SKU: 1648030194

The Joy of Pain: Schadenfreude and the Dark Side of Human Nature

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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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SKU: 1648030194

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Annie
Birmingham, US
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Lots of information
Format: Hardcover
This is a keepsake if you are currently in Health Information Management. Please note however, this book is very heavy and thick.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2024
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Lovely Linda
Lexington, US
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Some pages had printing issues
Format: Hardcover, Format: Hardcover
Pages 69-70 print errors.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2026
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anna emery
Belleville, US
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Missing answers to even number questions
Format: Hardcover
Great info but there are no answers for the even number questions. Only for the odd numbers. I would like to all answers to questions.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2025
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Morgen Senior
Massapequa, US
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No access code
Format: Hardcover, Format: Hardcover
Cannot use access code. Silver part is extremely hard to scratch off I can see that part of the code is missing.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2024
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DoogieDog
Omaha, US
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The Only Resource You'll Need to Pass the RHIA
Format: Hardcover
What did I like? This textbook is fully comprehensive of all that you'll need in order to take and pass the RHIA examination. I lost my credentials when I didn't renew my professional dues and needed to take it again after 26 years. Granted I have experience in the field, but this book covered it all. What did I use this for? I used this text to prepare for my RHIA exam administered by AHIMA.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2023

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