We often remain trapped in this stimulus response cycle from which it's difficult to break free. Chrysippus likened our moral character to a ylinder or a top. If my current character is prone to anger when provoked, that is how i am going to respond to an impression that i judge to be harmful to me. Unless we change that character, we're going to continue to respond that way to that same type of external impression and event.
Keep in mind that what injures you is not people who are rude or aggressive but your opinion that they are injuring you. So whenever someone provokes you, be aware that the provocation really comes from your own judgment. Start, then, by trying not to get carried away by the impression. Once you pause and give yourself time, you will more easily control yourself. (Ench 20)
Full transcript coming soon.