There are few things that cause greater misery than bitterness of spirit. It can even destroy those who understand human behaviour best. Sigmund Freud, the father of modern psychology died a bitter and disillusioned man. Despite his knowledge he had little compassion for ordinary people. He once confessed: “I have found little that is good about human beings on the whole. In my experience most of them are trash, no matter whether they publicly subscribe to this or that ethical doctrine or to none at all.”

Freud died bitter and friendless, having broken with each of his followers. He could have learned something from the comedian Buddy Hackett who said, “I’ve had a few arguments with people, but I never carry a grudge. You know why? While you’re carrying a grudge, they’re out dancing.”