Marcus Aurelius Meditations
Marcus Aurelius: The best kind of revenge is, not to…
The best kind of revenge is, not to become like unto them.
The passage follows a public-domain translation of Meditations. The reading beside it is ours.
When someone is petty, dishonest, or cruel, the easiest response is to become a little of the same. You fire back, gossip in return, bend the truth, or make revenge your private project. That may feel satisfying for a moment, but it hands them control of your character. The strongest answer is not passivity. You can set boundaries, report wrongdoing, leave the room, or pursue justice. The difference is that you do it without copying the vice you condemn. A toxic coworker does not require you to become toxic. An insulting stranger does not require an insult in return. Their behavior is their responsibility; your response is yours. Revenge that changes you for the worse is a bad bargain. Today, notice the person most likely to pull you into their drama. Decide in advance what integrity looks like in that interaction, and keep it.
Related passages
- Marcus Aurelius After one consideration, man is nearest unto us; as we are bound to do them good, and to bear with them. But as he may…
- Marcus Aurelius Fit and accommodate thyself to that estate and to those occurrences, which by the destinies have been annexed unto…
- Marcus Aurelius If asked to spell your name, you would give the letters calmly, even if the questioner became angry. So remember that…