Séneca contra Iram

Abstract

In the De Ira, Seneca presents a thorough analysis of anger, which he describes as the most violent and ugly of all the emotions -a condition of the soul whose outward appearance is as turbulent as its inner disorder. It is a vice that afflicts all classes of human beings- the rich and the poor, the foolish and the wise, ordinary citizens and heads of state. It is contra naturam. For man in his natural state is peaceful and kindly whereas the irate man is unbalanced, irrational, cruel. No plague has been more harmful to the human race than anger. From it comes murder, crime, warfare, the ruin of family and friends, the downfall of cities. Seneca, however, maintains, that although it is difficult, man can, through training and discipline, banish anger as well as other vices from his soul. With profound understanding of the human psyche, our Cordoban Philosopher imparts to his reader common-sense solutions that will help control wrath.