Plato’s quote, “There are two things a person should never be angry at, what they can help, and what they cannot,” highlights a practical approach to dealing with life’s challenges by encouraging control over our reactions.
This wisdom, though ancient, applies to our daily lives by offering a framework for handling situations constructively.
The quote suggests that anger is neither useful in situations we can control nor in those we can’t, and breaking this down reveals insights into both personal responsibility and acceptance.
Understanding What Can Be Helped
When we face situations within our control, anger often comes as a reaction to frustration or unmet expectations. Plato’s advice here is to channel that energy toward positive action.
For instance, if you’re frustrated with your progress on a project, getting angry is counterproductive. Instead, addressing the issue by reevaluating your approach or seeking help can lead to tangible results.
In essence, Plato advises us to replace anger with action. By focusing on what we can change, we empower ourselves to take ownership and create improvement, making anger unnecessary.
What Cannot Be Helped
On the other hand, situations beyond our control—such as natural events, others’ choices, or past events—fall into a different category.
Anger in these cases often leads to emotional strain without productive results. For instance, if someone misses an important event due to bad weather, frustration won’t change the outcome; acceptance, however, will help one move on.
This approach can also apply to interpersonal relationships. If someone behaves in a way you can’t change, it’s more productive to either accept the behavior or distance yourself if necessary, rather than letting anger consume your energy.
Practical Applications
Plato’s advice can be applied across many aspects of life, from relationships to hobbies. In relationships, choosing communication over anger when problems arise can lead to better understanding and trust.
In competitive environments like sports or gaming, focusing on one’s own performance rather than getting frustrated over uncontrollable factors can improve both teamwork and the overall experience.
By learning to navigate anger with the guidance of what we can and cannot control, we develop a balanced perspective and emotional resilience.
Ultimately, Plato’s quote serves as a reminder to choose productive responses over anger, helping us find peace and effectiveness in our actions and interactions.
“There are two things a person should never be angry at, what they can help, and what they cannot.” – Plato