Plain
Seneca — The Senator

Some things start under our control, but once they get going, they take over completely. They drag us along with their own momentum and give us no way back. Think of someone who jumps off a cliff. Once they're falling, they can't control where they go. They can't slow down or change direction. Their reckless decision has left no room for second thoughts or regret. They have to go wherever gravity takes them, even if they could have avoided it. The mind works the same way. Once it gives in to anger, love, or any other strong emotion, it can't stop itself. Its own weight and the pull of vice will carry a person down and throw them into the deepest trouble.

On Anger, Book 1, Section 7 Book 1 · 21 of 69
Freedom & Control Knowing Yourself
Seneca — The Senator Original

There are certain things whose beginnings lie in our own power, but which, when developed, drag us along by their own force and leave us no retreat. Those who have flung themselves over a precipice have no control over their movements, nor can they stop or slacken their pace when once started, for their own headlong and irremediable rashness has left no room for either reflexion or remorse, and they cannot help going to lengths which they might have avoided. So, also, the mind, when it has abandoned itself to anger, love, or any other passion, is unable to check itself: its own weight and the downward tendency of vices must needs carry the man off and hurl him into the lowest depth.

On Anger, Book 1, Section 7 Book 1 · 21 of 69
Seneca — The Senator

First, it's easier to keep dangerous emotions out than to control them once they're in. It's easier to refuse them entry than to manage them after you've let them in. Once they've taken over your mind, they become stronger than the rightful ruler. They won't allow themselves to be weakened or reduced. Second, Reason herself — the one who should be in charge — is only strong when she stays separate from these emotions. If she mixes with them and gets contaminated, she can no longer restrain the very passions she once could have cleared away. Once your mind gets stirred up and shaken, it goes wherever the emotions drag it.

On Anger, Book 1, Section 7 Book 1 · 20 of 69
Calm Your Mind Freedom & Control
Seneca — The Senator Original

In the first place, it is easier to banish dangerous passions than to rule them; it is easier not to admit them than to keep them in order when admitted; for when they have established themselves in possession of the mind they are more powerful than the lawful ruler, and will in no wise permit themselves to be weakened or abridged. In the next place, Reason herself, who holds the reins, is only strong while she remains apart from the passions; if she mixes and befouls herself with them she becomes no longer able to restrain those whom she might once have cleared out of her path; for the mind, when once excited and shaken up, goes whither the passions drive it.

On Anger, Book 1, Section 7 Book 1 · 20 of 69
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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