How to Keep Your Cool

An Ancient Guide to Anger Management

By: Seneca, James S. Romm - Translator

Narrated by: P.J. Ochlan

In his essay On Anger (De Ira), the Roman Stoic thinker Seneca (c. 4 BC-AD 65) argues that anger is the most destructive passion: "No plague has cost the human race more dear." This was proved by his own life, which he barely preserved under one wrathful emperor, Caligula, and lost under a second, Nero. This splendid new translation of essential selections from On Anger, presented with an enlightening introduction, offers listeners a timeless guide to avoiding and managing anger.

Drawing on his great arsenal of rhetoric, including historical examples (especially from Caligula's horrific reign), anecdotes, quips, and soaring flights of eloquence, Seneca builds his case against anger with mounting intensity. Like a fire-and-brimstone preacher, he paints a grim picture of the moral perils to which anger exposes us, tracing nearly all the world's evils to this one toxic source. But he then uplifts us with a beatific vision of the alternate path, a path of forgiveness and compassion that resonates with Christian and Buddhist ethics.

Seneca's thoughts on anger have never been more relevant than today, when uncivil discourse has increasingly infected public debate. Whether seeking personal growth or political renewal, listeners will find, in Seneca's wisdom, a valuable antidote to the ills of an angry age.

©2019 Princeton University Press (P)2019 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Great title

This is a very interesting book that is a necessity in today’s fast paced world.

Controlling Anger

This book gave examples in history where ppl did or didn’t control anger. It was a reminder life is too short to be an angry person. It gave examples how to manage your anger better. I found it interesting and helpful.

Sage advice

As Ringo from the movie Pulp Fiction said "Be cool honey bunny", this little book explains why.

Lessons from philosophy.

A worthy reinforcement of stoic bearing. If you like to listen to affirmations and are looking for ways to better yourself, like me, you'll probably enjoy this book. The narrator pleasantly delivers the content with clarity from start to end. I would listen to it again.

Much Needed for Our Times

Even written over two thousand years ago, it felt timely and necessary. I thoroughly enjoyed this translation.