In life, there is always a burning desire to see those who wronged us suffer.
Did they screw you over? Hurt your career or disrespected you. Whatever.
Now you want revenge. You want them to suffer as you suffered.
No one should; get away with this. That is Justice.
However remember, history is filled with tales of bloody retribution, but what about a different path?
In 175 CE Marcus Aurelius, the philosopher-emperor of Rome, was betrayed by Avidius Cassius, his most trusted general in a shocking attempted coup.
Avidius declared himself emperor in the eastern provinces. This was a direct challenge to Aurelius’ reign, a threat that could have plunged the empire into civil war.
Most rulers, fueled by rage, would have unleashed a brutal counter-attack, crushing the rebellion and making Cassius pay dearly.
But Aurelius, a devout Stoic, chose a different path.
“The best revenge,” Marcus wrote in Meditations, “is to not be like that”.
Stoicism emphasizes reason, virtue, and living in accordance with nature. For Aurelius, revenge was an emotional tempest, a distraction from fulfilling his duty as emperor. He focused on what he could control: his own response. He offered Cassius clemency. News of the emperor’s mercy spread so fast that the Soldiers deserted Cassius. His rebellion fizzled, and he was soon arrested.
Aurelius, ever the Stoic, even mourned the loss of the opportunity to show Cassius forgiveness. In a world that often glorifies revenge, Aurelius’ tale offers a timeless perspective.
Perhaps, like him, we can find strength and peace not in inflicting pain, but in choosing the path of reason and compassion. We have to agree that we cannot get even.
Revenge injures our own well-being.
Focus should be on what we are grateful for. Be good to others and move on.