In the late eighteenth century, Friedrich Schiller was a well-known German playwright, poet, philosopher, and historian. Themes of morality, human nature, and the intricacies of social conventions were frequently examined in his work. The emptiness and futility that revenge brings are reflected in one of his noteworthy observations.

According to Schiller, seeking revenge is similar to eating a bitter fruit; while indulging in something sour or spicy may provide momentary gratification, the taste eventually leaves an unpleasant aftertaste. Seeking revenge can give one a fleeting sense of fulfillment as they attempt to hurt the people who have wronged them. But this short-lived triumph has a high cost: it frequently results in more pain and hopelessness.

Similar to how someone who is hungry might eat rotten food out of a need for food, someone who is motivated by retaliation might do bad things just because the urge is too strong. However, instead of offering any true solace or healing, such actions only serve to prolong suffering. Schiller uses the "dreadful food" as a metaphor for these counterproductive and damaging behaviors.

In the end, Schiller cautions that seeking retribution can result in hopelessness since it doesn't resolve fundamental problems or bring about genuine peace. He advises finding more constructive ways to deal with complaints and promote personal development rather than concentrating on retaliation.