Meaning: The quote "Anger is implanted in us as sort of sting, to make us gnash with our teeth against the devil, to make us vehement against him, not to set us in array against each other" is a profound reflection on the nature and purpose of anger. It is attributed to Richard Savage, an 18th-century English poet and playwright. The quote speaks to the idea that anger, as a human emotion, is intended to be directed against injustice, evil, and wrongdoing rather than being used to harm or divide others.

In this quote, Savage suggests that anger is a natural and instinctive response to the presence of evil or malevolence in the world. He uses the metaphor of a "sting" to describe how anger functions within us. Much like a physical sting prompts a reflexive and forceful reaction, anger is portrayed as a visceral response to the presence of the "devil" or malevolent forces in the world. By invoking the image of "gnashing with our teeth against the devil," Savage emphasizes the combative and adversarial nature of anger, suggesting that it is a tool for resisting and opposing evil.

Furthermore, Savage's quote underscores the idea that anger should not be turned inward or used to create conflict among individuals. Instead, he argues that the primary target of our anger should be the forces of evil and injustice. By encouraging us to be "vehement against him," Savage suggests that anger should be channeled into a passionate and resolute opposition to malevolent forces rather than being turned against one another. This interpretation aligns with the concept of righteous anger, which is often associated with a sense of moral outrage in response to injustice or wrongdoing.

Savage's perspective on anger reflects a moral and ethical dimension, emphasizing the importance of directing our anger toward worthy targets and causes. By framing anger as a response to the presence of evil, he implies that it has a constructive and purposeful role in human experience. This view resonates with the idea that anger can be a catalyst for positive change and a force for confronting injustice and oppression.

In the context of interpersonal relationships, Savage's quote serves as a reminder that the true function of anger is not to sow discord or division among people but to unite them against common adversaries. By cautioning against allowing anger to "set us in array against each other," Savage emphasizes the potential for anger to be misdirected and manipulated, leading to conflict and animosity between individuals. Instead, he advocates for a collective channeling of anger toward shared ideals of justice, righteousness, and the defeat of evil.

In conclusion, Richard Savage's quote offers a thought-provoking perspective on the nature and purpose of anger. By portraying anger as a natural response to the presence of evil and injustice, he emphasizes its potential as a force for resistance and opposition. Moreover, his words remind us of the importance of directing our anger toward worthy causes and of avoiding its misuse as a tool for discord and division among people. Ultimately, Savage's quote invites us to consider the righteous and constructive expression of anger as a means of confronting the forces of evil and injustice in the world.