Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the importance of responding to offense with personal growth rather than vengeance. Instead of seeking retaliation, which can lead to a cycle of anger and further harm, he advocates for healing and self-improvement as the true form of justice. By not stooping to the level of those who wrong us, we rise above the injury and cultivate a better path for ourselves.

Seneca echoes this sentiment by pointing out the futility of revenge, comparing it to retaliating against an animal that attacks us. He argues that returning aggression only prolongs our suffering and leads to more damage. Both philosophers urge us to choose a path of resilience and healing over one of anger and revenge, highlighting that maintaining our dignity and emotional well-being is far more valuable than responding in kind to insult.