It is a celebrated thought of a certain philosopher, that if he had all the truth in his own power, he would indulge himself in the supreme pleasure of letting it out by degrees to mankind. This observation, from the 18th-century philosopher Edmund Burke, often shocks modern readers. At first glance, the idea of taking delight in the misfortunes of others sounds cruel and devoid of empathy. However, Burke was not advocating for malice. Instead, he was exploring the complex, often contradictory, depths of human psychology. His statement provides a key to understanding our reactions to everything from news headlines to horror movies.
To grasp his point, we must look at the source. Burke presented this idea in his influential 1757 work, A Philosophical Enquiry into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful. In this text, he investigates why we are drawn to certain experiences. He argues that our strongest emotions originate from pain and danger. When we witness terrible events from a position of safety, we can experience a unique feeling. This feeling is not sadistic pleasure but a kind of thrilling awe, which he calls “delight.”
. Source
The Sublime vs. The Beautiful
Burke’s entire theory rests on the distinction between two core aesthetic concepts: the beautiful and the sublime. Understanding this difference is crucial to understanding his point about misfortune. According to Burke, the beautiful relates to things that inspire affection and tenderness. Think of a serene landscape, a delicate flower, or a gentle melody. These things are often small, smooth, and pleasant. They make us feel calm and socially connected. They pose no threat and invite closeness.
In contrast, the sublime relates to things that inspire awe and terror. Vastness, power, and obscurity are all qualities of the sublime. For example, a raging ocean, a towering mountain, or the infinite darkness of the night sky can evoke this feeling. These experiences overwhelm our senses and remind us of our own smallness and vulnerability. Crucially, we can only appreciate the sublime when we are not in immediate danger. A hurricane is sublime from a secure shelter; it is simply terrifying if you are caught in its path. Therefore, this “delight” is the thrill of witnessing immense power without being its victim.
A Matter of Psychological Distance
Burke carefully distinguishes this Edmund Burke: Philosophical Enquiry into… delight from genuine cruelty or a lack of empathy. He acknowledges that if we are close to the suffering or if we have the power to help, our natural response is sympathy and a desire to act. We feel compassion for a friend in pain. We rush to help someone who has fallen. Burke’s concept applies specifically to situations where we are detached observers. The misfortune is distant, either physically or emotionally.
This psychological distance removes the immediate threat to ourselves. Consequently, our minds can process the event as a spectacle of power rather than a personal crisis. The awe we feel comes from confronting concepts like mortality, fate, and the immense forces of nature or society. It is a powerful reminder of our own safety and existence. This experience can produce a sense of relief and a strange, compelling excitement. Experts have long analyzed this phenomenon within aesthetic theory. Source. Edmund Burke’s A Philosophical…
Modern Examples of the Sublime
Burke’s 18th-century ideas remain surprisingly relevant today. Consider why people flock to action movies filled with explosions and city-wide destruction. We watch characters face incredible peril, and it creates tension and excitement. Similarly, the popularity of true crime podcasts and documentaries taps into this same psychological space. We explore terrifying events and the darkest parts of human nature from the safety of our homes. The narrative structure provides a buffer, allowing us to feel the thrill without the trauma.
News coverage of distant disasters can also trigger this response. A story about a volcanic eruption on the other side of the world can be captivating. We see incredible footage of nature’s power, and while we may feel sympathy for those affected, we also experience a sense of awe. Social media further amplifies this by delivering a constant stream of dramatic events from across the globe. Burke’s theory helps explain why we are so often drawn to these spectacles of misfortune, even as we consciously wish for the well-being of others. Edmund Burke: A Philosophical …
In summary, Edmund Burke was not a misanthrope. His statement about delighting in misfortune was a nuanced observation about human nature. He identified a powerful emotional response to terror when it is stripped of immediate personal danger. This Edmund Burke: A Philosophical Enquiry in… feeling, a mixture of fear and fascination, is a fundamental part of how we experience the world. By separating the beautiful from the sublime, Burke gives us a framework for understanding our own complex reactions to the triumphs and tragedies around us.