Envy and the Fear of Death:Ch.4, Part.79-Striving against Fear

The hidden connection between comparison, insecurity, and the fear of death.

About the Book, “The Fear of Death”, It explores how the fear of death shapes our lives, relationships, power, and even history itself.
In The Fear of Death, I uncover the hidden force behind human conflict and longing.
A book to read before you die—an essential reflection on the meaning of your life.

Envy

We often find ourselves experiencing envy towards others. So, what exactly is envy, and what does it mean? Envy is a complex emotion characterized by feelings of discontent or covetousness directed at someone else’s possessions, qualities, status, or achievements. It’s a multifaceted emotion that encompasses a mix of feelings, including sadness, resentment, anger, and frustration.

It’s important to distinguish envy from jealousy, which is the fear or apprehension of losing something one already possesses to someone else. Envy, on the other hand, involves a desire to acquire something that belongs to someone else. Envy can be a negative emotion that, if left unchecked, may lead to harmful thoughts or behaviors towards oneself or others. Therefore, recognizing and managing envy in a healthy manner is crucial to avoid adverse consequences.

What often captures our attention in this description of envy is the mention of sadness. Why does envy make us feel sad? What triggers this sense of sadness within the complex emotion of envy? Envy involves the desire to possess something someone else has, and when we experience envy, we feel sadness because we lack that particular something.

But why, fundamentally, do we experience envy and the accompanying sadness of not having what others possess? The root of this emotion lies in our innate desire to be better and to shield ourselves from the fear of death through not only material possessions, but also intellectual possessions. In essence, our souls yearn for the security and improvement that acquiring these possessions might bring. Deep within, we envy and desire things we don’t possess from others because we believe that possessing those things will provide safety and improvement, ultimately freeing us from the grip of the fear of death. Thus, the cycle of envy persists as long as the underlying fear remains unresolved.

One notable historical example of envy is the story of Cain and Abel from the Bible. According to the biblical account, Cain and Abel were the sons of Adam and Eve. They both made offerings to God, but God favored Abel’s offering over Cain’s. This favoritism led to intense feelings of envy in Cain, which ultimately drove him to commit the first murder in human history, killing his brother Abel out of jealousy and resentment. This biblical narrative serves as a powerful illustration of how envy can have destructive consequences.

Another historical example of envy in the Western world within the 10th century is the conflict between two powerful rulers, Otto I, also known as Otto the Great, and his son, Otto II.

Otto I was the Holy Roman Emperor, and he had achieved significant success in expanding the Holy Roman Empire. His son, Otto II, succeeded him and inherited this vast realm. However, Otto II faced internal challenges, including envy and power struggles among the nobility. Some nobles were envious of Otto II’s authority and resented his rule.

This envy and discontent among the nobility contributed to political instability during Otto II’s reign, and it eventually led to rebellions and conflicts within the empire. These internal divisions weakened the Holy Roman Empire’s influence and power during the 10th century.

This historical example demonstrates how envy and power struggles within the ruling elite can have significant consequences for the stability and governance of a state or empire.

If we are aware of our susceptibility to feelings of envy, it is essential to exercise caution in our interactions with others. Envy can be considered a form of mental distress, and the more it intensifies, the more damaging it becomes. This awareness sheds light on the numerous episodes and conflicts that frequently unfold in the world, many of which are driven by envy.

I believe that individuals who experienced childhood trauma may be more susceptible to feelings of envy accompanied by sadness. However, there are no exceptions in human society—we are all subject to feelings of envy and jealousy because we are wounded by the fear of death. I understand that envy and jealousy are side effects of this fear.

Author’s Recommendation :

Dear readers, thank you for walking this journey with me. Let’s continue to face life’s deepest question together and seek an answer that endures beyond death.

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