What does it say about the world we’re creating that the word “Shadenfreude” (taking joy in the misfortune of others) has come to be used more widely than “Freudefreude” (taking joy in the good fortune of others)?
I am almost always delighted to hear of a good friend becoming a partner or spouse, a parent or finding work they are passionate about. Or that they’ve discovered a healthy new lifestyle in a location they seem to love. This is great!
Celebrating the successes and milestones of others is one of the beautiful parts of being human — whether it be attending a naming ceremony (also known as as Christenings and baptisms), romantic union (also know as weddings and civil partnerships) or a celebration of someone’s life (also known as funerals and memorial services).
Commemorating the achievements of predecessors is surely a sign of confidence (while admirable, it’d be a little bit harder to celebrate the successes of future successors).
I feel happy and hopeful to see the achievements of those I respect honoured.
So, here’s to more “Freudenfreude” in our lives!
With that it mind, I’m very much looking forward to tune into this programme by an audio producer for whom I have immense respect, Amanda Hargreaves, at 7.15pm tomorrow on BBC Radio 4:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00297vd