger impairs clarity and may linger.
Recognize and manage anger early.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- conflict resolution
- personal growth
- stress management
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What triggers your anger?
- How can you break the anger habit?
Anger’s brief madness can become a lasting cycle.