In light of recent comments by a well-known politician, combined with a growing desire by many politicians to use their office to exact “retribution” for perceived wrongs and slights, I found this quote by Leon Seltzer insightful.
“Revenge is predominantly emotional, while justice is primarily rational. Revenge is, by nature, personal, while justice is impersonal and impartial. Revenge is an act of vindictiveness, justice an act of vindication. Revenge is about cycles, justice about closure. And revenge is about retaliation, whereas justice is about restoring balance.”
It’s my hope we– as a people– can move away from revenge and retribution, and focus instead on justice, mercy, and understanding. Time will tell.