Modern Wisdom

#989 - James Kimmel Jr. - Why Violence & Revenge Fantasies Feel Good

178 snips
Sep 4, 2025
Guest
James Kimmel Jr.
James Kimmel Jr., a lawyer and author of 'The Science of Revenge', explores the intriguing intersection of revenge and psychology. He discusses why the desire for revenge is deeply ingrained in human nature and how it mirrors addictive behaviors. The conversation also delves into the societal glamorization of vengeance, highlighting its distinctions from justice. Kimmel shares strategies for overcoming revenge fantasies and emphasizes the healing power of forgiveness, urging listeners to consider the consequences of seeking retribution in a modern context.
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Near-Fatal Retaliation On A Country Road

  • James Kimmel Jr. chased bullies with a loaded gun after they killed his dog and terrorized his family.
  • He stopped seconds before potential murder, choosing identity preservation over revenge.
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Revenge Is An Evolutionary Reward Misfire

  • Evolution likely wired humans to enjoy hurting those who wrong us as an adaptive enforcement mechanism.
  • That reward system now misfires on modern insults and humiliation instead of survival threats.
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Revenge Hijacks Addiction Circuitry

  • Psychological harms activate the brain's pain network and the same reward circuitry as addiction.
  • Revenge craving floods dopamine circuits, creating a cycle like substance addiction.
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