Envy is a powerful emotion that can sway our thoughts, actions, and ultimately our lives. While it’s often seen in a negative light, its deeper meanings and implications deserve more nuanced consideration. Stoic philosophers, with their emphasis on self-mastery and virtue, offer valuable insights into how we can handle envy—not just as something to be rid of, but as something we can use to improve ourselves. This article delves into envy through the lens of Stoic philosophy and explores how we can transform it from a destructive force into a powerful tool for growth.
Understanding Envy: A Distinction from Jealousy
The terms jealousy and envy are often used interchangeably, but upon deeper inspection, they reflect two distinct emotions. Jealousy is rooted in a fear of loss—a concern that something we possess or hold dear might be taken away by someone else. It’s often triggered when we perceive a threat to something we already have: a partner, a job, or a position in society. The insecurity in jealousy stems from an underlying sense of vulnerability, whether it’s the fear of losing affection, attention, or even material possessions. In this light, jealousy functions as a protective response, designed to shield what we value from potential loss.
Envy, on the other hand, arises when we desire something that belongs to someone else. It’s a longing for what another person has—be it their success, their possessions, or their attributes such as beauty, intelligence, or charisma. Unlike jealousy, which is grounded in the fear of loss, envy is fueled by a desire for gain. It’s not about protecting what we have, but about coveting what others possess.
This distinction is important because it shows the different ways these emotions impact us. Jealousy often leads us to feel defensive or competitive in order to maintain our position, while envy can lead us into feelings of inadequacy or resentment as we compare ourselves to others. While jealousy might prompt us to safeguard what is ours, envy pushes us to question why we don’t have what others do. In both cases, these emotions can detract from our peace of mind, but envy often proves to be more corrosive. It distracts us from our own path and encourages unhealthy comparisons, which can, if unchecked, lead to bitterness, self-doubt, and discontent.
From a Stoic perspective, these comparisons are ultimately futile. Both jealousy and envy arise from focusing on external circumstances and possessions—things that, according to Stoicism, are beyond our control. What matters to the Stoics is not what others have, but how we respond to our circumstances. The Stoics emphasize that true contentment comes not from accumulating possessions or status, but from cultivating virtue and focusing on the things that we can control: our thoughts, actions, and attitudes. When we redirect our attention inward and stop comparing ourselves to others, envy loses its power over us.
Envy as a Form of Desire
At its essence, envy is a form of desire, but not in the way that the Stoics would typically encourage us to pursue. In Stoic thought, desire is often seen as the root of human suffering. The reason for this is simple: desires that focus on external things—wealth, fame, beauty, or even the approval of others—are fleeting and unreliable. These desires pull us away from what is truly in our control and anchor our happiness in things that are ultimately out of our hands.
In the case of envy, the desire isn’t just for any external thing, but specifically for something that belongs to someone else. This makes envy a particularly dangerous emotion. Instead of seeing something desirable and seeking to achieve it for ourselves, envy turns the spotlight on someone else’s success, possession, or characteristics. It’s not just the thing that is coveted, but the belief that we should have it too, which sparks the desire for ownership or possession. This desire focuses our attention on what others have, rather than what we can create for ourselves.
From a Stoic standpoint, this kind of desire is problematic because it is rooted in things that lie beyond our control. The Stoics call these external goods “preferred indifferents”—things that are nice to have but not necessary for happiness. While material goods and social status might bring temporary pleasure, they are not essential for achieving eudaimonia (human flourishing). Virtue, in contrast, is the only true good according to Stoic philosophy. Virtue is within our control, and it is the pursuit of virtuous qualities—such as wisdom, justice, courage, and self-control—that leads to genuine happiness.
Envy, then, is a desire that diverts our attention from what we can control to what we cannot. It encourages us to focus on external circumstances, like another person’s wealth or achievements, rather than turning inward to cultivate the internal goods that the Stoics prized. The danger lies in the fact that as we focus on external possessions or status, we begin to measure our worth against the things others have, which weakens our sense of self-worth. We allow the external world to dictate our happiness rather than relying on our own judgment, actions, and character.
The Virtue of Pursuing Internal Goods
The Stoics emphasize that true happiness is derived from internal goods—those qualities of character and virtue that cannot be taken away by external circumstances. These virtues, including wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance, are what the Stoics believed to be the foundation of a fulfilling life. Instead of placing our value on external factors such as wealth, beauty, or social status, which are transient and fragile, Stoic philosophy teaches us to focus on what we can control: our thoughts, actions, and attitudes.
When we observe someone who is virtuous—whether it’s their wisdom, compassion, self-discipline, or inner peace—we might feel envy, but this kind of envy is different from the destructive variety that stems from material desires. Rather than resenting that person for their virtue, we can use their example as inspiration. The Stoics would suggest that when we envy someone’s virtuous actions, it should serve as a reminder of what we still need to work on within ourselves.
