You're Just Jealous

You're Just Jealous

By Joe Renna

I was reading a collection of writings by Albert Einstein when I came across an article entitled "Why Do They Hate The Jews" (Collier's Magazine, NY, Nov. 26,1938). The title alone intrigued me and I was anxious to find out how the icon of genius explained it. He illustrates the basis for the hatred and applies it to nations as well as individuals. Einstein states that "the situation happens again and again in life". In just a quick review of our day to day experiences it became easy to apply his point of view to many situations. There is a dislike that sometime leads to action or reaction that is baseless.

Animosity exists between people of different ethnic origins, between politicians, between members of organizations, neighbors and even within families. But why? Why dislike someone for no apparent reason? The answer according to Einstein is simply jealousy.

So simple that it cuts to the bone because as he states "we all have often played that role". Everyone who reads this must think I found their mental diary and am exposing them at this very minute. Well, yes, this is meant for you. It's meant for everyone. You probably have to crawl from under ten 50 pound bags of denial just to admit it may be you. I suspect the biggest culprits wouldn't see themselves at all, it may even enrage them.

The signs aren't as obvious as what happened to Jews in Germany but are apparent in negative political campaigns and in subtle ways like discriminating hiring practices or ways that are inperceptible like wishing ill or failure on someone.

I would like to challenge everyone to do a little soul searching and answer the question "Why don't I like that person?" with "It's because, deep down, I'm really jealous." Does the logic fit? You may find that you are slowly nodding yes to yourself. The world would be a better place if this understanding could be used to correct negative actions.

Decent people don't consciously want to be evil, but there is a force, call it envy, that drives us there. But the targets of our hate aren't any better off than us. We tend to blame our shortcomings on those we perceive as privileged. It becomes easier to knock that person down than to build ourselves up.

God don't like ugly and what goes around comes around. Checking your negative feelings toward others will prevent alot of heartache resulting in strong relationships and an even stronger community. You will actually feel better about yourself and be more understanding and accepting of others. Hence, you will be better understood and accepted.

Before you put the "malocchio" on someone try embracing their good fortune . . . it may rub off on you