Vengeance Is Mine - Saith The Brain

[Tiger]

Revenge is sweet. Many of us have felt that way, and now scientists say they know why.
A new brain-imaging study suggests we feel satisfaction when we punish others for bad behavior. In fact, anticipation of this pleasure drives us to crack the whip, according to scientists behind the new research.

The findings, reported in today's issue of the journal Science, may partly explain a behavior known as altruistic punishment: Why do we reprimand people who have abused our trust or broken other social rules, even when we get no direct practical benefits in return?



http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/08/0827_040827_punishment.html#main

[Tiger]

As Unca Walt would say, "It's hardwired into us."

We, as human animals have an inbred sense of justice. We don't need to be taught it - we KNOW it.

[truelies]

Revenge is sweet. ........................



http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/08/0827_040827_punishment.html#main


According to Knutson, the Stanford psychologist, altruistic punishment seems irrational from the standpoint of self-interest. But Knutson wrote that the Swiss study explains this seemingly irrational behavior by showing that "instead of cold calculated reason, it is passion that may plant the seeds of revenge."

So I can quit feeling guilt over my rare cases of Road Rage since such behaviour is part of my Nature? ;)

[Tiger]

According to Knutson, the Stanford psychologist, altruistic punishment seems irrational from the standpoint of self-interest. But Knutson wrote that the Swiss study explains this seemingly irrational behavior by showing that "instead of cold calculated reason, it is passion that may plant the seeds of revenge."

So I can quit feeling guilt over my rare cases of Road Rage since such behaviour is part of my Nature? ;)



Absolutely. well, at least as long as the person you are angry with is the one in error. ;D

[NorNec]

According to Knutson, the Stanford psychologist, altruistic punishment seems irrational from the standpoint of self-interest. But Knutson wrote that the Swiss study explains this seemingly irrational behavior by showing that "instead of cold calculated reason, it is passion that may plant the seeds of revenge."

So I can quit feeling guilt over my rare cases of Road Rage since such behaviour is part of my Nature? ;)



Speaking of Inbred :o