I was struck yesterday by how utterly ludicrous the phrase "Let's fight fire with fire!" is. If you fight fire with fire then obviously there will only be more fire i.e- whatever problem was caused by the first bit of fire will simply be elevated! The phrase is just pointless and shows an obviously revenge based mind set. The phrase is never used in the context of trying to punish someone justly- that isn't fighting. It's nearly always used with a vicious, overly vengeful heart.
Now, returning with equal and necessary force in wars is an acceptable situation where this phrase MIGHT be used, but barely. You should always be trying to stop any more fire (literal or otherwise).
So, next time you venture into the use of this utterly pointless and ridiculous nook of the English Language, I'd say two things:
1)Examine your heart: are you just out for revenge? Trying to make yourself feel even or justified? Well the more fire you throw, the more your enemy will throw and the more ridiculously out of hand the dilemna will become.
2)Think just how stupid the phrase is in a literal sense. I'd like to see you put out a fire with fire, empty a glass by filling it up or cut down a tree by throwing a few seeds at it.
Blog out.
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