Envy, the shoot at others that wounds itself

Envy is the most unproductive of ideas. There is no single advantage to be gained from it. If you compare what you want with what others have, you will be unhappy. Instead, be thankful for what you have and you will discover happiness.

Its not trying to “keep up with the Jones” that causes so much trouble. Its trying to pass them. Washington Allston reflected, “the only competition worthy of a wise mind is within himself.” Nothing gets you further behind than trying to keep up with people who are already there.

If envy was a disease, everyone would be sick. Frances Bacon said, “Envy has no holidays. It has no rest” the envy that compares us to others is foolish and very unproductive.

What makes us discontented with our personal condition is the absurd belief that others are so much happier than we are. You will find it hard to be happier than others if you believe others to be happier than they are? Thomas Fuller said, “Comparison, more than reality, makes men happy or wretched.”

Helen Keller said, “instead of comparing our lot with those who are more fortunate than we are, we should compare it with the lot of the great majority of our fellow men. It then appears that we are among the privileged.” The book of proverbs says. “a relaxed attitude lengthens a man’s life; jealousy rots it away.” St. john Chrysostom reflected, “as a moth gnaws a garment, so doeth envy consume a man.” Envy does nothing but providing the mud that failure throws at success. There are many roads to an unsuccessful life, but envy is the shortest of them all... 
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