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Anger Quote by Plutarch

“When I myself had twice or thrice made a resolute resistance unto anger, the like befell me that did the Thebans; who, having once foiled the Lacedaemonians (who before that time had held themselves invincible), never after lost so much as one battle which they fought against them.” quote by Plutarch
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“When I myself had twice or thrice made a resolute resistance unto anger, the like befell me that did the Thebans; who, having once foiled the Lacedaemonians (who before that time had held themselves invincible), never after lost so much as one battle which they fought against them.”

Plutarch

About This Quote

Source Book: Parallel Lives, Plutarch, 1st century AD

Resisting anger can lead to unexpected retaliation, mirroring the fate of the Thebans who suffered after their victory.

In simple terms: Anger resistance may provoke revenge.

Key Takeaway

Beware of the consequences of suppressing anger.

Themes

anger revenge hubris

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

historical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • conflict resolution
  • leadership
  • team dynamics

Key Concepts

Greek history psychology cause and effect

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you manage anger without inciting further conflict?
  • Can restraint ever be truly neutral?
A Different Perspective

Even justified resistance can trigger cycles of retaliation.

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