All In The Mind Why revenge feels good — and what it costs
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Sep 6, 2025 
In this enlightening discussion, James Kimmel Jr., an Assistant Clinical Professor at Yale and author of The Science of Revenge, shares his insights on the neuroscience behind revenge. He reveals how our brains reward us for seeking payback and explores the addiction-like qualities of these feelings. Kimmel contrasts the damaging effects of revenge with the healing power of forgiveness, drawing from personal experiences and cutting-edge research. His journey from a revenge-driven lawyer to a proponent of reconciliation offers a captivating perspective on human psychology.
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Childhood Bullying And The Dead Dog
- James Kimmel describes being bullied after his family moved to a farm and how it escalated over years.
- He discovered his dog shot dead, an event that fuelled his desire for revenge but did not immediately make him retaliate violently.
The Night He Almost Killed
- James chased his bullies with a gun after their mailbox was blown up and cornered them by a barn.
- He stopped at the last second, recognising killing would permanently change his identity and risked severe consequences.
Revenge Lights Up The Brain's Reward Circuit
- Neuroscience studies show revenge activates the dorsal striatum, a reward-related brain region.
- Stronger activation predicts willingness to incur costs to punish someone who wronged you.
