schadenfreude - noun- getting pleasure from others' failures
Schadenfreude is clearly German in derivation. As I recall from German class in high school, "schade" means "damage," whereas "freude" is the word for "joy." Literally, the term means damaged joy, an oxymoron since we might think that joy could never be damaging. Or could it? If we celebrate the foibles of others to make ourselves feel accomplished, we are partaking in a destructive form of happiness. At one time or another, I think we have all gloated over our successes at the expense of others. Or maybe we have embraced a sense of comeuppance when someone that we dislike got what he or she (or they) deserved. Still, schadenfreude, albeit extremely human, is far from a positive thing. Although it often takes a bit of effort to celebrate someone else's good fortune even if we somehow feel left out, there is some truth to the adage, "You get what you give" and "What goes around, comes around." If we can treat others well, they will follow suit and treat us well.
It's Friday, "try a little tenderness." Enjoy the evening.
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