The view that there are benefits to anger has become common, but I believe that statements such as, "When anger is channeled and controlled, it can be a catalyst for much positive change," represent a distorted view toward the anger response. The argument goes that if we didn't get angry, we would become pushovers, but the assumption that we can have values and stand up for those values only by getting angry is faulty.
The opposing view, with which I totally concur, is, "The conventional wisdom is that anger, if used constructively and expressed rather than held in, is a healthy emotion. But while it may sometimes look good and play well with our friends, anger is now known to be quite detrimental to us physically and psychologically." We don't need anger to be assertive any more than we need a stiff drink in order to stand up for our beliefs.
If someone doesn't repay a loan to me, I can be assertive in demanding the repayment, or I can bring legal action to recover the money, at least as well if I am not angry. More important is that I will be far healthier - both physically and emotionally.
Anger is a destructive emotion that becomes instinctive over the years. Through conscious training, the anger response — whether in the form of outbursts or repressed — can be moderated over time, until it is virtually eliminated.
Article comments
1 - roger nowosielski
Tell this to our friend, Ruvy. I'm sure he'll appreciate it.
2 - roger nowosielski
I'd make a case for "feigned anger," because it does serve its purpose to express moral indignation, e.g., with an idea of turning a person around. But of course since it's feigned, you've already licked the problem.
3 - Jonathan Lockwood Huie
Roger, I agree with your point about the usefulness of appearing outraged for the purpose of getting someone's attention. For better or for worse, it proves to be an effective strategy. That it works is telling about human nature. Another argument for the sheer uselessness of genuine blood-pressure-raising anger.
4 - Michael
Fascinating article. Thank you for sharing. We all know people like this and suffer from their ongoing wrath over every perceived slight or we are these people ourselves.
Well written and highly interesting.
5 - Al Barger
Yeah Roger, Ruvy just needs to "moderate" ie supress his anger. No need for him to be pissed just because all the neighbors are trying to kill his people, and that a big part of the rest of the world blames the Jews for Muslim wickedness. Cause all the making nice, forbearance and so forth have done Israel SO much good.
Hey, maybe sometimes supression of anger isn't the answer, but a good old fashion pissed off killing binge against the rats attacking you.
6 - Ras Reed
A well written article that should be read by everyone who is unable to control his or her temper. I agree with you on the power of visualization. If we few moments to visualize the result of our anger, we will know how to react appropriately.