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Description
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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4.3 ★★★★★
Based on 10 reviews
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Product Reviews
★★★★★ 5
Addictive as almond M&M's
Format: Paperback
I once read a book that blew the whistle on the abuses in the system that produces young elite figure skaters and gymnasts. One mother said of another mother that she was very likeable, but she'd cut your throat behind your back. That describes a lot of Freida McFadden's heroines (and their besties) to a t.
At least one of the following always occurs in these novels.
1. If someone says, "Eh, I'm sure it's nothing," it's not. If someone believes their husband is too busy working to have an affair, he isn't. If someone suspects a knife is missing from the block, it is.
2. If a child or teen bitterly complains of being a victim of peer conflict, there's a good chance he/she is the instigator. They may even have committed or assisted in a murder in the past.
3. At some point, you will be told point blank that the character you have just spent a good chunk of the book with is the polar opposite. And even if you're familiar with the books, it may come as at least a partial surprise since this doesn't occur in most novels.
4. Everyone in the book has a secret, even if it's just hair dye.
5. There's also what I call the "Cold Case" rule: Don't argue near stairs. Ever. But I digress.
At first, happily married to a great guy Naomi Roth doesn't really protest when her husband Jeremy, after having changed the locks, insists that she go and stay at the apartment he bought for his now-deceased parents. She believes, despite a few stray doubts, that he is telling the truth when he says that it's just renovations and that it will be better this way - and he's even thoughtfully packed for her. However, soon after that, Naomi is told in no uncertain terms that Jeremy wants a divorce, which makes her a pariah with her fellow mothers, except one. Is her husband having an affair, and if so, what secrets does his mistress have? And who the heck committed the murder in the preface (there's almost one in every book, so it isn't much of a spoiler)?
As always, the author makes writing fiction look effortless, which if you've actually sat down to write some, know it usually isn't. Another addictive read.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2026
★★★★★ 4
Calling all Freida Fans!!!
Format: Kindle
4.5 stars!!!! Mrs. Freida McFadden Fans!!! This book was soooooo good!!! I started reading last night thinking I will read a few chapters before bed. Well, it is 2am 😊 so, I couldn’t put it down. All the characters are despicable…but it a good way. I had this one figured out; I did, and BAM! No I didn’t…then, twist after twist after oh s*** twist!!! Poor Ezra…sweet little Teddy….the rest, all despicable, but like I said; in such a wonderfully twisty way!!!
Naomi husband decides out of nowhere he wants a divorce. She later finds out there “is” another woman; Veronica. Their son Teddy gets shuffled back and forth from Jeremy's house to Naomi’s apartment, and……
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Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Heartbreaking and beautiful
Format: Kindle
This book reads like living. I was able to be Sybil, not just observe her. I found the experience of reading her story authentic and cathartic in a way. At the middle of my life it provoked a sense that’s there can be goodness and purpose in aging.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2026
★★★★★ 4
Beautifully written and unique conversational format
Format: Hardcover
This was a great read—sad, but very well done. I really enjoyed the conversational format, since I’ve never read a book told in quite that way before. It felt fresh and different, and the writing was excellent. Overall, it was a very engaging and memorable book.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2026
★★★★★ 5
a life in letters
Format: Kindle
What a moving story. I thought I would be bored reading someone’s correspondence, I was not. This is a well written, interesting and moving book. A life in letters. Loved it.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2026
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