Remember these nine rules like gifts from the gods. Start living by them today, while you're still alive, and be a real man. But be careful not to flatter people as much as you avoid getting angry with them. Both are wrong and both cause harm. When your emotions rise up, remember this right away: anger is not manly. Being calm and gentle is more human, and more truly masculine. That's where real strength comes from. Anger and outrage have no power at all.
These nine particular heads, as so many gifts from the Muses, see that thou remember well: and begin one day, whilest thou art yet alive, to be a man indeed. But on the other side thou must take heed, as much to flatter them, as to be angry with them: for both are equally uncharitable, and equally hurtful. And in thy passions, take it presently to thy consideration, that to be angry is not the part of a man, but that to be meek and gentle, as it savours of more humanity, so of more manhood. That in this, there is strength and nerves, or vigour and fortitude: whereof anger and indignation is altogether void.