Play On!

Whereas revenge may not be a virtue, it is to some a vice sweetly flavored. Early in my life, I found that revenge was too inhibiting, as I worked toward my simply stated goals.

“Revenge is the poor delight of little minds.” (Juvenal)

Revenge is a heavy load to carry around and is, in the end, emotionally exhausting and counterproductive.

“Revenge, at first thought sweet, Bitter ere long back on itself recoils.” (Milton)

The impetus which breeds revenge is, of course, hatred — and according to my way of looking at things, the person upon whom I squander the energy of hatred owns a piece of my soul — an unacceptable trade.

“Revenge does more for the legal profession than any other human emotion.” (Anonymous)

I wonder how many lawyers tell their clients to go home and work off their anger mowing the lawn?

“Dislike” is quite another matter, and avoidance can often be the logical and facile solution.

“People who want to get even with others are usually at odds with themselves.” (Anonymous)

All of our preferences are based upon the acceptance of things we like, and the concomitant avoidance of those we dislike. Winning is fun and losing hurts.

Likes and dislikes are products of one’s observation, one’s education, one’s experimentation and one’s natural inclination.

The surest way to avoid such nonproductives as revenge is to hate no one.

“The longest odds in the world are those against getting even.” (Anonymous)

“Omnia vincit amor”(Virgil) — “Love conquers all” is a concept of astounding truth and profundity.

I love a great many people, some more than others.

And there is a place where my love dwindles, and then runs out. The path from there leads to one of avoidance, and finally, oblivion.

The important fact is that I learned in my life that many people are worth my loving, but that no one is worth my hating. Hatred is too expensive an emotion for my budget.

A Harvard “Don” told us, “A man who hates carries a burden. If he does something hateful to you, and you respond by hating him in return, you now share the weight of his burden.”

Those who “carry a chip on their shoulders” set themselves up to take on the aggressions they encounter in other people.

“A man who studieth revenge keeps his own wounds green.” (Sir Frances Bacon)

People who are all wrapped up in themselves make a small package and their emotions are a network of mishmash.

“Some do odd things — to get even.” (Anonymous)

Those who suffer most are probably those whom you beat to the punch when you knew that they planned to harm you.

If you devote your ultimate energies toward positive things and positive people in your own life, you will no doubt be an “enviable” person.

Those who love you will rejoice for you, and those who allow themselves to hate you will suffer the torments of the damned, for damned they are.

“Living well is the best revenge.” (John Ford)