At a turbulent public meeting once I lost my temper and said some harsh and sarcastic things. The proposal I was supporting was promptly defeated. My father who was there, said nothing, but that night, on my pillow I found a marked passage from Aristotle: Anybody can become angry--that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way -- that is not within everybody's power and is not easy.

Summary

This quote highlights the importance of self-control and mindful anger management. It relays a personal anecdote where the speaker, after losing their temper and making sarcastic remarks at a public meeting, realizes the consequences of their actions. The mention of Aristotle's passage emphasizes the significance of directing anger properly, suggesting that true wisdom lies in being able to channel and express anger appropriately, considering factors such as the target, intensity, timing, purpose, and manner of expression. It serves as a reminder that managing anger skillfully is a nuanced task that requires thoughtfulness and self-discipline.

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