2006-12-28 02:27:06 · 5 answers · asked by Seeker 4 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
I have to admit that when I try to list the seven deadly sins, I can never remember to include envy.
OK, it can be deadly. Granted.
But it can also (almost) be a virtue.
E. g., I envy you your ability to ask good questions and provoke interesting responses. I envy your candor and good will.
Such envy is really a synonym for admiration. Hence, choosing whom to envy and why is one way to build good character. As in my first example, the focus of envy is a quality or achievement or condition that one admires but is not likely to attain. As in the second example, the focus of envy is a quality, achievement, or condition that one shares but would like to raise to a higher level as perceived in another person.
Maybe not expiating characteristics of envy if one despises the envied person or wishes him/her misfortune. But there is envy and then there is envy. (Rest assured, I envy you but wish you well.)
And, by the way, I suspect the same might be true for lust, wrath, and pride. I make no apologies for those things that make me feel lustful, angry, and proud (well, most of those things . . . well, some of those things). Actually, I'm kinda proud of my envy.
Now if I could just find expiation for gluttony, greed, and sloth . . . . I might just slip right by the pearly gates.
Have a happy, enviable 2007!
B Frank (alias mank)
2007-01-01 10:01:01 · answer #1 · answered by bfrank 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps just the overcoming of envy.
2006-12-28 20:26:05 · answer #2 · answered by st.uncumber 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Envy is a very toxic emotion.
2006-12-28 07:01:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i doubt it. but then circumstance dictates all. tell me the story!
2006-12-30 03:50:10 · answer #4 · answered by sheepherder 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I guess it would depend on your perspective.
2006-12-28 02:32:18 · answer #5 · answered by Trollbuster 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