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Revenge

We explore where our desire for revenge comes from and if it can ever bring peace.

Conflicts around the world remind us daily of the perils of taking an eye for an eye. How deep into our societies does the instinct for revenge go? If revenge is a dish best not served at all, can victims of personal trauma find closure by other means? And what are the consequences of supressing our vengeful desires?

Bridget Kendall is joined by the celebrated novelist Rose Tremain, whose latest book Merivel, depicts a man incapable of taking revenge. Indian essayist Salil Tripathi considers righting the wrongs of history in Bangladesh. And the activist Yvette Alberdingk Thijm encourages victims from all over the world to relate their experiences on video and begin the process of moving on.

Illustration by Emily Kasriel: Vengeance pacified by storytelling.

Available now

41 minutes

Last on

Sun 2 Sep 2012 11:05GMT

Chapters

  • Part 1

    Rose Tremain

    Duration: 13:47

  • Yvette Alberdingk Thijm

    Yvette Alberdingk Thijm

    Duration: 09:13

  • Part 2 60 Second Idea

    Salil Tripathi: we need avatars that are compliant

    Duration: 04:08

  • Salil Tripathi

    Salil Tripathi

    Duration: 13:22

Broadcasts

  • Sat 1 Sep 2012 22:05GMT
  • Sun 2 Sep 2012 01:05GMT
  • Sun 2 Sep 2012 11:05GMT

Do you think political or business leaders need to be charismatic? Or do you prefer highly competent but somewhat stern people?

Do you think political or business leaders need to be charismatic? Or do you prefer highly competent but somewhat stern people?

We鈥檇 love to hear your views on charm and charisma for a future Forum.

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