Temper, which can be described as the mental reactions to
external events, is a significant part of one's emotional life. It can range
from calm and quiet to violent and erratic, and when an individual is subject to
sudden conclusions of mental reactions, they are considered to be temperamental.
Although temper can be attributed to an individual's innate temperament, it is
primarily shaped by their domestic environment, particularly during their
childhood years.
Keeping one's temper under control is a matter of training and
introspection. Reasoning is an essential tool in maintaining emotional
self-control. Often, people lose their temper because of minor inconveniences or
discomforts. A person in a hurry to open a lock may get frustrated if it takes
time to open, or someone waiting in a queue may become bored and lose their
temper. However, if one applies reason calmly to understand why things happen
the way they do, they can avoid losing their temper.
When one loses their temper, it can lead to several negative
consequences. They may say or do things they regret, offending others and
damaging relationships. Losing one's temper can lead to a nervous breakdown or
other health problems and can cause individuals to lose the respect and
cooperation of others. A person of temper is also prone to commit crimes.
To keep one's temper under control, one must develop their
faculty of reasoning and introspection. Rather than fretting and fuming over
past mistakes or minor inconveniences, one should use reason to plan for and
prevent future difficulties. By maintaining routine affairs with regular
planning, things can move smoothly without jolts or hitches. Developing
emotional self-control also requires a philosophical mindset, similar to that of
the Stoics.
Emotional self-control is a necessary skill in both personal and
professional life. Those who can maintain their emotional equilibrium are more
likely to be happy, make others happy, and create a peaceful environment. They
are also more likely to be successful in their professional life, as they are
less likely to create enemies or lose respect and cooperation from colleagues
and subordinates.
A classic example of emotional self-control is the story of
Brutus in the Battle of Philippines. In the midst of a heated argument with
Cassius, Brutus was informed that his beloved wife, Portia, had passed away.
Although any other person would have burst into tears and become inconsolable,
Brutus maintained his composure and did not lash out in anger. Emotional
self-control saved Brutus from committing any acts of violence or making a wrong
judgment in the heat of the moment.
In conclusion, emotional self-control is a necessary skill that
can be learned and practiced with reason and introspection. By keeping one's
temper under control, individuals can avoid negative consequences such as health
problems, damaged relationships, and legal troubles. Those who maintain their
emotional equilibrium are more likely to be happy, successful, and make others
happy, creating a peaceful and harmonious environment. Let us all strive to
develop emotional self-control and live a fulfilling and contented life. |