Beware Invidia
Invidia is the Latin for what we commonly call envy. What is it? Quite simply it is desiring another’s better circumstances. It can be about money, possessions, looks, intelligence, position, etc.
Envy is one of the seven deadly sins and for good reason.
It is a universal and most unfortunate aspect of human nature because not only is the envious person rendered unhappy by his envy, but also wishes to inflict misfortune on others. Although envy is generally seen as something negative, also believed that envy was a driving force behind the movement towards democracy and must be endured in order to achieve a more just social system.
As is often the case it depends on who is in the driver’s seat? Is Invidia (your animal irrational mind) driving you. Are you looking to harm the person whom you envy? Are you looking to stick it to ‘em in some way? Are you looking to destroy what they have? Are you hoping they come upon misfortune?
If they gained their possessions lawfully then you have no basis for ill-will, do not be envious of them, be glad for them! Do not have the crab mentality and attempt to drag the successful people back into the pot.
Envy can drive you to criminal activity or it can drive you to acquisitions you can not afford — getting you into financial trouble.
Or, is your rationality in charge? If so, then it may spur you onto great things, you may study harder, work harder, etc and achieve and bring yourself up to the level where the target of your envy is at.
As is so often the case, our emotions and animal instincts can work for or against us, the key is to control and channel your animal instincts!
Trying to change myself and you on thrift and savings! It is hard to save save save in a spend spend spend world, but it is better to save than spend!