Envy: A Complicated Emotion That Both Infuriates and Inspires
- by Jens Schröder
- ~14 Min
"Struggling with the burden of jealousy - and occasionally, it propels us further" - Envy's Torturous Grip: A Look at Its Power and Sustenance
Feelings mar our thinking and actions from the start, everywhere, always. They taint our perceptions, our memories, our expectations. Although we can control our feelings to some extent, deliberately doing things to provoke positive feelings is possible.
- Emotional Psychology
- Envy
Envy is a complex emotion that often stems from social comparisons, leading to feelings of inadequacy and longing for what others have. This feeling can incite resentment and bitterness towards those who possess what the envious person desires. Envy can manifest as either malicious or benign.
The transformation of envy can be insidious, leading to negative impacts on mental health, social dynamics, and behavior. Malicious envy, where individuals wish for the downfall of others, can have particularly damaging effects. On the other hand, benign envy, which fuels motivation and ambition, can inspire positive change.
The Roots of Envy
- Perceived Deficiency: Envy arises when individuals perceive themselves as inferior to others, spurring a desire for what others possess. This desire can extend to possessions, qualities, or achievements.
- Malicious vs. Benign Envy: Malicious envy breeds ill-will and ambition to lower the standing of others, while benign envy motivates individuals without malice.
Thoughts and Actions Drive-by Envy
- Mental Health Struggles: Envy can lead to anxiety, depression, and stress, exacerbating feelings of inadequacy. It also fosters isolation and loneliness, impacting both envious and envied parties.
- Detrimental Social Comparisons: Social media encourages destructive comparisons, decreasing well-being and increasing feelings of dissatisfaction.
- Toxic Behaviors: Envy encourages competition, sabotage, and belittling others, fueled by feelings of inadequacy.
Envy's Social and Interpersonal Consequences
- Trust and Relationships: Envied individuals may experience a decline in trust and a sense of insecurity, prompting them to withdraw or act cautiously around the envious person.
- Shame and Concealment: Envy carries a stigma, making individuals feel ashamed and prompting them to keep their feelings hidden from others.
Escaping the Clutches of Envy
- Mindfulness and Self-Awareness: Acknowledging and acknowledging envy is critical to overcoming it. Transforming envy into motivation and inspiration can help refocus feelings from resentment to personal growth.
- Focus on the Positive: Celebrating others' successes and concentrating on one's own strengths and goals can help alleviate feelings of envy.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, envy can lead to various mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress, contributing to feelings of inadequacy and isolation.
- The science of psychology highlights that malicious envy, which aims to lower others' standing, can have detrimental consequences on mental health, relationships, and social dynamics, while benign envy can inspire motivation and ambition that fosters personal growth.
