347. The psychology of revenge

Have you ever felt that urge for payback? Revenge is one of the oldest, most universal human instincts. It seems like it promises justice, balance, or even peace. But why does it so often leave us feeling worse, not better?

In this episode, we dive into the psychology of revenge - what drives it, what it costs us, and why our brains find it so hard to let go.

We explore:

• Why revenge feels so intoxicating
• The difference between impulsive and planned revenge
• Who might be more prone to act out revenge
• The negative effects of seeking it out
• Why acting on our need can leave us feeling worse
• The push and pull behind human morality
• Empathy, success and silence as alternatives

If you’ve ever replayed an argument in your head or imagined getting even, this episode is for you.

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