Passions

We all have passions that drive our actions. These passions rise up within us involuntarily; we do our best to recognize them and try to apply them properly to life’s situations. This is easier said than done. Intensity, personality, experiences and timing contribute to our ability to do as we ought to. A diligent person will examine these passions and put them in order so when these passions arise he can objectively, without the hindrances of guilt and uncertainty, do the right thing.  As a person improves in applying passions correctly, his character is improved. Good character helps a person to be acceptable to oneself and others. We shouldn't try to get rid of passions by demonizing them but apply them at the right time to the right things in the right amounts. And this ‘right’ is the application that maximizes the potential in that particular individual; the proper definition of virtue. Don’t hold back on your passions but do try to make good come out of them.

The next passion is anger. We recently examined benevolence and pride. Anger has a general application to everyone because it doesn't matter what life has given us, rich or poor, we all have to deal with it.

Anger has two extremes, a hot temper in one direction and passivity at the other. Things that cause this passion are numerous and diverse. Someone who has this under control is considered good tempered and good temper seems to lean toward the passive side of things.

Healthy anger is the kind that is mad at the right things and the right people. Healthy anger also should be applied the proper way for the situation, at the right time and for the right duration. A person who is good at it is praised. His anger doesn't rule him but it motivates him to do what is needed to deal properly with things that need correction. A good tempered person doesn't take action to seek revenge but uses grace toward others.  

Now that we know a little about healthy anger, let’s have fun and examine the ways it gets out of line. Examples of this are everywhere. Some are funny and others not so much..