"S'abstenir de l'imitation est la meilleure vengeance"
— Marcus Aurelius
Simplified Meaning:
When someone does something wrong to you, it might feel like you should pay them back by doing the same thing to them. However, holding back and not copying their hurtful behavior shows your strength and maturity. Instead of sinking to their level, you can choose to rise above the situation. Imagine a friend spreads a mean rumor about you. Your first thought might be to spread a rumor about them in return. But if you decide not to do that, you show that you are better than letting anger control your actions. People will see that you have integrity, and this makes you a stronger person. In history, leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. chose peaceful protests over violence in the fight for civil rights. By not imitating the aggression of their oppressors, they earned greater respect and brought about positive change. Following this approach in your own life makes you a better person and helps you avoid messy conflicts.