Thích Nhất Hạnh on anger

To think in terms of either pessimism or optimism oversimplifies the truth. The problem is to see reality as it is.

The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green earth in the present moment, to appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now.

If in our daily life we can smile, if we can be peaceful and happy, not only we, but everyone will profit from it.

Anybody can become angry⁠—that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way⁠—that is not within everybody’s power and is not easy.

Aristotle384–322 BC

I was angry with my friend I told my wrath, my wrath did end. I was angry with my foe: I told it not, my wrath did grow.

William Blake1757–1827A Poison Tree (1794), Songs of Experience (1794), A Poison Tree, st. 1In context

• Friendship

Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.

Gautama Buddha501–501 BC