Meditation doesn't necessarily lead to a reduction in "ferocity." The Buddha was a fierce nerd, according to Graham's characterization of "fierce." He took on an ambitious goal, and made immense sacrifices to see it through. He could also be quite "fierce in his speech, post-enlightenment. E.g.
> "And to whom, worthless man, do you understand me to have taught the Dhamma like that? Haven't I, in many ways, said of dependently co-arisen consciousness, 'Apart from a requisite condition, there is no coming-into-play of consciousness'? [2] But you, through your own poor grasp, not only slander us but also dig yourself up [by the root] and produce much demerit for yourself. That will lead to your long-term harm & suffering."