Sigh. So true. I've had my share of learning things the hard way. It's just this darned human nature which is so restless and heedless. But that shouldn't be an excuse for not trying to become wiser.
Just today, someone said something mean, in fact demeaning to me. I did not reply as it was so absurd. But then the whole day I kept fuming and thinking about the things I'd say to that person the next time we met. Am still angry, but I did realize that responding would be equally absurd, and sometimes it is best to let things be. Better to not avenge my hurt 'ego', than stoop to the same level of that person.
Hard road yeah, but the itch still remains, to reply in the like, for a little while at least. Lord help me persevere!