Power Of Forgiveness: Article Analysis

In today’s world, revenge is a popular solution to problems. We often want others to get what they deserve, often in retribution for something they did to us. Many people believe this is the best way to get even with someone who did us wrong. Despite this, revenge does not help us get even, and instead harms us. Due to this, it is clear that forgiveness is a much better way to move forward after being mistreated. As previously mentioned, revenge is harmful. However, this goes further, because revenge can harm us both physically and mentally. In the article “The Power of Forgiveness: Why Revenge Doesn’t Work”, Judith Orloff states that “studies have shown that revenge increases stress and impairs health and immunity” (Orloff). This means that when we carry out revenge, we become stressed, …show more content…
In the article “Revenge Is Good For You! Part 1”, Robert Biswas-Diener presents studies that show that revenge has positive psychological effects. He cites a study where “soldiers experienced more positive emotions when they imagined the suffering of their superiors” (Biswas-Diener). However, this is not a valid argument for revenge, because the imagining of suffering encourages violence and anger, which harm both parties in the situation. In addition, Biswas-Diener introduces opinion that revenge is effective due to its ability to send a message. He suggests that “The real power of revenge is in teaching a lesson” (Biswas-Diener). In spite of this, revenge is not the only way to teach a lesson. As mentioned before, Judith Orloff presents the fact that forgiveness can teach a lesson by turning anger into a constructive situation. Forgiveness not only teaches a lesson, but it does so in a way that does not harm anyone, and also helps them in the process. Clearly, it seems that revenge has no benefits, and only does