The Tarantulas
This is a passage from Thus Spake Zarathustra (Chapter 14 — same title as this post) that resonated with me recently.
It is interesting to think about interactions with people that you either consciously or unconsciously wish to punish for a perceived slight.
Inspired ones they resemble: but it is not the heart that inspireth them—but vengeance. And when they become subtle and cold, it is not spirit, but envy, that maketh them so.
Their jealousy leadeth them also into thinkers’ paths; and this is the sign of their jealousy—they always go too far: so that their fatigue hath at last to go to sleep on the snow.
In all their lamentations soundeth vengeance, in all their eulogies is maleficence; and being judge seemeth to them bliss.
But thus do I counsel you, my friends: distrust all in whom the impulse to punish is powerful!
In the end, these interactions diminish you.
Nietzsche has a recommendation on how to ensure that you don’t fall prey to the above.
It can be found in Chapter 51 (On Passing-By): “Where one can no longer love, there should one—PASS BY!”