The best revenge is forgiveness. At least from an evolutionary psychology perspective, this might sound foolish. However, the instinct for revenge is deeply embedded in human nature, and without it, cooperative societies might never have existed. In the movie John Wick, Keanu Reeves’ character leaves a strong impression through his relentless pursuit of vengeance. This resonates with many because revenge feels not only justified but also satisfying. In an interview, Reeves once said, “If revenge changes nothing, wouldn’t it still feel satisfying? ” This sentiment raises important questions: Why does revenge feel so exhilarating? Why do people want to punish bad individuals, even when they are not personally affected?
When we witness inequality or injustice, we feel a deep urge to seek revenge or impose punishment, even when the offense has nothing to do with us. From an evolutionary psychology perspective, the underlying motivation for revenge is often status defense. If someone wrongs me but faces no consequences—neither an apology nor punishment—allowing it to pass unchallenged is equivalent to accepting it. In such a scenario, my social status would decline, and others might perceive me as weak. This instinct explains why people often feel the need to call out and expose wrongdoers publicly. The role of revenge, then, is not just retaliation but also deterrence, ensuring that the wrongdoer does not repeat their harmful actions. Without this mechanism, cooperation and social order would be much harder to maintain (Danaher, 2015).
Third-Party Punishment and the Role of Empathy
However, revenge is not always about personal retaliation. We also want to punish wrongdoers who have no direct connection to us. This is because we can empathize not only with the victim’s pain and suffering but also with their resentment toward the perpetrator. Empathy plays a crucial role in shaping our moral judgments and influencing whom we choose to punish. Interestingly, not all victims hold resentment. For example, very few people would assume that an abused kitten harbors a desire for revenge against its abuser. This distinction highlights that revenge is not just about harm itself but about how we, as social beings, interpret justice and fairness.
In the psychology of third-party punishment, a key factor is the relationship between the victim, the perpetrator, and ourselves. If the police arrest a violent criminal, we do not wish to punish the police; we see their actions as just. However, if the victim is someone we perceive as immoral or undeserving of sympathy, we may find it harder to empathize with their pain. In other words, we are more likely to seek revenge on behalf of those we feel psychologically close to. Even children instinctively understand this—if a bully harms a classmate, a victim’s best friend is more likely to intervene than an ordinary classmate. When considering revenge on behalf of others, we do not necessarily focus on what the victim wants but rather on what we would want if we were in their position.
Furthermore, third-party punishment is often less about improving society and more about ensuring that the wrongdoer suffers. Economist Adam Smith once said, “The objective is achieved when the wrongdoer truly regrets and repents for their actions” (Harmon, 2011). This suggests that our motivation for punishment is not entirely rational; it is rooted in emotional satisfaction and the innate desire to see justice served.
Altruistic Punishment and Maintaining Cooperation
The desire for revenge is not merely a personal emotion but plays a crucial role in maintaining social cooperation. In the past, researchers studying human altruism encountered a major challenge known as the free-rider problem. Altruistic individuals must sacrifice some of their own resources to benefit others, potentially reducing their survival and reproductive success. Meanwhile, selfish free-riders can reap these benefits without contributing, allowing them to thrive within a group while jeopardizing the cooperative system.
However, if punishers exist within a society, they not only enforce short-term justice but also serve as a mechanism to deter free-riders and promote cooperation. This form of altruistic punishment discourages selfish behavior, ensuring that cooperation remains a viable strategy for survival. Yet, punishment is not without costs—it requires time and energy, and it can lead to resentment from those being punished, potentially creating an endless cycle of retaliation. A more complex issue arises with the presence of second-order free-riders—individuals who benefit from punishment without actively participating in it. If too many people avoid the costs of punishment while still enjoying its benefits, the cooperative system risks collapsing.
To counteract this, humans have developed strategies to reduce the cost of punishment. For instance, collective punishment methods—such as spreading rumors or ostracizing wrongdoers—allow the entire group to participate, minimizing individual costs while still maintaining cooperation. In this way, revenge and punishment serve not only as deterrents but also as reinforcement mechanisms that preserve social order (Volpe, A., 2024).
Conclusion
The existence of punishers plays a crucial role in maintaining social cooperation, functioning similarly to institutions that deter wrongdoing. Altruistic punishers gain reputational benefits, reinforcing their role in society. Studies show that even infants prefer those who punish wrongdoers, suggesting this inclination is deeply rooted in human nature.
Modern judicial systems have reduced the need for personal revenge, with third-party punishment helping decrease violence over time. However, in societies where justice systems fail, individuals often resort to self-help methods like doxxing or vigilante actions, leading to further conflict. Revenge, as seen in storytelling, is often framed as a means of self-defense and maintaining social standing, reflecting real-life motivations.
Ultimately, the desire for revenge is a fundamental part of human psychology, shaping both personal and societal behaviors. While legal systems aim to regulate justice, the emotional drive for revenge persists. If people feel justice is not served, they seek to enforce it themselves, underscoring the importance of a fair and effective justice system in preserving social stability.
References
Danaher, J., 2015. Philosophical Disquisitions: The Psychology of Revenge: Biology, Evolution and Culture. [online] Philosophical Disquisitions. Available at: https://philosophicaldisquisitions.blogspot.com/2015/07/the-psychology-of-revenge-biology.html [Accessed 8 March 2025].
Harmon, K., 2011. Does Revenge Serve an Evolutionary Purpose? [online] Scientific American. Available at: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/revenge-evolution/ [Accessed 8 March 2025].
Volpe, A., 2024. Why we seek revenge — and what to do instead. [online] Vox. Available at: https://www.vox.com/even-better/354549/why-we-seek-revenge-and-what-to-do-instead [Accessed 8 March 2025].
