What does Epictetus attribute as the cause of anger?

Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher, believed that emotions, including anger, stem from our judgments and interpretations rather than external circumstances or actions taken by others. He posited that it is our thoughts and ideas about events that provoke feelings such as anger. When someone is angry, it is often due to a belief that they are being wronged or that they deserve better treatment. This aligns with the Stoic view that it is not the events themselves that disturb us, but rather our responses to these events, which are heavily influenced by our concepts and thoughts.

In this context, having wrong ideas means holding misguided beliefs about what is just, fair, or acceptable. If one believes that they are entitled to certain treatment or that others are obligated to behave in a specific way, any deviation from these beliefs can lead to anger. By understanding the source of anger as related to our thoughts, Epictetus empowers individuals to manage their emotions by reframing their perspectives or correcting their ideas. This insight can lead to a more peaceful and rational state of mind, aligning with Stoic principles of emotional resilience and self-control.