The Joy of Pain by Richard H Smith
Few people confess easily to taking pleasure in the misfortunes of others. Maybe this is why there is no word for the feeling in English. And so schadenfreude, that beguiling German word, is borrowed to label the experience. But most of us can secretly think of many times when a misfortune suffered by someone gave us pleasure. What sports fan can suppress delight when a hated rival loses? Political junkies know the thrill of a scandal befalling an opposing candidate. How about when an envied friend suffers a little setback? Who fails to laugh when an arrogant but untalented contestant is humiliated on American Idol, or when the embarrassing vice of an ideological politician is exposed? This book, written by one of the world's foremost scholars of envy and shame, explores the emotion we dare not admit to: schadenfreude. From garden-variety envy and competition to malignant intent and concepts of deservingness and comeuppance, psychologist Richard Smith explains why we feel schadenfreude with examples ranging from literary works and reality television to neuroscience. Although schadenfreude is hardly a feeling to nourish in oneself or to encourage as a cultural habit, Smith argues that there is no getting rid of it, when the misfortunes of others can lead to our benefit. Indeed, schadenfreude can be sweet revenge when it is personal, but as Smith argues in a fascinating exploration of anti-semitism in the 20th century that concludes the book, this passive thrill can lead to devastating consequences.
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* sciencebookaday.com *
I am grateful that a credible scientist has endeavored to approach this controversial subject. I donât think that I am overreaching when I state that all human beings on earth should understand this concept and acknowledge that it is a part of the human condition, no matter how much we try to deny it...Smithâs easy-to-read and entertaining volume begins a dialog that should take place in the United States and around the globe.
I am grateful that a credible scientist has endeavored to approach this controversial subject. I donât think that I am overreaching when I state that all human beings on earth should understand this concept and acknowledge that it is a part of the human condition, no matter how much we try to deny it...Smithâs easy-to-read and entertaining volume begins a dialog that should take place in the United States and around the globe.
Richard H. Smith is Professor of Psychology at the University of Kentucky. He graduated with a degree in English Literature from Brown University and received his Ph.D. in experimental social psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His book, Envy: Theory and Research, was published by Oxford University Press in 2008.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780199734542 |
| ISBN 10 | 0199734542 |
| Title | The Joy of Pain |
| Author | Richard H Smith |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press Inc |
| Year published | 2013-08-15 |
| Number of pages | 256 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |