Keep this thought handy when you fee a fit of rage coming on- it isn't manly to be enraged. Rather, gentleness and civility are more human, and therefore manlier. A real man doesn't give way to anger and discontent, and such a person has strength, courage and endurance- unlike the angry and complaining. The nearer a man comes to a calm mind, the close he is to strength —Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 11.18.5b


Daily Touch of Inspirations
February 1st: For the hot headed man
Ryan Holiday, The 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living

Why do athletes talk trash to each other? Why do they deliberately say offensive and nasty things to their competitors when the refs aren't looking? To provoke a reaction. Distracting and angering opponents is an easy way to knock them off their game.

Try to remember that when you find yourself getting mad. Anger is not impressive or tough, it's a mistake. It's weakness. Depending on what you are doing. It might even be a trap that someone is laid for you.

Fans and opponents called boxer Joe Louis the "Ring Robot" because he was utterly unemotional- his cold, calm demeanor was far more terrifying than any crazed look or emotional outburst would have been.

Strength is the ability to maintain a hold of oneself. It's being the person who never gets mad, who cannot be rattled, because they are in control or their passions- rather than controlled by their passions.

www.myINSPIRATIONALquotes.net

 

 

The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom Perseverance and Art of Living

(Book OverviewRead It For Me| Download here | View Collections )