Despite being separated from the animals of the jungle by our intelligence and our cognitive powers, it seems we are the only species to have invented the concept of revenge.

Just imagine if we, like the rest of the animal kingdom, had no knowledge of this notion.

How many of the world’s problems could be easily and amicably solved?

Revenge is a dish best served cold.

Revenge is a dish best served cold.

Very profound! Does that mean that it's usually served hot?

"An eye for an eye"

Only if it happens to your love ones or members of your closes family that you would use this even without knowing.

It's a common human reaction for being protective, I believe.

Explorer

"Revenge is a dish best served cold."

You got this from L.C., Brit ...

Any original thought you may want to add?

"Revenge is a dish best served cold."

You got this from L.C., Brit ...

Any original thought you may want to add?

Didn't think so...

Despite being separated from the animals of the jungle by our intelligence and our cognitive powers, it seems we are the only species to have invented the concept of revenge.

Just imagine if we, like the rest of the animal kingdom, had no knowledge of this notion.

How many of the world’s problems could be easily and amicably solved?

How do you know that animals don't seek "animal revenge". How, for example can we equate Dolphin intelligence (When they are in a water medium) to ourselves.

maybe a cockroach will shag it's fellow cockies mate, because they banged antennas in the bin? Will a fish let one rip under it's neighbours nose, because his neighbour dropped a "moonfish" outside his bunker......

but, if people didn't seek revenge, then the world would be a much better place to live.....

Boy, I tell you, the number of times the cockroachses mistook my ear, or my teeth, for something else, Thai style heavy prison sentences should be imposed on this behaviour....

If revenge is sweet, is it better served as a cold dish? Or is it a bit like rice pudding, eaten hot and later enjoyed cold?

Oh, and does it form a skin on top?

"An eye for an eye"

Only if it happens to your love ones or members of your closes family that you would use this even without knowing.

It's a common human reaction for being protective, I believe.

Explorer

To be protective - yes - but to be protective by seeking revenge - I cannot agree.

If anyone should use the biblical reference "an eye for an eye" as a justification for revenge, this is countered by "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord"--Romans 12:19.

The ancient Chinese had some thoughts on revenge: "A man need never revenge himself, the body of his enemy will be brought to his own door".

Confucius expanded on this: "Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves."

But it is Mahatma Gandhi who captures best the futility of revenge: "Love never claims, it ever gives; love never suffers, never resents, never revenges itself. Where there is love there is life; hatred leads to destruction."

Mr. Merton, I do believe you are beside yourself, with two extremely excellent posts in a row.

We all have our hopes and dreams. We should all agree as to what brings our dreams to us and what will turn our dreams into nightmares.

The issues of man are trivial compared to the issues of the heart. For the issues of the heart will determine the issues of man. Tippaporn

(In case anyone wants to quote me you read it here. )

Hatred is never vanquished by hatred but by love alone. This is the eternal law.

Dhammapada v.5

Another .

Never were truer words spoken.

Jeezus, I'm starting to feel all fuzzy around the aorta.

Despite being separated from the animals of the jungle by our intelligence and our cognitive powers, it seems we are the only species to have invented the concept of revenge.

Just imagine if we, like the rest of the animal kingdom, had no knowledge of this notion.

How many of the world’s problems could be easily and amicably solved?

How do you know that animals don't seek "animal revenge". How, for example can we equate Dolphin intelligence (When they are in a water medium) to ourselves.

Animals DO get revenge. A well documented film footage and report on discovery channel chronicled how a female adult lion ripped to shreds two hyenas after Mom had returned to find they had killed her cub in her absence. After mauling them unmercifully, she walked away.

Animals DO get revenge. A well documented film footage and report on discovery channel chronicled how a female adult lion ripped to shreds two hyenas after Mom had returned to find they had killed her cub in her absence. After mauling them unmercifully, she walked away.

Yeah. And those T-Rex's in Jurrasic Park 2, after getting the wee little dino back, they returned and attacked the people who saved their baby !

No gratitude at all.

(Most) animals don't practise revenge as it would upset the natural cycle. Revenge killings could lead to a loss of prey (in the case of carnivores) or the loss of prime breeding stock (in the case of herbivores).

As I mentioned in a different post, take man out of the equation and nature, as it has evolved to now, would work in a harmonious balance.

Revenge isn't the only factor that adversely affects mankind as a whole.

Fear plays a big part, and often leads to actions that provoke acts of revenge in others.

For example, the desire for revenge lead to the invasion of Afghanistan. The fear of future attacks lead to the invasion of Iraq.

The fear of future attacks lead to the introduction of the Patriot Act, and even unauthorised NSA wiretaps.

