I ran across a favorite saying of mine this morning: “Living well is the best revenge.” And the person who quoted it was asking, “The best revenge for what?”
Dictionary definitions of revenge revolve around inflicting punishment of some sort on another. They rely on vindictiveness and retaliation; by association, they imply a meanness of spirit, a get-even approach to life. At the same time, these definitions don’t go on to explain the time and energy a vengeful act requires, nor do they analyze whether the person exacting the revenge feels better for it in the end.
I’m inclined to think not. I’m also inclined to think that the energy expended in planning revenge is better harnessed improving one’s own lot. In looking inward rather than outward. That’s why living well is the best revenge.
It isn’t about money, although it certainly can be. It isn’t about fancy things, although those are nice. It’s more about rising above the occasion and ignoring the person who otherwise might be the object of revenge. It’s about treating others as you would like to be treated, rather than allowing the behavior of others to dictate what you do. Some might say it’s about turning the other cheek, but I prefer to think it’s about taking the higher road.
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