1A What Seeking Revenge Does To Our Brains
Jun 12, 2025
James Kimmel, Jr., a Yale psychiatry lecturer and author of 'The Science of Revenge,' and psychologist Alexandra Solomon discuss the addictive nature of revenge. They delve into the emotional turmoil that fuels our desire for retribution, highlighting how it can backfire and exacerbate pain. The conversation also touches on the neuroscience behind revenge and forgiveness, emphasizing healthier alternatives to vengeance. Personal stories and expert insights reveal the complex relationship between our feelings of injustice and emotional well-being.
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James Kimmel Jr.'s Revenge Story
- James Kimmel Jr. was bullied severely as a teen, culminating in the killing of his dog by bullies.
- He nearly took violent revenge but chose not to due to realizing the personal toll it would exact on his identity.
Talk Out Revenge Urges
- Talk about your revenge fantasies with a safe person to reduce their urgency.
- Therapy can help transform dark urges into healing, paving the way towards forgiveness and liberation.
Neuroscience of Revenge
- Revenge activates the brain's pain network and reward system, making revenge feel pleasurable and addictive.
- This explains why retaliation often escalates and why it can target proxies, not just the original wrongdoers.
