Why Do We Love to See Successful People Fall? The Psychology and Culture Behind It

It’s a phenomenon as old as time: society builds up its heroes only to take pleasure in watching them stumble. From the scandals of politicians to the downfall of celebrities, there’s something about seeing the mighty fall that captivates and intrigues us.

The Cultural Obsession With the Mighty

In our culture, we’re often fascinated by success stories. Celebrities, billionaires, athletes, and political leaders who rise to fame and fortune are widely admired. These individuals serve as cultural symbols, representing the pinnacle of success that many aspire to. But just as quickly as we elevate them to near-mythical status, we seem eager to bring them back down to earth. This pattern isn’t new; it has existed across societies and epochs, from ancient myths to modern media.

The Hero’s Fall in History and Myth

Many cultures have their own version of the hero’s fall, a narrative that appears in myths, religious texts, and historical accounts. Take, for example, the story of Icarus from Greek mythology, who flew too close to the sun and fell to his doom. His hubris — overstepping his limitations — served as a cautionary tale about the dangers of over-ambition.

This archetype continues to play out in modern times. We enjoy the rise of successful individuals, but when they begin to show signs of arrogance or moral failings, we turn on them. Public figures like business moguls or celebrities are seen as falling into this trap when they get “too big for their britches,” and society is quick to pounce.

Media’s Role in Magnifying the Fall

The modern media landscape has amplified this tendency. With a 24-hour news cycle, social media platforms, and a constant craving for sensational content, we are bombarded with stories of celebrities making mistakes, whether it’s a financial scandal, a social faux pas, or a personal failing. The media feeds into our voyeuristic impulses, and scandals are sold as entertainment.

This hunger for the downfall of high achievers is fueled by the belief that they represent the best of what society can offer. When they falter, it feels like a violation of the social contract that says success equals virtue or superiority. The media, then, becomes a vehicle for spreading these stories quickly, reinforcing societal narratives that no one is untouchable.

The Psychology Behind Schadenfreude

From a psychological standpoint, there’s a specific term that encapsulates this pleasure we take in others’ misfortunes: schadenfreude. Derived from the German words “schaden” (harm) and “freude” (joy), it refers to the experience of deriving pleasure from someone else’s downfall. But why do we feel this?

Comparing Ourselves to Others

One reason is rooted in our innate need for social comparison. Psychologist Leon Festinger’s Social Comparison Theory suggests that we constantly evaluate our worth by comparing ourselves to others. When we see someone “higher” than us fail, it momentarily eases feelings of inferiority. It reassures us that even the seemingly perfect are imperfect. In this sense, a celebrity’s public humiliation can make us feel better about our own shortcomings. Their mistakes remind us that success doesn’t shield anyone from being human.

Envy and Relief

Another factor is envy. When people who have achieved what we long for fail, it satisfies a deeper, often subconscious resentment. We may outwardly admire success, but there’s also a lingering sense of injustice. “Why them and not me?” When these figures stumble, it temporarily quells that envy, giving us a sense of relief that even the high and mighty are not immune to failure.

This dynamic plays out in countless situations, from reality TV shows where contestants are voted off the island, to sports fans rejoicing in a rival team’s loss. In each case, the downfall of another offers a fleeting sense of relief and superiority.

The Morality Play

Additionally, witnessing the fall of the successful often activates our sense of justice. From a young age, we are taught that success should come through hard work and virtue, while wrongdoings should be punished. When someone who appears to have broken this moral code falls from grace, it feels like balance is being restored. It confirms our internal belief that the world operates on fairness — when, in reality, it often doesn’t.

This psychological craving for moral justice explains why we’re more likely to be critical of people who appear to have achieved success through questionable means or have exhibited hubris. When these people fall, it feels like they “got what was coming.”

Cultural and Psychological Perspectives Working Together

Both culturally and psychologically, the desire to see successful people fall serves as a way to navigate the complexities of power, success, and fairness. Culturally, we elevate the successful because they represent our ideals of achievement. But when they fail, they humanize those ideals, reminding us that perfection is unattainable. Psychologically, schadenfreude is a way of alleviating our own insecurities and frustrations, while also restoring a sense of justice.

The Downside of This Cycle

While this cycle may bring temporary satisfaction, it can also lead to toxic behaviors. From cancel culture to mob mentality, our obsession with the rise and fall of public figures can overshadow important societal issues, focusing more on individual flaws than systemic problems.

Additionally, it can encourage a culture of cynicism and distrust, where we assume that anyone who rises to prominence is bound to fall due to some hidden vice. This, in turn, can foster an environment where people are less willing to strive for success, fearing that it will only set them up for failure in the public eye.

Conclusion

In the end, our desire to see successful people fall is a complex mix of cultural narratives and psychological impulses. While we may find temporary satisfaction in their failures, it’s important to reflect on why we feel this way and what it says about our values as a society. Do we genuinely want justice, or are we simply seeking to soothe our insecurities through the misfortune of others? By understanding the science behind this phenomenon, we can better navigate our responses and perhaps become more empathetic toward the very human experience of failure — even for those who seem to have it all.