Chapter 6

Hostility and Anger


How much more grievous are the consequences of
anger, than the causes of it.

Marcus Aurelius



Anger is a strange and uncomfortable state of mind that has a host of downsides. It can be internal and directed at yourself self, out of a sense of frustration at failing to attain what you aspire for, or your state of health or circumstances.


Anger directed at others is hostility. This is usually as a result of lack of fulfilment of your expectations from others.


Anger either bottled up within yourself or expressed by shouting or aggressive behaviour is very bad for your health. It results in the release of hormones like epinephrine, prolactin and others which raise blood pressure, and the respiration rate damaging health, sometimes permanently.



Bottled up anger could even begin with incidents where your expectations of people or circumstances are not met with to your satisfaction. Such anger, if not properly dealt with and the issues not resolved, can erupt, even at the slightest provocation.


Anger and hostility increases the release of cortisol the stress hormone that can raise blood pressure and can cause heart diseases.


Anger is one of the biggest causes of relationships turning sour. A thoughtless word or action, in a fit of anger can destroy years of goodwill, respect and love.


In fact anger may be considered on of the worst human diseases.


You must recognize that while you may not be able to control the circumstances resulting in anger and hostility, you can always control your reaction to it.


You should try and rationalize and stay calm, to protect your health. You should go for professional counselling if needed.


Exercise and meditation are two useful methods to control anger. The good old technique of counting to ten is still a good way to control one self and to stay calm.


Getting angry harms you

more than the person,

who you are angry with.