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"ناراضی‌ها از بدبختی‌های دیگران تسلی می‌یابند"

Aesop
Aesop Fabulist
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Quote meaning
People who are unhappy often find a sense of relief when they see others going through tough times. It sounds pretty grim, but it's actually a common human reaction. Think about it: if you're having a really bad day and then you hear about someone else having an even worse time, it can make your own troubles feel a bit lighter by comparison. It's not that we wish bad things on others—it's just that knowing we're not alone in our suffering can be strangely comforting.

Historically, this idea has been around for ages. It's kind of like a coping mechanism that's baked into our psyche. The German word "Schadenfreude," which means "joy at others' misfortune," is a perfect encapsulation of this concept. It's not a new idea, and it's not even limited to any particular culture or time period. This reflects a universal aspect of human nature.

Let me give you a real-life example. Imagine you're working in an office, and you've just botched a major presentation. You're feeling down, embarrassed, and frustrated with yourself. Then, you hear that a colleague of yours, who is usually very competent, made a similar mistake in a meeting with the big boss. Suddenly, your own screw-up doesn't seem as catastrophic. You might even find yourself feeling a little bit better, maybe even chuckling about it with a co-worker. It's not that you want your colleague to suffer, but their misfortune puts your own into perspective—making it feel less isolating and overwhelming.

So, how can we use this piece of wisdom to navigate our lives better? First, recognize that it's totally normal to feel this way. It doesn't make you a bad person. However, try not to dwell on others' misfortunes as a way to soothe your own pain. Instead, use it as a reminder that everyone struggles. This can foster empathy rather than just relief. Next time you find yourself feeling a bit better because someone else had a rough day, take a moment to reach out to them. Share your own experiences and offer support. In doing so, you create a bond that can help both of you cope more effectively.

Now, picture this scenario: You're at a family gathering, and your cousin starts talking about how they got a flat tire on the way to work and ended up being late for an important meeting. You're reminded of the time you spilled coffee all over your presentation notes just before heading into a big pitch. You both laugh about your misadventures, and suddenly, the weight of your own embarrassment lifts a bit. You realize you're not the only one facing life's little curveballs.

This shared experience doesn't just make you feel better—it strengthens your relationship with your cousin. You both walk away feeling a bit lighter, knowing that everyone has their off days. It's a small, yet powerful way to connect with others and remind yourself that you're not alone in your struggles.

In essence, while we might naturally find comfort in the misfortunes of others, it's important to channel that feeling into empathy and support. By doing so, we not only help ourselves but also build stronger, more compassionate communities. So next time you find yourself chuckling at someone else's mishap, take it as an opportunity to lend a helping hand and share a knowing smile.
Related tags
Comfort Emotional response Empathy Human nature Misfortune Philosophy Psychology Schadenfreude Social behavior Unhappiness
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