Stoic Quotes About Anger: Wisdom from Seneca, Aurelius, and Epictetus

Anger feels powerful in the moment — but as the Stoics knew, its consequences often linger far longer than its cause.
In this collection, we’ve gathered some of the most profound Stoic quotes about anger. These words aren’t meant to suppress what you feel — but to offer you a moment of clarity before you act. Reflect on them.
Journal with them. Or simply let them guide you back to your center when emotions run hot.

These quotes were handpicked by Jon, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, for their ability to help you pause, reflect, and respond to anger with greater clarity and control.

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📜 Stoic Quotes on Anger

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“The greatest remedy for anger is delay.”
— Seneca

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“Another person will not hurt you without your cooperation. You are hurt the moment you believe yourself to be.”
— Epictetus

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“How much more harmful are the consequences of anger than the circumstances that aroused them?”
— Marcus Aurelius

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“You shouldn’t give circumstances the power to rouse anger, for they don’t care at all.”
— Marcus Aurelius

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“Anger always outlasts hurt. Best to take the opposite course.”
— Seneca

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“So other people hurt me? That’s their problem. Their character and actions are not mine.”
— Marcus Aurelius

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“The greatest cure for anger is to wait, so that the initial passion it engenders may die down, and the fog that shrouds the mind may subside.”
— Seneca

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How to Use These Quotes

- Choose one quote that stands out

- Journal about what it means to you

- Ask: How would I act differently if I truly believed this?

- Return to one quote daily as a grounding practice

Looking for deeper reflection? Read our full guide:

👉 On Anger: How to Understand and Journal Through It

Or journal with:

👉 10 Journaling Prompts to Process Anger

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Want to know more about the philosophers behind these quotes?

Meet the minds behind the wisdom:  

→ Who is Seneca?

→ Who is Marcus Aurelius?

→ Who is Epictetus?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Stoics care so much about anger?

Because they saw it as self-sabotage. Anger clouds judgment, erodes character, and hurts the one who carries it more than the one who caused it.

Can reading quotes actually help me manage anger?

Yes — when used intentionally. A quote can interrupt a reactive spiral, shift your mindset, or inspire a better response.

How do I use these quotes in the Stoic app?

You can favorite quotes, journal with them, or add them to your daily reflection routine right inside the app.

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