“That’s the best revenge of all: happiness. Nothing drives people crazier than seeing someone have a good fucking life.” ~ Chuck Palahniuk, author of Fight Club and several other novels.
Note: For those of you who have an issue with the language in this quote, read this post.
Although this is a quote from author Chuck Palahniuk, its essence stems from an old saying that goes something like “the best revenge is a life well-lived”. Chuck’s version is just a bit more . . . direct. And clear. Things little and large can upset us from day to day, and unfairness and tragedy is nearly inevitable even when we try to do the right thing. We always have the option of spreading more hate and anger when bad things happen, but that’s not necessarily the most effective revenge. On the other hand, if your life is great despite someone’s attempt to make it worse then, by default, you’re rendering their attempts ineffective. That’s what really drives people crazy, and all you have to do is let go.
My dad told me some version of this belief when I was younger and I’ve since lived by it. Whenever I feel slighted, overlooked, demeaned, or hurt by another, I spend a little time being angry and then remember that the best thing I can do is something amazing. You can’t simply change people because you want to, and you’ll rarely get anywhere by exacting punishment. As hard as it can be sometimes, you just have to be better. A lot better, so it can’t be ignored.
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