17.1 Envy

 17.1 Envy

Question:

Should envy be avoided?

 

Answer:

Freedom from envious thoughts is the most righteous conduct.                    (Couplet – 161)

Thoughts and deeds free of envy, greed, anger, and harsh words alone,

constitute virtue.                                                                                              (Couplet – 35)

 

ஒழுக்காறாக் கொள்க ஒருவன்தன் நெஞ்சத்து

அழுக்காறு இலாத இயல்பு.                                           (குறள் – 161)

அழுக்காறு அவாவெகுளி இன்னாச்சொல் நான்கும்

இழுக்கா இயன்றது அறம்.                                            (குறள் – 35)

 

Explanation:

Envy is defined as a feeling of discontent or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions. According to psychologists, there are two kinds of envies: the benign kind and the malicious kind. The benign envy is healthy, and it motivates an individual to work hard and obtain those things that he desires. On the other hand, malicious envy is unhealthy, and it leads to indignation, frustration, resentment, and anger. As a result, the one with malicious envy may not get what he desires. According to Valluvar, malicious envy is inconsistent with virtue. He lists malicious envy first when he says that envy, greed, anger, and harsh words are the four evils that are inconsistent with virtue. So, envy should definitely be avoided since it is incompatible with virtue and leads to indignation, frustration, resentment, and anger.