Mastery Over Vengeance: Stoic Wisdom on Retaliation
The Stoic’s Guide to Transcending Vengeance
There’s a timeless saying that emphasizes the essence of retribution: revenge is a dish best served cold. This proverb is a pervasive theme in our society, epitomized by countless films where the hero suffers a profound injustice. Be it against them or their loved ones, we, as viewers, align ourselves with the protagonist’s pursuit of revenge, eagerly witnessing the culprits paying for their misdeeds. The satisfaction derived from such vicarious experiences is profound, and the celebration of revenge becomes a collective sentiment.
However, when dissected and analyzed, this collective approval of retaliation appears to be in stark contradiction with the principles of Stoicism, a school of Hellenistic philosophy that teaches the development of self-control, rationality, and virtue as a means to achieve a tranquil and contented life. The great Stoic philosopher, Marcus Aurelius, encapsulates this when he says, “The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury.” Though renditions of this quote may vary, the essence of the message remains unaltered.
Stoicism versus Retribution
To fully internalize and embody Stoic philosophy, one must cultivate their mind and spirit to resist…
