Schoeck_2010_EnvyATheoryOfSocialBehaviour.pdf

HOW TO DIAGNOSE JUSTIFIABLE ENVY? 301
How to diagnose justifiable envy?
From the viewpoint of an empirical social science, whether this be
psychology, sociology, economics or political science, it is not possible
to establish reliable norms for the diagnosis of justifiable envy, as
compared with envy that is merely destructive. Envy is so universal and
deeply ingrained in man that it can never be guarded from misuse by
politicians and revolutionaries.
Certain recognized theories, as well as observations from quite disparate
cultures, geographic regions and historic periods, do, however,
permit a few scientific conclusions concerning the envy problem in
social reform, and in the pre-revolutionary phase. It is, for instance, an
ascertained fact that it is very difficult, once the appetite for social
change has been stimulated by means of envy, to lull, tranquillize,
deflect or even satisfy it, with any measure of certainty. Envy that has
been stimulated beyond its normal bounds in a group, class or people is
an autonomous force which feeds on its own flames, a dynamic which
cannot be arrested. Again, there is something ominous about the fact
that those who, on their own admission, intend to use envy as leverage,
when asked to what extent and in what spheres of life they propose to
establish the envious man as a norm, never give an unequivocal answer,
indeed, are unable to do so. For once they base their political strategy
upon envy, they unleash an independent dynamic of elementary emotions
and appetites which is constantly nourished by feelings of self-pity,
and which no longer permits its instigators to set and maintain a limit.
We are still on the ground of scientific evidence in pointing out how
unsuited is activated envy in a collective or a gathering to the promotion
of standards for a new social order that might ensure an enduring and
effective social life. Whatever we may understand by the terms 'objectivity,'
'impartiality,' etc. (and it is not without reason that Justice is
shown blindfolded), there can be no doubt that active envy is an emotion
which, even at the physiological level of perception, makes even relative
objectivity impossible. The man who discriminates out of cold contempt
or snobbish revulsion is more capable of objective judgement than the
man who hates or envies. It is significant in this connection that a
working-class defendant will often feel uncomfortable when confronted
by a jury made up of members of his own class.