Marcus Aurelius

“The best revenge is not to do as they do.” –Marcus Aurelius

One of the best quotes from the great Roman emperor and in just one sentence this piece of advice is powerful, timeless. Many wouldn’t agree by reading it and it is most likely many more would disagree if one has taken the path of revenge because many listen to their heart and ignore their mind. Emotions take over instead of logic. When someone is full of anger (or any emotion) one can’t be reasonable and when someone is harassed, hell can break loose. But if one stops—and thinks—and chooses not to imitate the offender’s actions the outcomes will be positive, not only for the moment but for one’s character and mentality.


It is common to hear now and then about verbal/physical harassment, especially in the teenage/young adult part of society. The most probable argument of those who claim Aurelius doesn’t make sense is “What if someone, out of nowhere, just physically attacks you?” (Though very improbable because everything has a reason) or “Someone calls you names, hates your guts and wants to start shit?” It is interesting how in modern society when one is placed as the victim of such event many tend to just stay silent and do nothing, or (the dumbest answer) fight back. Depending on one’s situation since it always varies, it might be acceptable to attack but in the case of high school students it is simply foolish. Why? Though they all say its self-defense, and it can be, you still get the same amount of punishment as your attacker. Security and officers won’t care about the stories you tell because they all blame the other one (obviously). In the end, the result will be negative because what security sees if all they believe.


What would be the proper, most effective reaction to any harmful act? Ignore it, report it, confront it. Anything without violence. In the case of men, if there is going to be a fight I am sure the phrase “be a man” is thrown out there. Many would think that being a man is being strong, tough, insensitive—a brute—because apparently brawn over brains will get you “far” in life. If you report, you are “snitching” or a “pussy.”An ignorant stereotype that is used to describe the male population (well, in Western culture most likely). Be intelligent. Think about it and visualize a situation where instead of fighting back you report your attacker. What is the outcome?


If I had to give an example of this ideal in real life and being successful, this can be easily related to Dr. King and Gandhi. Both faced difficulties in their countries and pursued for change yet they didn’t resort to violent means though because they knew if they did their movements would collapse and their troubles would continue. By being peaceful, they achieved what they wanted. Yeah, they are “cowards.” The problem with humans is we have adrenal glands that are too big and frontal lobes that are too small, fight or flight takes over. It isn’t wrong though; it’s human nature and we can’t help ourselves. But try to think and it will pay off in the future.