The desire for revenge has fueled a lot of the sectarian violence in Iraq. Same thing in the former Yugoslavian republics (Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia).

Revenge and Fear. Just 2 of the many complex reasons why we can't all be friends.

Revenge and Fear. Just 2 of the many complex reasons why we can't all be friends.

And last word threat...

Animals DO get revenge. A well documented film footage and report on discovery channel chronicled how a female adult lion ripped to shreds two hyenas after Mom had returned to find they had killed her cub in her absence. After mauling them unmercifully, she walked away.

I would kinda doubt it was revenge. I'd say it was the interpretation of those that made the documentary. They could only guess as to what goes on in the mind of an animal. To say that it was this or that for sure would be making an assumption that they rightly couldn't make. People will think whatever they will, though. Some might even claim it as scientific 'fact.'

I would kinda doubt it was revenge. I'd say it was the interpretation of those that made the documentary. They could only guess as to what goes on in the mind of an animal. To say that it was this or that for sure would be making an assumption that they rightly couldn't make. People will think whatever they will, though. Some might even claim it as scientific 'fact.'

In any event, the instances of revenge in the "animal" world pale in comparison to the "human" world.

Most animals are compelled to feed and breed. That's it. Simple.

Revenge is due to ignorance. It's due to a lack of understanding of many concepts that would prevent it.

Anyone who knows who and what they truly are would never engage in it. Anyone who understands love and appreciation would never engage in it. Anyone who understands the connection that exists between all of humanity would never engage in it. Anyone who understands respect would never engage in it. Anyone who understands self integrity would never engage in it. Anyone who understands the laws that govern life would never engage in it. Anyone who understands that what you put out into the world comes back to you would never engage in it. Anyone who understands acceptance of responsibility for their own life would not engage in it. Anyone who understands what emotions are would never engage in it. Anyone who understands what thought is would never engage in it.

Just a few of the concepts which, once understood, would prevent someone from seeking revenge. Understanding of only a single concept mentioned above is enough.

Revenge is purely due to ignorance.

I would kinda doubt it was revenge. I'd say it was the interpretation of those that made the documentary. They could only guess as to what goes on in the mind of an animal. To say that it was this or that for sure would be making an assumption that they rightly couldn't make. People will think whatever they will, though. Some might even claim it as scientific 'fact.'

In any event, the instances of revenge in the "animal" world pale in comparison to the "human" world.

Most animals are compelled to feed and breed. That's it. Simple.

Which is precisely why these well-experienced wildlife documentarians were so shocked as they had never witnessed a lion killing another animal for any other reason except food. That is to say, another species, as lions would fight and sometimes kill each other over territorial or mating rights.

While they certainly couldn't read the mind of the Mom, her decisive actions spoke volumes.

I think as we learn more about animal behaviors, there will be more indications that revenge IS a possible motivator for their actions. This is already being suspected among the

"top-food-chainers," eg. bears, orca whales.

Also interesting,

Do Elephants Seek Revenge?

Which is precisely why these well-experienced wildlife documentarians were so shocked as they had never witnessed a lion killing another animal for any other reason except food. That is to say, another species, as lions would fight and sometimes kill each other over territorial or mating rights.

While they certainly couldn't read the mind of the Mom, her decisive actions spoke volumes.

I think as we learn more about animal behaviors, there will be more indications that revenge IS a possible motivator for their actions. This is already being suspected among the

"top-food-chainers," eg. bears, orca whales.

Also interesting,

Do Elephants Seek Revenge?

One of the significant differences between man and the rest of nature is that man has a greater capacity towards thought. Animals, on the other hand, understand their true nature whereas man does not. Given those important differences I believe that only man, lacking the knowledge of his true nature, is capable of having irrational thought. Revenge is irrational thought and would not occur in someone who understands their nature. Since the animals do I don't believe they are capable of lowering themselves to our standards.

I find it oddly humourous that man tries so hard to understand the rest of nature when his understanding of himself is so utterly lacking. As I once read, "You cannot understand your world if you do not understand yourself." I believe those are very true words. The answers to gaining an understanding of man's true nature are out there. The knowledge exists in every cell of our bodies. Trouble is, too few are interested in finding out for themselves.

I would kinda doubt it was revenge. I'd say it was the interpretation of those that made the documentary. They could only guess as to what goes on in the mind of an animal. To say that it was this or that for sure would be making an assumption that they rightly couldn't make. People will think whatever they will, though. Some might even claim it as scientific 'fact.'

In any event, the instances of revenge in the "animal" world pale in comparison to the "human" world.

Most animals are compelled to feed and breed. That's it. Simple.

