Resentment and Repair

Sukaina Hirji, Professor of Philosophy
University of Pennsylvania

Anger keeps us safe. When someone treats us badly, anger reminds both us and the person who hurt us that we deserve better. But anger also gets in the way of love. If we’re angry at someone, then it is difficult to feel closeness or compassion towards them. Sukaina Hirji, an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania specializing in moral and ancient Greek philosophy, asks: When should we give up our anger against someone who has hurt us? When is loving someone more important than keeping ourselves safe?