Schadenfreude.
I am not certain when I first learned the word. In my not-to-be-trusted memory, it was in my high school German class.
But the concept is a bit too sophisticated for those post-adolescent years.
It is far more likely that I picked it up in those infamous 1968 Gore Vidal - Bill Buckley debates during the Democrat convention. The word -- and the concept -- certainly would fit their exchange.
Whatever its genesis in my writer tool bag, it is a great word.
A friend once asked me for a quick definition.
I offered the following:
Ivan and Nicholas were neighbor Russian peasants. Ivan's uncle died and left him a cow. Nicholas was jealous of Ivan's new prosperity, and confessed his sin to the priest, who told him he needed to pray to God. Nicholas prayed: "Dear God. Please kill Ivan's cow."
This week I had a similar experience.
I have previously written about my friend John (a cup of good faith). The two of us are about as far apart on politics and religion as two people can be. But we have always managed to have interesting conversations without breaking a bit of crockery.
John is retired. Just like me. Every now and then, he wants to do Something Worthwhile. Just like me.
His most recent proposal was to put together a group to read Ronald Dworkin's new book: Is Democracy Possible Here?: Principles for a New Political Debate.
Dworkin starts with the assumption that a broad moral consensus exists in the United States in favor of two principles of human dignity: the intrinsic value of human life and the principle of personal responsibility.
HIs argument is that liberals and conservatives are merely talking past one another without realizing how much they have in common. If they start with the common principles, agreement will follow.
In his invitation, John said he would like the group to read the book and to then determine an action plan of how its principles might be implemented.
John informed me he did not receive a single rejection. What he received was mere silence.
I took no real joy in the fact that John's project was -- as he put it -- stillborn. But I understand the danger of wanting to Do Something in retirement.
In my case, I have been trying to control the urge. If I give it full rein, I will be back in Salem volunteering full time in my old community.
I want to, at least, enjoy a year of retirement before I start any new grand projects.
I would never pray that God should kill John's cow. And I do not want one of my own.
I intend to lie down in my green pastures.
I am not certain when I first learned the word. In my not-to-be-trusted memory, it was in my high school German class.
But the concept is a bit too sophisticated for those post-adolescent years.
It is far more likely that I picked it up in those infamous 1968 Gore Vidal - Bill Buckley debates during the Democrat convention. The word -- and the concept -- certainly would fit their exchange.
Whatever its genesis in my writer tool bag, it is a great word.
A friend once asked me for a quick definition.
I offered the following:
Ivan and Nicholas were neighbor Russian peasants. Ivan's uncle died and left him a cow. Nicholas was jealous of Ivan's new prosperity, and confessed his sin to the priest, who told him he needed to pray to God. Nicholas prayed: "Dear God. Please kill Ivan's cow."
This week I had a similar experience.
I have previously written about my friend John (a cup of good faith). The two of us are about as far apart on politics and religion as two people can be. But we have always managed to have interesting conversations without breaking a bit of crockery.
John is retired. Just like me. Every now and then, he wants to do Something Worthwhile. Just like me.
His most recent proposal was to put together a group to read Ronald Dworkin's new book: Is Democracy Possible Here?: Principles for a New Political Debate.
Dworkin starts with the assumption that a broad moral consensus exists in the United States in favor of two principles of human dignity: the intrinsic value of human life and the principle of personal responsibility.
HIs argument is that liberals and conservatives are merely talking past one another without realizing how much they have in common. If they start with the common principles, agreement will follow.
In his invitation, John said he would like the group to read the book and to then determine an action plan of how its principles might be implemented.
John informed me he did not receive a single rejection. What he received was mere silence.
I took no real joy in the fact that John's project was -- as he put it -- stillborn. But I understand the danger of wanting to Do Something in retirement.
In my case, I have been trying to control the urge. If I give it full rein, I will be back in Salem volunteering full time in my old community.
I want to, at least, enjoy a year of retirement before I start any new grand projects.
I would never pray that God should kill John's cow. And I do not want one of my own.
I intend to lie down in my green pastures.
