Misery Loves Company: The Comfort of Fellow Sufferers
Historically speaking, there’s nothing novel about finding solace when surrounded by people who are just as miserable as you are. We’ve known this since the days of ancient Greek and Roman philosophers.
Classic Quotes 📜
- Sophocles - “Oedipus at Colonnus” (ca. 408 B.C.)
- Seneca (ca. A.D. 54)
John Lyly mirrored this sentiment in the late 16th century with, “In misery it is great comfort to haue a companion” (Euphues, 1579). More recently, Brian Moore added a twist of wit by noting, “If misery loves company, then triumph demands an audience” (An Answer from Limbo, 1962).
Similar Expressions and Idioms
- “United we stand, divided we fall” – The sense of togetherness in adversity.
- “A problem shared is a problem halved” – Sharing troubles can ease the burden.
- “Birds of a feather flock together” – Similar people tend to seek out each other’s company.
Synonyms 🤝
- Mutual suffering
- Shared misery
- Collective agony
Antonyms 🤷♂️
- Blissful solitude
- Joyful isolation
Humorous Quotes 😂
- “Misery loves company. Consider me a social butterfly!”
- “If misery loves company, then I’m throwing a party.”
References in Literature and Media 📚
- John Lyly: Euphues (1579)
- Brian Moore: An Answer from Limbo (1962)
- Sophocles: Oedipus at Colonnus (ca. 408 B.C.)
- Seneca, Roman philosopher, playwright, and statesman.
Suggested Reading, Music, and Films 🎬
- Book: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green – A story about finding love and companionship in the throes of terminal illness.
- Song: “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers – Emphasizing the importance of friendship in hard times.
- Movie: Steel Magnolias – Showcasing the strength of female friendship through trials and tribulations.
Quizzes 🍎
### Which of these authors commented on 'Misery Loves Company'?
- [x] John Lyly
- [ ] Jane Austen
- [ ] Mark Twain
- [ ] Charles Dickens
> **Explanation:** John Lyly famously coined an early version of this sentiment in his work "Euphues" (1579).
### Which one isn’t a real phrase?
- [ ] Misery loves company
- [ ] United we stand, divided we fall
- [x] Baking with soggy flutes
- [ ] A problem shared is a problem halved
> **Explanation:** "Baking with soggy flutes" is nonsensical, and unlike the other time-tested phrases.
### True or False: "Misery loves company" means people prefer to experience pain alone.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** Actually, it’s quite the opposite. The phrase means people feel better when they share their misery with others.
May we find cheer in understanding that troubles can forge stronger bonds and, perhaps, brighter futures.
Penny Dreadfull
Author and Enthusiast of Enticing Idioms
