The primitive ego's favorite sport, retaliation, is the opposite of not giving up on others. To take revenge opposes the teachings of the buddhas and saints. What is the spiritual practice that works? It is loving-kindness: a mindful yes, compassion, understanding, a belief that all humans are redeemable, and a commitment to reconciliation. Loving-kindness frees us from the retaliatory instinct of ego.

David Richo, The Five Things We Cannot Change