Philosopher Joseph Campbell tells the story of a samurai who chose not to kill while he was angry. It was the Japanese warrior's duty to avenge the death of his overlord. He tracked down the murderer. He cornered him. He was moments away from cutting him down, when the murderer spat in his face.

Feeling himself overwhelmed with rage, the samurai sheathed his sword, turned around and walked away. If the samurai would have killed the murderer while he was angry, he would have acted out of hatred rather than honor.

But, instead he followed the Samurai credo of non-reaction. He suspended action until he could respond rather than react.