
Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life Podcast Watch our Stoicism & Anger Video
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Sep 18, 2025 Donald J. Robertson, a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and Stoicism expert, dives deep into the nuances of anger. He defines anger through a Stoic lens as a desire for revenge, exploring its societal impact. Donald discusses Marcus Aurelius' techniques for managing anger and debates its potential benefits in social justice. The conversation also differentiates between emotional anger and strategic aggression, unraveling the evolutionary roots behind these feelings. He concludes with a practical tip on pausing to mitigate anger escalation.
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Assume Ignorance Not Malice
- Reinterpret others’ faults as ignorance rather than malice to defuse anger.
- Use Marcus Aurelius’ expectation-setting to reduce surprise and offense.
Marcus’ Ten Cognitive Strategies
- Marcus Aurelius lists ten distinct cognitive strategies for anger that mirror modern therapy.
- His repeated use suggests a systematic, practice-tested approach to anger management.
Ask Consequence Questions
- Shift focus to your own opinion and ask: "Does this harm me more than my anger?"
- Ask "Will I regret this later?" to engage consequential thinking and disrupt escalation.








