To see others suffer does one good, to make others suffer even more: this is a hard saying but an ancient, mighty, human, all-too-human principle [....] Without cruelty there is no festival.

Summary

This quote suggests that there might be a dark side to human nature, in which people derive a certain satisfaction from witnessing the suffering of others. It also implies that there is a tendency to take pleasure in inflicting even more suffering onto others. While it is a harsh sentiment, the quote argues that this principle has been present in human society throughout history and is deeply rooted in our nature. Furthermore, it highlights the idea that cruelty plays a role in creating a sense of celebration or excitement, suggesting that it is intertwined with the human experience.

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