Pleasure from Someone Else ’s Pain

When I hear a word not commonly used in my vernacular twice in a period of a few days, I know I need not wait for a third time to explore the concept. Schadenfreude (pronounced ‘shade n froid’) which comes from German and originates from the words ‘harm’ and ‘joy. It is defined as, “enjoyment obtained from the troubles of others.” Chances are, you know someone who indulges in this practice, or perhaps, you do so yourself. It may seem like human nature to wish ill will on someone who wreaks havoc or does harm to others. As much as I am aware that cause and effect ultimately occurs, I take a page from those I know who practice the religion of Wicca as they don’t believe in casting negative spells since they hold firmly to the idea that what they put out into the world, returns 10-fold. Better not to evoke bad karma. Nothing is more evident in the ever-changing world of politics, than this paradigm. Those who voted for one candidate may have a rubbing their hands with glee feeling when the other stumbles and falls. It is like a see saw that raises and lowers depending on the whim and will of the populace. People like seeing someone get their comeuppance, especially when they smugly proclaimed their righteousness. One of the people who mentioned this word today has someone in her life who latches on to bad news about other people as if it is something that feeds his soul, when it fact, it might be poisoning it. He listens to talk radio with a political edge whil...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Family Friends Happiness Mindfulness Minding the Media Relationships Self-Esteem Bigotry Charlottesville Compassion Empathy fear of terrorism Mass murder Politics Racism white nationalism white supremacy Source Type: blogs