What do you think?Friday, November 13, 2009 - LIFES BIG QUESTIONS
by kayepants
“Anger can be cured by time; hatred cannot… Much may happen to make the angry man pity those who offend him, but the hater under no circumstances wishes to pity a man whom he has once hated: for the one would have the offenders suffer for what they have done; the other would have them cease to exist.” —Aristotle
We use the word “hate” far too freely. I hate getting up early. I hate tailgaters. I hate turnips. Ihate hate crimes. That’s probably why the word gets such a bad rap. What if the truth about hate is entirely different? What if hate is a perfectly natural human emotion—and one that has its place? Right now, I’m angry with the man who broke my heart and want him to suffer. I would much prefer to hate him. Because then, according to Aristotle, he would cease to exist or matter to me. And that’s a coping mechanism I can get on board with.
3 comments:
wow, so true and profound! unfortunately i seem to keep a running tally of past transgressions rolling through my head and will get worked up thinking about them. not all the time mind you...but it would seem to be much easier to "hate" those wouldn't it if Aristotle it correct as they would then cease to exist?
Yes, I agree. I want to believe, though, that the hate can be temporary, just long enough to forget and "get through" rather than have the person and memories cease to exist (if only in our minds) forever.
Hmmm, interesting question. I guess it depends, as Dr. Phil would say, "How's that working for you?" If hate is feuling your health, short term, I think it's fine. But long term, healthier coping mechanisms might be better (forgiveness, deep breathing, letting anger have its place but not rule you, etc.). Anyway, just my thoughts...
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