Discussion on "The Science Behind Vengeance" led by James Kimmel Jr. at Yale School of Medicine
Fresh Take:
Hey there! Ever felt like getting even with someone who wronged you? Well, you're not alone. According to James Kimmel Jr, a lecturer at the Yale School of Medicine, it's in our human nature to seek revenge. In his book, "The Science Of Revenge," he dives deep into this desire and how it can consume us.
In a chat with Michele Martin on NPR, Kimmel shared a personal story about his own quest for revenge as a teenager. When he was bullied by neighboring farm kids, he grabbed a loaded revolver from his dad's nightstand, but at the last moment, he had a change of heart. This moment sparked a lifelong journey for Kimmel, leading him to explore the science behind revenge and why some people pursue it.
Kimmel notes how the brain's desire for revenge can feel like an addiction, as it activates the same area of the brain that activates for substance use disorders. He explains that revenge can become a compulsive desire, not just for attacks that threaten our lives or ability to procreate, but for perceived attacks to our egos, identities, or self-image.
In society, some professions, like lawyers, provide a means to carry out revenge, leading Kimmel to his own career in the professional revenge business. However, he found that the highs he experienced from "getting justice" were too hard to resist.
In light of Donald Trump's public display of seeking revenge, Kimmel wrote an opinion piece for Politico, exploring how Trump's pursuit of revenge mirrors addiction. Kimmel argues that while revenge may provide temporary relief, it often causes additional pain and victimization.
Despite the cultural norms and deep-rooted beliefs that support revenge seeking, Kimmel remains hopeful that we can find a better way. He suggests that forgiveness, a practice that provides direct pain-relieving brain benefits, could be the solution. By practicing forgiveness, individuals can heal from trauma and pain caused by the past.
"Scientific Study on the Brain's Response to Revenge and Comparison to Substance Use Disorders" provides more insights into the neuroscience behind revenge seeking and its similarities with substance use disorders.
So, do we have a taste for revenge? Maybe. But can we find a better way? Absolutely, according to James Kimmel Jr. Let's all explore the power of forgiveness together.
Sources
- Psychology Today. (n.d.). The biology of revenge. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/ulterior-motives/201101/the-biology-revenge
- Psych Central. (n.d.). Revenge:Why we seek it and how to curb the urge. Retrieved from https://psychcentral.com/lib/revenge-why-we-seek-it-and-how-to-curb-the-urge/
- Kimmel Jr., J. (2018). The science of revenge. Beacon Press.
- Sherman, P. W., & Cohen, G. L. (1983). Diseases of self-punishment. Annual Review of Psychology, 34(1), 427-452.
- K.). BBC. (n.d.). Revenge: The key to managing anger. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20180518-revenge-the-key-to-managing-anger
In his book "The Science of Revenge," author James Kimmel Jr delves into the science behind revenge, comparing the brain's desire for revenge to substance use disorders, a notion further supported by numerous studies on health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise. Interestingly, the pursuit of revenge can also have a significant impact on mental-health, with some professions like lawyers providing a means to carry out revenge, which can potentially lead to addiction-like behaviors. However, Kimmel advocates for forgiveness as a pain-relieving practice that promotes healing and a better way forward, aligning with the ideals of health-and-wellness and mental-health.