For example, if we envy someone’s patience in a difficult situation, instead of feeling bitter or defeated, we can use that envy as a catalyst for developing our own patience. The Stoics would argue that this is a productive use of envy: it prompts us to identify areas for improvement and guides us toward greater virtue. Unlike external goods, which are unreliable and fleeting, internal virtues are enduring and provide the foundation for lasting happiness. By focusing on cultivating these virtues, we can transform envy from a destructive emotion into a source of personal growth.
The pursuit of virtue also aligns with the Stoic goal of eudaimonia—human flourishing. According to Stoic thought, living virtuously leads to a well-lived life, one that is marked by tranquility and a sense of fulfillment. Virtue is its own reward, and as we cultivate it, we become less dependent on external validation or material success. The more we focus on developing our character, the less room there is for envy to take root, because our happiness no longer depends on what others have but on our own ability to act justly, wisely, and with self-control.
In this way, envy can become a signpost, pointing us in the direction of what we need to work on within ourselves. If we envy someone’s courage, compassion, or integrity, we can use that as a prompt to examine our own shortcomings and focus on developing those same qualities. Envy, when understood in this way, becomes a tool for self-improvement rather than a source of resentment.
Turning Envy Into Inspiration
One of the most valuable lessons that Stoicism teaches us is how to turn negative emotions, like envy, into opportunities for growth. Instead of letting envy fester into bitterness or destructive behavior, the Stoics encourage us to use envy as a source of inspiration. This shift in perspective can be transformative, as it allows us to move from a mindset of scarcity—where we feel that others’ successes take something away from us—into a mindset of abundance, where we see others’ success as something that can inspire our own.
The story of Cain and Abel in religious texts provides a striking example of how envy can lead to destructive consequences if not managed properly. In the biblical narrative, Cain, jealous and envious of his brother Abel’s favor with God, resorts to violence. Cain’s envy, left unchecked, leads him to murder Abel, an extreme and tragic example of the destructive power of envy when it is allowed to take over. But the story also serves as a powerful metaphor for how we can choose to respond to envy.
Instead of allowing envy to turn into resentment or jealousy, we can use it as a motivation to improve ourselves. The Stoics would argue that Cain could have learned from Abel’s virtuous actions, rather than allowing his envy to drive him to violence. Abel’s sacrifice was considered more virtuous than Cain’s, not because of some divine whim but perhaps because Abel acted with greater sincerity and integrity. Cain could have recognized that Abel’s actions were a reflection of virtue and used that recognition as a catalyst for his own self-improvement. Rather than tearing down what he envied, Cain could have used it as a stepping stone to better his own character.
In modern life, this lesson applies just as much. If we envy someone’s success, we have the opportunity to learn from them, to examine what they did to get where they are, and to incorporate those lessons into our own lives. Envy becomes a tool for self-assessment and self-betterment when we use it as inspiration rather than as a source of bitterness. Instead of viewing others’ achievements as a threat or a source of resentment, we can view them as examples of what is possible and what we can achieve if we apply ourselves.
In this way, envy transforms from a negative emotion into a powerful motivator. By reframing envy as a signpost for what we want to achieve, we can focus on learning from others’ strengths rather than competing with them. This approach shifts our focus away from external circumstances and puts the emphasis on our personal growth. The more we develop the qualities we admire in others, the less room there is for envy to take root, because our sense of fulfillment comes from our own progress, not from what others have.
The Stoic Solution: Focus on What We Control
One of the cornerstones of Stoic philosophy is the idea of focusing on what is within our control and disregarding what lies beyond it. The Stoics teach us that true happiness and fulfillment come not from external circumstances—such as wealth, social status, or the approval of others—but from cultivating our internal virtues and learning to accept what we cannot change. This concept is central to the Stoic solution to envy, as envy often arises from a preoccupation with things we do not control.
When we envy someone else, we are typically coveting something external: their success, their possessions, or their status. These are “preferred indifferents” in Stoic terms—things that are nice to have but ultimately irrelevant to our well-being. External circumstances, such as someone else’s wealth or achievements, are beyond our control. The Stoics would argue that focusing on these things is futile, as they can be taken away in an instant. Wealth can be lost, fame can fade, and possessions can be stolen. These external markers of success are unreliable and cannot provide the lasting peace and happiness that virtue can.
Instead of being consumed by what others have or what we lack, the Stoics recommend focusing on what is within our control—our own thoughts, actions, and attitudes. We cannot control the wealth or achievements of others, but we can control how we respond to these things. We can choose how we react to envy. We can choose to direct our energy toward cultivating virtue and improving ourselves. By shifting our focus inward, we free ourselves from the constant comparison to others and the desire for external validation.
For example, if we find ourselves envious of someone’s success, the Stoic approach would be to reflect on what we can learn from their journey. Rather than feeling bitter or defeated, we ask ourselves: What steps did they take to achieve this success? How can I apply similar effort in my own life? In this way, we reframe envy as an opportunity for growth, rather than a reason for resentment. The Stoic solution to envy is to focus on developing the qualities that we can control—our character, our integrity, our ability to act virtuously—and let go of the attachment to things that are beyond our reach.
