Vengeance was a funny thing: You wanted the satisfaction of knowing it had occurred, but you never wanted to actually hear the words out loud, because then you'd have to admit to yourself that you'd wanted proof, and that somehow made you baser, less civilized.

Summary

This quote highlights the complex nature of revenge. It suggests that while part of us craves the fulfillment of seeing vengeance enacted, we are also reluctant to acknowledge this desire. Admitting to ourselves that we sought proof of revenge being carried out makes us feel primitive and less morally refined. Essentially, the quote speaks to the contradictory emotions surrounding vengeance - the desire for justice and the discomfort of embracing our baser instincts.