Whether or not you yourself have ever undertaken an act of revenge, there’s no doubt that it is one of the more popular topics in human history. If you don’t believe us, check out these quotes that have been made on the subject of revenge!
“Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.” [Confucius]
This is a great quote regarding the efficacy of revenge, and how it occasionally ends up backfiring. Before you go and enact a complicated revenge scheme, remember that occasionally revenge can work as much against you as it can for you.
“In revenge and in love, woman is more barbarous than man.” [Nietzsche]
While Nietzsche was a known misogynist, there is likely a grain of truth in this quotation. It is often said that “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned,” and Nietzsche himself was very familiar with this tenant – if you ever want to read about a man who had no luck with women, Nietzsche is your philosopher.
“The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury.” [Marcus Aurelius]
This is somewhat of a surprising nugget of wisdom to get from a Roman Emperor, but there is something to be said about turning the other cheek when it comes to the business of revenge. Sometimes, the worst thing that we can do is become like those who have hurt us.
“I warn you, if you bore me, I shall take my revenge.” [J.R.R. Tolkien]
While we can only assume that this was a comment made in jest, it does say something about the dangers of boring a novelist!
“If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge? If we are like you in the rest, we will resemble you in that.” [Shakespeare]
It just goes to show that revenge has been a constant theme throughout the centuries. Even the wisdom of Shakespeare extends to the topic of revenge!