In his book "Nutshell," Ian McEwan explores the complex nature of revenge, emphasizing its duality in human experience. He suggests that while the desire for revenge can be a fleeting thought that we can forgive ourselves for, acting on that impulse leads to irreversible consequences. The distinction between the thought and the act is vital, as engaging in violence only perpetuates a cycle of crime without healing the underlying grievances.

McEwan invokes a warning from Confucius about the futility of revenge, highlighting that it erodes the fabric of civilization and induces a state of constant fear. Instead of resolution, revenge merely leads to further violence and a decline in moral order. Therefore, he encourages introspection before pursuing vengeance, stressing that it does not provide the relief one hopes for, but instead, deepens the wounds of conflict.