There are some people that derive satisfaction from seeing or hearing about other's mishaps, failures, or troubles. This is a phenomenon called "schadenfreude". Research suggests that low self-esteem or a sense of inadequacy or inferiority may be the factors in those who regularly experience schadenfreude and I understand the situation. This is why simple blessings of my life are important.
"It is not enough to succeed; others must fail." —Gore Vidal
"Malice is like a game of poker or tennis; you don't play it with anyone who is manifestly inferior to you." —Hilde Spiel
The emotion of pleasure in others' misfortune (Schadenfreude in German) is generally regarded as morally evil. It is often considered to be less acceptable than envy, which is regarded as a deadly sin. It would appear to be morally more perverse to be pleased with another person's misfortune than to be displeased with another person's good fortune. Indeed Arthur Schopenhauer argues that to feel envy is human, but to enjoy other people's misfortune is diabolical. For Schopenhauer, pleasure in others' misfortune is the worst trait in human nature, since it is closely related to cruelty. I believe that once we understand better this emotion, it becomes more natural and acceptable. How sad that a person can live a life this way. Denial and past looping is devastating and can cause mental issues and dissatisfaction. To wait to see if another person's misfortune may happen to be happy is morbid and sick.
The blessings of the week are incredible and we are moving forward with our plans and adventures. I had a zoom meeting last week about the editing of my manuscript and how to move into the next step towards publishing. Our e-books are selling well, my crocheted creations are selling like crazy, our nursery business is promising, and I have had fun with my Whiskey horse. Thom and I are headed to Eastern Washington to meet friends and then over to the Oregon coastline. We were able to purchase a brand new diesel pickup for my amazing husband. Paying attention to our own lives and directions bring blessings, peace, and comfort.
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