In this captivating Vox piece, reporter Sigal Samuel explores the uneasy relationship we have with anger and guilt by drawing on ancient Greek wisdom. The article details a personal story about striving not to become "an angry person" like a parent's negative example, using the myth of the Furies and their transformation into the kindly Eumenides as a metaphor for channeling raw anger into constructive action. Samuel explains that anger itself is an innocent signal—an emotional alert that something is amiss—while our responses to it can be reformed through mindfulness, self-reflection, and even meditation. As she puts it, “You’re holy, honored here, and you’re my guest,” inviting us to see anger not as a fixed defect, but as a transient state informed by circumstance that can lead to radical self-compassion.

Key Points:

• Dual Nature of Anger: Anger is presented as a biologically inherent response, not inherently bad; the issue lies in how we behave on its cue.
• Ancient Greek Insight: The myth of Athena, the Furies, and their transformation into the Eumenides illustrates the value of moderating and redirecting anger instead of suppressing or indulging it.
• Mindfulness as Prevention: Meditation and mindfulness are recommended not just as a post-outburst remedy but as proactive tools to notice and modulate anger before it escalates.
• Managing Guilt: Guilt experienced after moments of anger can serve as a signal that your actions didn’t align with your values, but remaining fixated on guilt is counterproductive.
• Revisiting Family Narratives: Samuel suggests reexamining the family narratives that have shaped our identity regarding anger to foster a healthier self-view.
• Constructive Rage: The concept of “Lordean rage” is introduced, emphasizing anger that motivates social justice rather than simple revenge.
• Philosophical Context: The column touches on ideas from both Western and Eastern philosophies, including the Buddhist principle of anatta, which argues that the self is not a fixed essence.

By weaving together personal reflection, philosophical insight, and even recommendations on mindful practices, Samuel provides a thoughtful guide on transforming destructive anger into an opportunity for growth and compassion.
Link to Article