I had a conversation with friends over the weekend about our natural desire for vengeance and how this is different from real justice. It was quite enlightening for me, so I'd like to throw my thoughts out there.
The classic story on TV seems to be that a father or mother is wronged and the child feels the need to restore the family name and seek revenge against the evildoer. At least this is how it goes on Chinese shows. The shows make avenging a wrong look like an honorable pursuit. However, in reality, what's the point? I'm reminded of Inigo Montoya from The Princess Bride too. He went around chanting what he would say to the man who killed his father. Why live a life with all that anger and bitterness inside? Why not live your own life and let it go? Vengeance is not justice. What good does it do to return evil for evil? No good can come from it. All it does is create a hateful system where the people continually want revenge. Don't get mad, get even right?
Not for me. I'm all for seeking justice for those who have been wronged, but there's a proper way to do it and it requires letting go of grudges. The grudge festering inside only destroys its host causing ulcers and maybe even a heart attack. Justice to me is finding a way to bring the offender to a realization of the wrong done and the victim a sense of peaceful closure.
This may seem like a hair-brained idea, but what about a little mercy sometimes? I am of the opinion that mercy and justice can be balanced together. Our natural desire to fight fire with fire can be extinguished with a little leniency and allow both sides to reconcile. Otherwise, we'll just keep attacking each other...
Although I some what agree in another sense I do not agree. Justice is not something that is totally obtainable. I actually do not believe in it anymore. There is not justice for good people. I have seen that all of my life.
you make good points in your blog, I don't agree with vengenace but I believe that there is no justice at least in this life.
My cousin was shot in the head at 19 years old by his uncle. His uncle recieved 2 years in prision.
The hospital killed my mother but we did not have enough evidence to sue.
I agree with you on most things just not this. You had a good point though so I gave you a good rating. There is no closure for me and I am sorry i disagree.
http://www.progressiveu.org/032913-lupus-uncureable-wait-what
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I believe that justice is attainable is most situations, but because of humans justice fails to be served. Ultimately, the justice we seek on Earth will not matter compared against judgement beyond this life. This is my take, but I didn't touch on it earlier.
I agree with you. Sometimes there is no justice for good people. The punishment for wrongdoings may come much later. There's always poetic justice too. The uncle you mention will surely have a different life due to the murder of his nephew. Maybe he is suffering his punishment in another way that isn't so obvious. Guilt does haunt people and mean-spirited folk are often truly miserable.
Sometimes we have to let things work themselves out and not worry about other people. I hope that you come to a sense of peace about the trials you face in life.
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revenge is a dish best served cold.
I think the main difference between revenge and justice is the intent behind it. The intent of revenge is to make someone suffer for a wrongdoing. Justice, in the context you use, is more of a fair punishment for a wrongdoing that restores some kind of balance. It's really not hard to see how the line can blur.
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I've heard it said that what goes around comes around. Maybe the energy we put out does come back to bite us in the ass. If we are constantly angry and vengeful, I think that's all we tend to see. If we practice forgiveness, one day, when we need to be forgiven, maybe we will. Life is too short to spend it being angry all the time, though....