In Praise of Envy

Anonymous, "Heads Representing the Various Passions of the Soul; as they are Expressed in the Human Countenance: Drawn by that Great Master Monsieur Le Brun" 1765

First, a clarification. When we use the word jealousy, we usually mean envy:

• Envy = wanting something someone else has

• Jealousy = being defensive and protective of something you have (typically a romantic partner) because you feel threatened that someone will take it

Yup. Jealousy is used incorrectly 99.9 percent of the time.

In many ways, it doesn’t matter. Envy and jealousy can wreak havoc on a writer equally. They’re a debilitating mix of fear, hatred, confusion, discontent, and anxiety. Both feel terrible, causing us to ruminate and become plagued with self-doubt. Typically, we end up in a pit of compare-and-despair.

It doesn’t need to be like this. Envy, in particular, is a little blessing to be welcomed. Plenty of sages and wise people have spoken to this: Envy brings a message and can be the key to your growth as a human be…