
01 Jun Revenge is based on a feeling of “inability” (MAX SCHELER)
Thirst for revenge is the most important source of ressentiment.
As we have seen, the very term “ressentiment” indicates that we
have to do with reactions which presuppose the previous
apprehension of another person‟s state of mind. The desire for
revenge—in contrast with all active and aggressive impulses, be
they friendly or hostile—is also such a reactive impulse. It is always
preceded by an attack or an injury. Yet it must be clearly
distinguished from the impulse for reprisals or self-defense, even
when this reaction is accompanied by anger, fury, or indignation. If
an animal bites its attacker, this cannot be called “revenge.” Nor
does an immediate reprisal against a box on the ear fall under this
heading. Revenge is distinguished by two essential characteristics.
First of all, the immediate reactive impulse, with the accompanying
emotions of anger and rage, is temporarily or at least momentarily
checked and restrained, and the response is consequently postponed
to a later time and to a more suitable occasion (“just wait till next
time”). This blockage is caused by the reflection that an immediate
reaction would lead to defeat, and by a concomitant pronounced
feeling of “inability” and “impotence.” Thus even revenge as such,
based as it is upon an experience of impotence, is always primarily
a matter of those who are “weak” in some respect. Furthermore, it is
of the essence of revenge that it always contains the consciousness
of “tit for tat,” so that it is never a mere emotional reaction? 2
These two characteristics make revenge the most suitable source
for the formation of ressentiment.
RESSENTIMENT
MAX SCHELER