#017: How Anger Can Harm You: The Snake, the Saw and Marcus Aurelius

One night, a snake entered a carpenter’s workshop. In the dim light, the snake accidentally collided with a saw and injured itself. In anger, it tried to attack the saw, only to injure itself more. Mistaking the saw as an attacker, the snake wrapped itself around it with full force, causing severe self-injury. The next day, the carpenter found the snake dead, entwined with the saw it had fought against.

This folktale echoes a timeless truth about the nature of anger and revenge. It's a story passed down through generations, reminding us of the often unseen consequences of our actions.

In his Meditations (Book II: verse 16), Marcus Aurelius reflects on how "the soul does violence to itself." His observations reveal a timeless truth that resonates profoundly with the message of the snake and the saw. He outlines five ways this self-harm manifests, most of which revolve around anger. To summarize, he says the soul does violence to itself when it:

1. becomes a tumor on the universe - Being angry at anything

2. moves away or towards any man with the intention of injuring him

3. is overpowered by pleasure or pain

4. is insincere or not true to oneself

5. is aimless, thoughtless, and reckless

Like the snake, we often harm ourselves in our attempts to retaliate or harm those who have hurt us. The Stoics emphasized the importance of maintaining tranquility, free from disruptive passions and emotions. They taught that anger is self-destructive, and revenge is doubly so.

Applying Stoic Wisdom Today

How can we apply this ancient wisdom in our modern lives? Here are some practical steps:

• Recognize and Pause: When anger arises, acknowledge it, but take a moment to pause before reacting.

• Reflect on the Consequences: Consider the potential self-harm that could result from acting on your anger.

• Seek Understanding: Try to understand the situation from other perspectives, reducing the likelihood of a rash response.

• Focus on Personal Growth: Instead of seeking revenge, focus on how you can grow from the experience.

In our daily lives, it's crucial to remember that our reactions, particularly those driven by anger, can lead to self-inflicted wounds. By taking a moment to reflect on the lessons of the snake and the saw, and the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, we can strive to live with greater self-awareness and harmony.