221013 What I learned in my studies this morning 2

Cold-hearted revenge!

Floods of passion wash o'er us!
Don't give in.  Breath.  Wait.

Daily Stoic:

But but but . . . if I don't get them back, they win!!!!!

. . . if I don't get them back, they'll do it again!!!!

. . . if I don't get them back,  I'll look stupid!!!

As if any of these reasons were worth sacrificing my dignity and tranquility.

Is there are point to revenge?  Sure. It teaches people that you fight back so the next person will not fuck with you. It gives you a reputation for not taking any shit and therefore you will be treated better by others, at least insofar as they are less likely to aggress against you in the first place.

But . . . there are other ways to achieve those same benefits.  Ways which preserve equanimity and a clear soul.

Also, by not seeking revenge you gain other benefits:

• people understand you are not like the offender and their opinion of you rises
• you gain a reputation for calm action instead of rash reaction
• you demonstrate confidence and power by showing that they cannot hurt you and cannot make you respond unwisely

There are other rewards, but these examples suffice. Revenge is not the only option.  It's not the best option.  Keep looking.

Today's Meditation:

Today's Meditation II:

Today's Music:

St Matthew Passion, BWV 244, 1. Chorus: 'Come, ye daughters, help me lament' by Johann Sebastian Bach

Daily Shakespeare:

Henry IV, Part I, Act 5 Scene 1