consolation

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Is there anyone, in little or large ways, who does not long for consolation? "Consolation" is defined briefly on the Internet as "something that makes you feel less unhappy or disappointed."

Consolation is much-elevated among religions, which, of course, are in the consolation business. But even those who could give a fig about religion still find themselves in need of consolation. Deep down or in the shallows, how I would love to be consoled... don't I deserve it?

And when, over time, the consolations of this life fail to appear, there may be an easy-peasy bitterness that can arise ... a bitterness that, too, longs for consolation. Consolation casts a pretty wide net.

But together with this very-human attribute -- an attribute not to be scoffed at or held at bay philosophically -- what would things be like in a world where consolation were not necessary?

How would that be for a consolation prize?
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