Which is precisely why these well-experienced wildlife documentarians were so shocked as they had never witnessed a lion killing another animal for any other reason except food. That is to say, another species, as lions would fight and sometimes kill each other over territorial or mating rights.

While they certainly couldn't read the mind of the Mom, her decisive actions spoke volumes.

I think as we learn more about animal behaviors, there will be more indications that revenge IS a possible motivator for their actions. This is already being suspected among the

"top-food-chainers," eg. bears, orca whales.

Also interesting,

Do Elephants Seek Revenge?

More than one doco "expert' has mentioned that lions and Hyenas can have the human emotions of hatred and revenge......

I would kinda doubt it was revenge. I'd say it was the interpretation of those that made the documentary. They could only guess as to what goes on in the mind of an animal. To say that it was this or that for sure would be making an assumption that they rightly couldn't make. People will think whatever they will, though. Some might even claim it as scientific 'fact.'

In any event, the instances of revenge in the "animal" world pale in comparison to the "human" world.

Most animals are compelled to feed and breed. That's it. Simple.

Which is precisely why these well-experienced wildlife documentarians were so shocked as they had never witnessed a lion killing another animal for any other reason except food. That is to say, another species, as lions would fight and sometimes kill each other over territorial or mating rights.

While they certainly couldn't read the mind of the Mom, her decisive actions spoke volumes.

I think as we learn more about animal behaviors, there will be more indications that revenge IS a possible motivator for their actions. This is already being suspected among the

"top-food-chainers," eg. bears, orca whales.

Also interesting,

Do Elephants Seek Revenge?

More than one doco "expert' has mentioned that lions and Hyenas can have the human emotions of hatred and revenge......

I have a book called Regarding Animals that deals with Animal emotions. Really made me look at things differently.

Revenge is purely due to ignorance.

How about revenge to prevent the aggressor from attacking again?

Revenge is purely due to ignorance.

How about revenge to prevent the aggressor from attacking again?

Think about the rest of the post and you'll be able to answer you're own question.

Revenge is purely due to ignorance.

How about revenge to prevent the aggressor from attacking again?

Well, that's why there's such a fuss over the death penalty.

Fuzzy-headed psudo-intellectuals decry the so-called 'barbarity' of chemically putting serial murders/rapists to death.

Like what they say in Texas: You come to our state and kill somebody, we'll kill you right back!

Who says animals don't seek revenge? I have a very large powerful Golden Retriever. He always avoids any fight with another dog but a neighbor's dog used to beat him up when he was a puppy. I'm sure he remembered that dog biting him and after he was grown he went after that dog with a vengence. That dog no longer wants to fight and runs away at the first sight of the now much larger dog.

I was quite pleased with my formerly wimpy dog.

Revenge is purely due to ignorance.

How about revenge to prevent the aggressor from attacking again?

Well, that's why there's such a fuss over the death penalty.

Fuzzy-headed psudo-intellectuals decry the so-called 'barbarity' of chemically putting serial murders/rapists to death.

Like what they say in Texas: You come to our state and kill somebody, we'll kill you right back!

"For as for the first wrong, it doth but offend the law; but the revenge of that wrong, putteth the law out of office." The Essays by Bacon, Sir Francis.

Revenge is generally understood as being an emotional and often irrational response.

Retaliation is not necessarily the same, though it is often used interchangeably with revenge. Retaliation is more of a cause -> effect situation, where in the case of the animal the response is as a result of some instinctive mechanism that has been hard wired into their brain from birth.

The same can happen with humans where retaliation can be a rational and even necessary response (e.g. someone attacking you with a knife and you have a gun).

Revenge is far more emotional, where the cognitive mechanisms behind it are more closely related to socially engineered thought patterns (you humiliated me in front of my girlfriend, you will die!*), rather than instinctive, survival ones.

EDIT * or "You beat me in your War of Independence therefore I will do anything from compelling my own people to live in refugee camps through staring wars to killing innocents in terrorist actions in order to exact my revenge".

Despite being separated from the animals of the jungle by our intelligence and our cognitive powers, it seems we are the only species to have invented the concept of revenge.

Just imagine if we, like the rest of the animal kingdom, had no knowledge of this notion.

How many of the world’s problems could be easily and amicably solved?

How do you know that animals don't seek "animal revenge". How, for example can we equate Dolphin intelligence (When they are in a water medium) to ourselves.

Animals DO get revenge. A well documented film footage and report on discovery channel chronicled how a female adult lion ripped to shreds two hyenas after Mom had returned to find they had killed her cub in her absence. After mauling them unmercifully, she walked away.

You do realize that nature flicks are edited versions of hundreds and hundreds of hours of footage, and that the temptation for humans to interpret animal behaviour as close to human often makes them choose footage that confirms the notion that animals are like us.