“The unhappy derive comfort from the misfortunes of others”

Simplified Meaning:

When people are feeling sad or having a tough time, they sometimes feel better when they see that others are struggling too. It's like a student who gets a bad grade on a test but feels a bit relieved when they find out that their friends also didn't do well. This makes them feel less alone and like they're not the only ones having problems. Instead of focusing on their own issues, seeing others in similar situations distracts them and gives them a break from their own sadness. This doesn't mean they truly wish bad things to happen to others, but it shows a common human behavior of finding some solace in shared difficulties. To apply this notion positively, one can seek support groups or communities where shared experiences can provide mutual comfort and understanding, rather than simply feeling better because someone else is worse off.