Among the blind the one-eyed man is king

Proverbial Meaning: There are many levels of misfortune, one’s own state of misfortune will be envied by those who are less fortunate, or pitied by those who are more fortunate.

Literal Origins: A man with only one eye will be pitied by many, but among people who are blind he may be envied and act like a king.

Common Usage: A well-known proverb, coming in a few variations, that is not used verbally very often, but may be seen in literature or paraphrased in story titles.