by Zaq Wilk

Created on: February 11, 2010

Mahatma Gandhi once said “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind”. Truer words have never been spoken. Revenge is defined as an opportunity to retaliate to gain satisfaction in an unpleasant manner. We see vengeance everyday in politics, on the street, and in our homes. Why do we do it? What is so satisfying about making another person suffer on your account? When has anyone actually gained from revenge? Many conflicts today are caused by acts of retaliation. In fact, World War II was partially started due to Germany’s bitter feelings towards the nations of the Triple Entente during the First World War. The treaty of Versailles humiliated Germany and made it almost impossible to recover. Perhaps these were acts of revenge for wiping out an entire generation of young men, or maybe it was to teach a lesson, but the same fight happened again and made more people suffer due to their inability to forgive and forget.

Of course not all revenge is so severe, but it can ruin everything for some people. If you were rude to someone and they return the favor, both of you have given up a chance for a potential friendship. Situations as such contaminate the societies in which we dwell. We hear that the path of vengeance is a treacherous one from the Bible and many other religious documents. The fact that we are constantly reminded of it makes it rather hard to avoid. It is the human response to being wronged and often cannot be helped. When thoughts of revenge enter the mind judgment becomes clouded and you become focused solely on repaying your adversary with a heaping dose of anguish.

To avoid the grief, it is best to let the cruel intentions of those who choose to exact their revenge pass over and be the better person. When the wrongdoer realizes that you do not make a hurtful move, they may come to the revelation that you wish not to cause them harm, but in fact make peace. What could possibly be negative about forgiveness?

Unfortunately, it is entirely up to you to demonstrate forgiveness in an atmosphere of extreme pessimism and hate. The only thing stopping you from making peace is the urge to make the opposition suffer as you have. Keep in mind that forgiveness is the best revenge. You forgive when you finally admit that you have had enough and that there is no good in the bitterness of vengeance. Revenge may be an unavoidable part of life, but you have the ability to forgive and heal any wounds that vengeance may have dealt.

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