Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Argument Over Revenge
- The Difference of Justice and Revenge
- The Unhealthy Nature of Revenge
Introduction
People have a tendency to become extremely motivated in the pursuit of seeking out revenge on others for various reasons. From something mediocre to an extreme. Revenge is the forceful desire to inflict hurt or harm to another for a wrong suffered at their hands or just simple retaliation for an injustice they received from that other person or group. But, is revenge right or wrong? Or is revenge acceptable or unforgivable? Can revenge be justified? Are the consequences of revenge worth it?
The Argument Over Revenge
Many believe revenge is a basic human instinct, a genetically hardwired behavior that is strongly weaved into ourselves. One that we simply can not ignore its call. The argument over revenge is centuries old but the main points have continued to stay the same throughout the years. Shakespeare said, “If you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you poison us do we not die? And if your wrong us shall we not revenge?” In Shakespeare’s writing during his lifetime, it was abundantly crystal clear he believed revenge was normal as us today drinking a cup of steaming hot coffee in the early hours of the morning. It all depends on the situation and one’s personal beliefs in lawfulness and fairness within justice.
The Difference of Justice and Revenge
Justice, in its broadest definition, is the concept or idea of moral rightness based on many things such as ethics, rationality, government or natural laws, or beliefs religious or personal. Or the act of being just or fair in response to wrongdoing. Justice is about restoring the balance but revenge, on the other hand, is about retaliation after the wrongdoing has taken place before them. Revenge in our government will never officially be justified by our laws but that does not mean revenge cannot be morally justified. Being morally justified means one believes they have done good, however, someone with different opinions on the issue at hand may say you were not.
The Unhealthy Nature of Revenge
If it is human nature to seek out revenge, will getting even make one feel better or worse in the long run down the road? Getting an eye for an eye, an old saying is believed to bring closure. Most people will not go to the lengths of receiving felonies or prison time like we see on drama television or in action movies. But, our day to day lives does include small acts of retaliation such as spreading rumors about someone that may or may not be true. Revenge may make one feel momentary satisfaction but no one wants to spend a lifetime trying to make amends to gain back the relationship lost from their actions. I do not believe revenge is worth the loss of a valuable connection with someone one may never get back. After the fog of anger fades and clarity on the subject comes to light in one’s mind you may find oneself at fault after all and what will one do? The only next course of action is to try to mend the pieces they broke along their way of seeking vengeance. Revenge is an unhealthy state of mind and revenge can ruin the things one holds most dear.
