The Costs of Revenge
As human beings, it is often that we
can feel wronged, or feel the need to ‘get even’. This feeling is called ‘the
need for revenge’, and it is very common even in modern culture. The want for
revenge is a very basic emotion. It can often be felt after losing something,
or feeling overpowered. However, even being so basic, it can quickly consume
our minds.
Today, society often encourages
vengeance, and many celebrities and political figures have been shown to be
rather vengeful. Revenge, to some extent is a normal occurrence, and is not
necessarily always bad. For example, sports teams may lose one match, but due
to the need to ‘get even’; they may get the extra motivation they need to pull
through and win in the next match. This
competitiveness is what fuels sports and competitions in general.
However, it is often that our need
for vengeance leads us into bad situations. We often exaggerate the opposing
party’s actions against ourselves, and do more damage than they had done to us.
Additionally, they opposing party may seek vengeance on us after we have had
ours.
This type of exchange is often seen
in politics and international affairs. It is often started when someone tries
to get involved in someone else’s affairs, or tries to impose their rules one
someone else. Eventually, one party may feel as if it has been wronged, and
will seek vengeance against the other party. This starts a vicious cycle of one
party seeking revenge against the other.
Our need for revenge can cause more
damage than we intended to cause. People who weren't originally involved can
suddenly be dragged into the situation. We may hurt the opposing party more
than we intended. Finally, we may even end up hurting ourselves in the process.
