How to Control your Anger According to Seneca

Galen's "On the Diagnosis and Cure of the Soul's Passions" is a significant work in the history of psychotherapy. It demonstrates the ancient world's understanding of mental health and its treatment. Galen, drawing upon earlier traditions, likely outlines various psychological disorders and their potential cures. The book likely explores the interplay between the body and mind, reflecting the holistic approach to medicine prevalent in his time. Its detailed exploration of psychological issues and treatment methods makes it a valuable historical text.

This book, published in 1872, is Charles Darwin's third major work on evolutionary theory. It delves into the biological aspects of emotional behavior, arguing that human emotional expressions have their origins in animal behavior. Darwin introduces principles such as 'the principle of serviceable associated Habits', 'the principle of Antithesis', and 'the principle of actions due to the constitution of the Nervous System'. He analyzes various emotions and their expressions, highlighting the universal nature of these expressions across different species and cultures. The book was illustrated with photographs, drawings, and woodblock prints, making it one of the first scientific works to use photographs extensively. Darwin's work challenged the prevailing view that human facial muscles were divinely created for unique emotional expressions, instead linking them to evolutionary heritage[2][3][4].

Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.

In 'On Anger,' Seneca the Younger provides a thoughtful and instructive analysis of anger, laying bare its roots and exposing its many faces. The essay guides the reader through a series of reflections on understanding the cause of anger and learning how to control it. Seneca argues that anger is a powerful and destructive emotion that can harm the person experiencing it more than others, and he offers practical advice on how to manage and overcome it. The work remains relevant today, offering wisdom and eloquence on a complex emotion that has been a part of human experience since ancient times.