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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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★★★★★ 5
Love them
Color: Black, Size: Standard
I LOVE THESE PILLOW CASES. I love the zipper so it stays on the pillow, how it stays cool, and the fabric. Worth it 100%
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Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2026
★★★★★ 5
BUY IT!!
Color: Light Gray, Size: Standard
Love the material super soft and smooth like silk. It’s also nice and cold for when I got to bed! Definitely recommend
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Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Actually feels cool at night
Color: Light Gray, Size: Standard
I’ve been using these for several days now and I did notice a difference. I tend to get hot while sleeping, so I was curious if they would actually help, and they do feel cool when you lay on them. I also like that they’re soft and comfortable, not that weird texture some “cooling” products have. So far, I’ve been really happy with them.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Definitely recommend
Color: White, Size: Queen (20" X 30")
I highly recommend this pillow case. With two sides it is easy to stay comfortable as the weather changes. The cooling side is nicely cool to touch and both sides are incredibly soft. The size is also good.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Nice & cool
Color: Beige, Size: King (20" X 36")
These are the best pillowcases! I love having a cooling side for summer and a warm side for winter. I can't imagine switching back to normal cotton pillowcases after using these. They zip on so they stay on unlike regular pillowcases.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2026