Clausewitz on Why We Show Anger
Use Anger Strategically Like a Military General
Anger is one of the most powerful emotions we experience. Sometimes it flares up in an instant, while other times it simmers beneath the surface before exploding. But have you ever stopped to ask why we get angry? What purpose does anger serve?
If we look at history, we can find an unexpected answer from Carl von Clausewitz, the famous military strategist. He once said, "War is the continuation of policy by other means." In other words, nations use war when they can no longer achieve their goals through peaceful negotiations.
This idea can be applied to our emotions as well. Anger is often the "continuation of negotiation by other means." When calm discussion fails, we turn to anger to push our point. But just like war, anger has risks. If used wisely, it can help us defend ourselves and get what we need. If misused, it can lead to unnecessary destruction.
In this article, we will explore how Clausewitz's theory of war helps us understand anger. By doing so, we can learn how to use anger strategically, rather than letting it control us.
Why Do We Get Angry?
To understand anger, we need to look at our evolutionary past. Our ancestors lived in dangerous environments where survival depended on securing food, protecting territory, and maintaining social order. In this context, anger was a survival tool. If someone tried to steal your food or invade your space, anger provided the motivation to fight back.
For example, imagine a small hunter-gatherer tribe. Resources were scarce, and survival depended on cooperation. However, if a member of the tribe consistently took more than their fair share, others would become angry. This anger would serve as a warning: "Stop this behavior, or there will be consequences." Without this emotional reaction, selfish behavior could threaten the entire group.
In modern life, we are rarely in life-or-death situations. But our brains still react as if we are. If someone cuts us off in traffic or dismisses our opinions, we feel threatened. Our subconscious mind sees it as an attack, triggering the same anger response our ancestors relied on. The problem is that modern threats are often not physical—they are social or emotional. Yet, we still react with the same intensity.
This is why managing anger is so important. If we let our evolutionary instincts take over, we may overreact to minor issues. Understanding why we get angry helps us pause and choose a response rather than simply reacting.
Using Anger as a Strategic Tool
Clausewitz argued that war should never be random or uncontrolled. Instead, it should be a strategic decision based on clear objectives.
The same applies to anger. If we express anger without a clear purpose, it can backfire. However, when used strategically, anger can be a powerful tool.
Before getting angry, ask yourself:
Is this situation worth a strong reaction? Not every issue is worth fighting over. Choose your battles wisely.
Have I tried resolving this calmly first? If a peaceful discussion can solve the problem, there's no need for anger.
Will my anger help achieve a meaningful outcome? If anger will only escalate the situation, it may be better to hold back.
When anger is justified and controlled, it can send a strong message. It signals to others that a boundary has been crossed and that the situation requires attention. The key is to make sure that anger serves a purpose, rather than being an emotional outburst.
The Consequences of Uncontrolled Anger
Just as nations can suffer from unnecessary wars, individuals can suffer from uncontrolled anger. When anger is used too frequently or without strategy, it can damage relationships, careers, and reputations.
One historical example is the Vietnam War. The United States entered the war with the goal of stopping the spread of communism. However, over time, the war lost focus. It became a long, drawn-out conflict that caused immense damage without achieving its original goal. This is similar to how unchecked anger can spiral out of control. What starts as a justified reaction can turn into a pattern of aggression that causes more harm than good.
On a personal level, imagine someone who reacts with anger in every disagreement. Over time, people may avoid them, seeing them as difficult or unpredictable. Just like a nation that is always at war, an angry person can end up isolated. The key takeaway is that anger should be reserved for situations where it is truly necessary and where it can achieve a positive outcome.
Historical Examples of Using War Effectively
Success: The Kosovo War (1999)
Goal: Stop ethnic cleansing in the Balkans.
Strategy: NATO used targeted airstrikes only after diplomatic efforts failed.
Result: The conflict ended in a short time with minimal casualties compared to prolonged wars.
Lesson: Controlled and purposeful action leads to better outcomes.
Failure: The Vietnam War (1955-1975)
Goal: Prevent communism from spreading.
Strategy: Long, unfocused military engagement.
Result: High casualties, public backlash, and failure to achieve the objective.
Lesson: An emotional or unplanned response can lead to long-term damage.
These historical examples teach us that anger, like war, should be used carefully. When applied strategically, it can be effective. When misused, it can lead to destruction.
Everyday Examples of Using Anger Strategically
Effective Use of Anger
Situation: You ask for a raise, but your boss ignores your request.
Response: After multiple polite attempts, you firmly express your frustration and demand to be taken seriously.
Outcome: Your boss realizes you are serious and finally considers your request.
Lesson: Anger, when controlled, can show others that you mean business.
Ineffective Use of Anger
Situation: A friend takes the last slice of cake at a party.
Response: You yell and accuse them of being selfish.
Outcome: Your friend is confused and the situation becomes awkward.
Lesson: Overreacting to small issues can harm relationships.
The key is to assess whether anger is necessary and to use it in a way that leads to a productive outcome.
Conclusion
Clausewitz’s insights into war apply surprisingly well to anger. Just as war should only be used when necessary and in a controlled manner, anger should be used strategically. By understanding our evolutionary instincts and thinking before reacting, we can use anger as a tool rather than letting it control us.
Next time you feel anger rising, pause and ask yourself:
What outcome do I want to achieve?
Have I tried peaceful solutions first?
Is this worth the emotional cost of using anger?
By treating anger as a strategic choice rather than an automatic reaction, we can improve our relationships, protect our well-being, and navigate conflicts more effectively.
Anger isn’t the problem—how we use it is. The choice is ours.
You can read here about how Clauswitz’s ideas can be applied to managing procrastination
