Happiness: an agreeable sensation arising from contemplating the misery of another.
Interpretation
Happiness can come from feeling above others' suffering.
This quote by Ambrose Bierce suggests that happiness might sometimes arise from the contrast of one's own situation with the suffering of others. It highlights a somewhat cynical view of happiness, implying that people can find joy in the misfortunes of others, which raises questions about the nature of true happiness and empathy.
In practice
This quote could be used in a discussion about the ethics of media consumption during tragic events.
PALM, n. A species of tree . . . of which the familiar "itching palm" ("Palma hominis") is most widely distributed . . . . This noble vegetable exudes a kind of invisible gum, which may be detected by applying to the bark a piece of gold or silver.
Human nature is pretty well balanced; for every lacking virtue there is a rough substitute that will serve at a pinch--as cunning is the wisdom of the unwise, and ferocity the courage of the coward.
Indigestion: A disease which the patient and his friends frequently mistake for deep religious conviction and concern for the salvation of mankind. As the simple Red Man of the Western Wild put it, with, it must be confessed, a certain force: 'Plenty well, no pray; big belly ache, heap God.'
Disobey n:To celebrate with an appropriate ceremony the maturity of a command
NOUMENON, n. That which exists, as distinguished from that which merely seems to exist, the latter being a phenomenon. The noumenon is a bit difficult to locate; it can be apprehended only by a process of reasoning - which is a phenomenon.
PARDON, v. To remit a penalty and restore to the life of crime. To add to the lure of crime the temptation of ingratitude.
An alcoholic father, poverty, my own juvenile diabetes, the limited English my parents spoke - although my mother has become completely bilingual since. All these things intrude on what most people think of as happiness.
Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.
Everyday happiness means you can't wait to come home, because the soup is hot.
Things that really matter are the things that gold can't buy, so let's have another cup o' coffee and let's have another piece o' pie.
You must work and do good, not be lazy and gamble, if you wish to earn happiness. Laziness may appear attractive, but work gives satisfaction.
I can live well with what I have.I'm called 'the poorest president', but I don't feel poor. Poor people are those who only work to try to keep an expensive lifestyle, and always want more and more.
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