The Dark Side of Envy: When It Becomes Destructive
While envy can be a motivating force for self-improvement, it has a darker side that can lead to destructive behavior if left unchecked. When envy becomes excessive or uncontrollable, it can distort our perception of ourselves and others. The more we focus on what we don’t have, the more we can begin to resent those who do have it. This resentment can spiral into negative emotions such as bitterness, anger, and even a desire to undermine or destroy the things we envy.
The story of Cain and Abel, as described in the Bible, serves as an extreme example of how envy can manifest in destructive ways. Cain, envious of his brother Abel’s favor with God, allowed his envy to consume him, eventually leading him to murder Abel. This tragic outcome demonstrates how unchecked envy can turn from a natural feeling of desire into a force that drives us to harm others. The jealousy and resentment that Cain felt towards Abel could have been a catalyst for self-reflection and growth, but instead, it led to destruction.
In real life, envy can lead us to undermine others or seek to bring them down in order to elevate ourselves. In the workplace, for example, envy might motivate us to sabotage a colleague’s success or take credit for their achievements. In personal relationships, envy could lead to infidelity or a desire to see the other person fail. In both cases, envy has moved beyond a feeling of longing and has become a destructive force that not only harms others but ultimately harms us as well.
The Stoics would argue that this type of envy—one that leads to harmful actions—is a sign that we have lost sight of what is truly important. When we let envy drive our behavior, we are acting out of a sense of scarcity, believing that someone else’s success diminishes our own potential. This mindset is both self-destructive and harmful to others. The Stoic antidote to this dark side of envy is self-awareness and reflection. If we feel envy beginning to turn into resentment, we must pause and examine why we feel this way. Are we envious because we believe someone else’s success is taking something away from us? Or can we use this feeling as a prompt to examine our own weaknesses and work to improve them?
The Stoic approach to destructive envy is not to suppress it but to transform it. Instead of letting envy control our actions, we must recognize it as an opportunity for growth. Rather than trying to destroy what we envy, we should seek to learn from it and use it as a motivator to strengthen ourselves. In this way, we prevent envy from becoming a destructive force and instead make it a tool for self-improvement.
Envy and Gratitude: A Balanced Approach
One of the most effective ways to counteract envy is by practicing gratitude. The Stoics were firm believers in the power of gratitude to shift our focus away from what we lack and toward what we already have. Gratitude helps us recognize the abundance in our lives, which in turn diminishes the desire for things we do not have. By acknowledging and appreciating what we already possess—whether it’s our health, relationships, opportunities, or personal growth—we begin to cultivate a sense of contentment that reduces the power of envy.
Gratitude is particularly powerful because it works on two levels: it helps us appreciate the present and it shifts our mindset away from external comparison. When we focus on what we are grateful for, we stop measuring our worth against the success or possessions of others. Instead, we begin to see the value in our own lives, regardless of what others have achieved. Gratitude helps us recognize that we already possess many of the things that truly matter—our virtues, our character, and our relationships—things that cannot be taken away by the fluctuations of the external world.
The Stoics encourage us to practice gratitude daily. This could mean taking a few moments each day to reflect on the things we are thankful for, or it could involve keeping a gratitude journal to regularly remind ourselves of the positive aspects of our lives. By developing a habit of gratitude, we train our minds to focus on the present moment and the things that we have rather than what we lack.
In the context of envy, gratitude acts as a powerful antidote. When we feel envious of someone else’s success, we can counteract this emotion by focusing on the things we already possess that bring us joy and fulfillment. We can remind ourselves of our own strengths, achievements, and the love and support we receive from others. Gratitude not only helps diminish envy, but it also cultivates a deeper sense of inner peace and satisfaction. When we focus on our own blessings, envy loses its grip and we are able to appreciate our own path without comparison to others.
By combining gratitude with a Stoic focus on virtue and self-improvement, we can transform envy from a negative, destructive emotion into a powerful motivator for personal growth. Instead of allowing envy to control our emotions and actions, we can use it as a reminder to reflect on our own journey and appreciate the progress we’ve made. In this way, gratitude helps us embrace the present moment and free ourselves from the constant cycle of comparison and desire.
Conclusion: Transforming Envy Into Growth
Envy is an emotion that, while often seen as negative, can be transformed into a tool for personal development. By practicing self-awareness, focusing on our own path, and striving for virtue, we can use envy as a source of motivation rather than destruction. The Stoics remind us that true happiness is not found in external possessions or accolades but in the cultivation of our inner qualities. As we reflect on what we envy, let it be a guide to what we need to work on within ourselves, not a source of resentment toward others.
By embracing Stoic principles and using envy as an inspiration for growth, we can break free from its grip and lead more peaceful, purposeful lives.