We’ve all experienced that feeling of secretly enjoying someone else’s misfortune, a sensation commonly referred to as schadenfreude. It’s that satisfying moment in a movie when the villain finally gets what they deserve. However, in recent years, people worldwide have been seeking ways to shift their focus towards finding and spreading joy rather than finding pleasure in others’ pain. This newfound sentiment has been dubbed freudenfreude, a term derived from the German word “freude” meaning joy. Although not an officially recognized German word, freudenfreude has been coined to describe the opposite of schadenfreude.
So, what exactly is the opposite of schadenfreude? It’s positive empathy—the ability to genuinely share another person’s positive emotions. A recent study published in Psychological Science revealed that cultivating this kind of empathy can lead to increased kindness, resilience, and overall life satisfaction. It can also inspire cooperation even in the face of disagreements. According to Emily Anhalt, a clinical psychologist and co-founder of the mental health app Coa, schadenfreude can serve as a defense mechanism, shielding us from potential pain or facilitating social bonding. However, excessive indulgence in schadenfreude can diminish our capacity for empathy and compassion, which is where freudenfreude comes into play. This concept helps restore the balance by encouraging us to embrace the joy of others.
To tap into the feeling of freudenfreude, start by actively seeking out positive experiences happening to those around you. No accomplishment is too insignificant to celebrate. Engage in conversations with friends and family, specifically inquiring about the positive aspects of their lives, and rejoice in their happiness and achievements. Don’t forget to share your own successes and excitement, as happiness can be a collaborative effort within a community. If you’re finding it challenging to transition from years of indulging in schadenfreude, consider sharing freudenfreude with the children in your life. Acknowledge and celebrate their improved grades, artistic creations they’re proud of, or newly acquired skills.
While freudenfreude may be a recent term, its underlying concept is not entirely new. Modern Hebrew has a similar term called firgun, which describes the unreserved joy or pride one feels towards another person’s accomplishments. This slang term has been in circulation for several decades and originated from Yiddish.
In conclusion, it’s time to put schadenfreude behind us and embrace the positive power of freudenfreude. By cultivating empathy, celebrating the successes of others, and sharing our own happiness, we can create a more joyful and compassionate world.