Responding to someone's bad behavior with equally bad behavior doesn't create a morally acceptable situation.
This phrase appears in English by the late 18th century, with the earliest recorded version in a 1783 publication. The concept is much older, reflecting universal moral principles found in various religious and philosophical traditions about justice, revenge, and ethical behavior.
This phrase encapsulates one of the fundamental principles of restorative versus retributive justice - the idea that justice should repair harm rather than simply inflict punishment. Neuroscience shows that our brains are wired for reciprocity, making the urge to 'get even' almost automatic, which is why this reminder remains culturally important.
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