SKU: 1648030194

The Joy of Pain: Schadenfreude and the Dark Side of Human Nature

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The Joy of Pain: Schadenfreude and the Dark Side of Human NatureFew people will easily admit to taking pleasure in the misfortunes of others. But who doesn't enjoy it when an arrogant but untalented contestant is humiliated on American Idol, or when the embarrassing vice of a self righteous politician is exposed, or even when an envied friend suffers a small setback? The truth is that joy in someone else's pain known by the German word schadenfreude permeates our society. In The Joy of Pain, psychologist Richard

Few people will easily admit to taking pleasure in the misfortunes of others. But who doesn't enjoy it when an arrogant but untalented contestant is humiliated on American Idol, or when the embarrassing vice of a self-righteous politician is exposed, or even when an envied friend suffers a small setback? The truth is that joy in someone else's pain--known by the German word schadenfreude--permeates our society.

In The Joy of Pain, psychologist Richard Smith, one of the world's foremost authorities on envy and shame, sheds much light on a feeling we dare not admit. Smith argues that schadenfreude is a natural human emotion, one worth taking a closer look at, as it reveals much about who we are as human beings. We have a passion for justice. Sometimes, schadenfreude can feel like getting one's revenge, when the suffering person has previously harmed us. But most of us are also motivated to feel good about ourselves, Smith notes, and look for ways to maintain a positive sense of self. One common way to do this is to compare ourselves to others and find areas where we are better. Similarly, the downfall of others--especially when they have seemed superior to us--can lead to a boost in our self-esteem, a lessening of feelings of inferiority. This is often at the root of schadenfreude. As the author points out, most instances of schadenfreude are harmless, on par with the pleasures of light gossip. Yet we must also be mindful that envy can motivate, without full awareness, the engineering of the misfortune we delight in. And envy-induced aggression can take us into dark territory indeed, as Smith shows as he examines the role of envy and schadenfreude in the Nazi persecution of the Jews.

Filled with engaging examples of schadenfreude, from popular reality shows to the Duke-Kentucky basketball rivalry, The Joy of Pain provides an intriguing glimpse into a hidden corner of the human psyche.


Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Published: 09/01/2014
ISBN: 9780199393718
Pages: 256
Weight: 0.75lbs
Size: 9.10h x 6.10w x 0.80d
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SKU: 1648030194

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Birmingham, US
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Buy every year. Love the colorful drawings and all the information.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2026
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Great calendar
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Wonderful calendar full of information and pictures
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anniehall
Omaha, US
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Excellent Wall Calendar
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Nice, colorful calendar. Interesting tidbits on every page and plenty of room to write appointments for every day of the month.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2026
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Fort Morgan, US
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Wonderful gardening calendar
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Wonderful calendar with lots of good gardening tips and pics.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2026
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Louisville, US
★★★★★ 5
MUFON vs. Stephen Greer
Format: Paperback
How it relates- this book was once sold (now out of stock) by mufon on their website- out of the many books that could've been chosen. I see a lengthy review by an obvious Stephen Greer fan. I, too, have seen his films. I was also once a member of Mufon in which paying that membership fee allowed me the extra little bit of privilege to attend web seminars/ community zoom meetings. I participated in some of these meetings to fully feel and understand what I was paying for, honestly. I joined mufon as a Stephen Greer fan myself so I was excited to use the opportunity to ask others of their thoughts about him and his films during one of these meetings. What I got was silence and if anything, a slight scoff. He was quickly dismissed and I was left with my own conclusion. This book is like most say- very interesting. I think both the author and Stephen Greer may have some things right but but all. My first instinctive question about this book was "how does he know this?" Right out of the gate, I'm assuming it's pure sci-fi but he does provide some backstory. Well, his work is comprised of others accounts. It can be unnerving when it comes to the malevolent species. If I had to pick a side drawn from my own conclusions- it would be MUFON over Dr. Greer because if there are malevolent species, you won't catch me in the open air shining lasers and telepathically calling the closest craft to come down and visit, blindly welcoming. Some close encounters and abductees are horrified by their experience and live through a lasting trauma. If you peruse the national ufo reporting center website, you will see reports of different crafts and behavior. One could interpret this as different levels of curiosity or.....various agendas. The universe is infinite as far as we know- beyond our humanly knowledge and capabilities. We haven't even fully explored our own galaxy. If we have the ability to be malevolent at times, what human can really say there's not another life form like us? Another life form that relies on food (other life forms) for energy? We all know what can happen when we get a little hungry. We all know the greed that can came from the demand and price of natural resources. Could other species scout the Earth just as we are racing for resources on the moon? There should be no limit to possibilities so I can only stay open minded. BOTTOM LINE- 100% would recommend as a read. It's different from the others when you want a refreshing change in format. No long stories so you can pick up anywhere- almanac style. A reference guide for alien races that can be quite entertaining!
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Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2024

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