Stoic STOICISM

The Real Source of Harm

A few days ago, I took personal offence to a comment on a post I wrote on social media and lit into the commenter. Later that day, I saw the error of my way, but it was too late. I couldn’t undo it.

Image created by Ann Leach

“Keep in mind that it isn’t the one who has it in for you and takes a swipe that harms you but rather the harm comes from your own belief about the abuse. So when someone arouses your anger, know that it’s really your own opinion fueling it. Instead, make it your first response not to be carried away by such impressions, for with time and distance self-mastery is more easily achieved.” — Epictetus, Enchiridion, 20

The ironic intersections of life — that I just lashed out in anger at a perceived offence — and today’s Stoic quote today that reminded me of the role I play in this exchange.

Is that how I want to be known? As someone who takes online comments personally and lashes out from behind the screen?