Moral essays. With an English translation by J.W. Basore

ON ANGER, III. X. 3-xt. 1a t\\-itching of the muscles, or if memoryif there isforsakes them and the head swims ; therefore bycustomary remedies they try to forestall the diseasein its incipiency, and they ward off whatever it isthat causes unconsciousness by smelhng or tastingsomething, or they battle against cold and stiffnesswith hot apphcations ; or if the remedy is of noavail, they escape from the crowd and fall where noone may see. It is well to understand one's maladyand to break its power before it spreads. Let usdiscern what it is that especially irritates us. Oneman is stirred by insulting words, another by insultingactions ; this man craves respect for his rank, thisone for his person ; this one ^vishes to be considereda fine gentleman, that one a fine scholar ; this onecannot brook arrogance, this one obstinacy' ; thatone does not think his slaves worthy of his \vrath,this one is x-iolent inside his house and mild outside ;that man considers it a disgrace to be put up foroffice, this one an insult not to be put up. We arenot all wounded at the same spot ; therefore youought to know what your weak spot is in order thatyou^may^specially protect it.It is well not to see everything, not to hear everything.Many affronts may pass by us ; in mostcases the man who is unconscious of them escapesthem. Would you avoid being provoked ? Thendo not be inquisitive. He who tries to discover whathas been said against him, who unearths mahciousgossip even if it was privately indulged in, is responsiblefor his own disquietude. There are wordswhich the construction put upon them can makeappear an insult ; some, therefore, ought to be putaside, others derided, others condoned. In various281