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.
Happiness can be defined, in part at least, as the fruit of the desire and ability to sacrifice what we want now for what we want eventually.
My God, a moment of bliss. Why, isn't that enough for a whole lifetime?
Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.
Happiness radiates like the fragrance from a flower, and draws all good things toward you.
Being happy or unhappy - is that really the most important thing? Knowing the truth would be a different kind of happiness - a more satisfying kind, I think, even if it turned out to be a sad kind.
Happiness is but a mere episode in the general drama of pain.
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