"Ne te réjouis pas du malheur d'un autre, même s'il est ton ennemi."

Feeling happy about someone else's downfall, even if they're your enemy, isn't something we should do. That's the simple heart of this quote. At first glance, this might seem a bit idealistic—after all, isn't it natural to feel a little satisfaction when someone who’s wronged us gets what's coming to them? But there's a deeper wisdom here.

Historically, this idea isn’t new. It’s found in many religious and philosophical traditions. For instance, in the Bible, Proverbs 24:17 says, "Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice." This kind of advice has been offered for centuries as a way to cultivate a more compassionate, human, and ultimately peaceful society.

Let me give you a real-life example to bring this to life. Think about the workplace. Imagine you’ve got a colleague who’s always trying to one-up you. They take credit for your ideas, spread rumors, and generally make your work life hell. One day, this colleague makes a major mistake on a project and gets called out by the boss in a big, embarrassing meeting. You might feel a surge of satisfaction—finally, they’re getting what they deserve. But if you lean into that feeling, you're not doing yourself any favors. That satisfaction is fleeting, and rejoicing in their misfortune only keeps you tied to negativity and bitterness.

Instead, what if you took a different approach? What if you reached out to that colleague afterward, offering a kind word or a bit of support? You don't have to like them or forget all the slights, but showing empathy and humanity in that moment lifts you above petty rivalry. It’s about maintaining your own integrity and not letting someone else’s actions dictate your behavior.

Applying this wisdom in your own life can be tricky, but here’s a bit of advice: practice empathy. Next time someone you dislike faces a setback, resist the urge to gloat. Instead, try to understand their perspective, even if it’s just for a moment. This doesn’t mean you have to become their best friend or excuse their behavior, but it helps to remember that everyone is human and fallible. This mindset can free you from the cycle of negativity and allow you to focus on your own growth and happiness.

Here’s a story to illustrate the point further. Imagine you’re back in high school, and there’s a kid who always picks on you. They spread nasty rumors and make life miserable. One day, they trip in the cafeteria, spilling their lunch all over themselves. Everyone laughs. You feel a moment of triumph—finally, they’re getting a taste of their own medicine. But then you notice the look on their face, a mix of embarrassment and hurt. You find yourself feeling a pang of empathy, remembering all the times you felt humiliated. Instead of joining in the laughter, you walk over and help them clean up. They’re surprised—maybe even a bit ashamed—but you’ve shown them what it means to be the bigger person.

In showing kindness, despite everything, you’re not just helping them; you’re setting yourself free. You’ve decided that your happiness and self-worth aren’t tied to someone else’s misfortune. And that’s a powerful place to be.

Remember, it's not about being a saint or letting people walk all over you. It's about choosing to rise above pettiness and embrace a more compassionate and fulfilling way of living.