Book 2
3.6
anyhow, we show no respect for those for whom we entertain a profound contempt. Men also are mild towards those who humble themselves before them and do not contradict them, for they seem to recognize that they are inferior; now, those who are inferior are afraid, and no one who is afraid slights another. Even the behavior of dogs proves that anger ceases towards those who humble themselves, for they do not bite those who sit down.ἐξαπίνης δ’ Ὀδυσῆα ἴδον κύνες ὑλακόμωποι· οἱ μὲν κεκλήγοντες ἐπέδραμον· αὐτὰρ Ὀδυσσεύς ἕζετο κερδοσύνῃ (Hom. Od. 14.29-31).
3.7
And men are mild towards those who are serious with them when they are serious, for they think they are being treated seriously, not with contempt.
3.8
And towards those who have rendered them greater services.That is, greater than their present disservices. And towards those who want something and deprecate their anger, for they are humbler.
3.9
And towards those who refrain from insulting, mocking, or slighting anyone, or any virtuous man, or those who resemble themselves.
3.10
And generally speaking, one can determine the reasons that make for mildness by their opposites. Thus, men are mild towards those whom they fear or respect, as long as they feel so towards them, for it is impossible to be afraid and angry at the same time.
3.11
And against those who have acted in anger they either feel no anger or in a less degree, for they do not seem to have acted from a desire to slight. For no one slights another when angry, since slight is free from pain, but anger is accompanied by it.
3.12
And men are not angry with those who usually show respect for them.They regard the disrespectful treatment as merely a temporary lapse.
