Plato: 'There are two things a person should never be angry at, what they can help, and what they cannot.'

There are two things a person should never be angry at, what they can help, and what they cannot.

In Plato's famous quote, "There are two things a person should never be angry at, what they can help, and what they cannot," he imparts a profound lesson about the role of anger in our lives. This quote encapsulates the idea that anger can only be justified when directed towards something that is within our control to change or influence. It reminds us of the futility of being angry at circumstances or events that are beyond our power.This philosophical insight holds great importance in our daily lives. Often, we find ourselves consumed by anger towards situations or individuals that we simply cannot alter. We waste precious emotional energy on futile anger, draining ourselves both mentally and physically. Plato's wisdom urges us to redirect this energy towards constructive actions and positive change, rather than futilely dwelling on circumstances beyond our control.While the straightforward interpretation of Plato's quote is powerful in itself, delving deeper into the realm of philosophy can bring forth even more fascinating ideas. One such concept is the Stoic philosophy, which, interestingly, shares some similarities with Plato's teachings.Stoicism, established by the likes of Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius, emphasizes the importance of managing our emotions and understanding what is within our control. According to Stoicism, our anger towards things we cannot change is an irrational and wasteful emotion that hinders our ability to live virtuously.However, Stoicism takes this concept a step further by suggesting that there is very little that is actually in our control. According to Stoic principles, we have control only over our thoughts, beliefs, and actions. External events and circumstances, such as the actions of others or natural disasters, are beyond our control and therefore should not elicit anger.This Stoic perspective adds an unexpected layer of complexity to Plato's quote. It challenges us to question what is truly within our control and realize that even our own actions and thoughts can be influenced by external factors. It invites us to reevaluate the boundaries of our anger and consider whether we should be angry at even the choices we make, influenced as they may be by our upbringing, society, and ingrained biases.Despite the slight divergence in emphasis between Plato's quote and Stoic philosophy, they both fundamentally call for a detachment from anger towards what we cannot change. Plato's straightforward message resonates with our human desire for agency and control over our lives, while Stoicism urges us to question the nature of control itself.In a world filled with countless uncertainties and uncontrollable circumstances, Plato's quote serves as a guidepost for emotional well-being. It encourages us to engage with our anger judiciously, recognizing that it should be reserved for situations where we can make a difference. By embracing this powerful insight, we can free ourselves from the burden of anger, redirect our energy towards positive change, and ultimately cultivate a greater sense of peace and fulfillment in our lives.