Jealousy is foolish, says Schopenhauer; understand why

The German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, known for his reflections on human existence, stated that "envy is foolishness, for no one is really worthy of envy." The phrase, which circulates in phrase portals and social networks, gains relevance in a context of constant comparison driven by the internet. But what led the nineteenth-century thinker to this conclusion?

To understand the statement, one must know Schopenhauer’s view of happiness. According to the philosopher, happiness is simply a time when there is no suffering. This idea, known as the negative nature of happiness, suggests that satisfaction is not a positive state, but the absence of pain.

Happiness as absence of suffering

Schopenhauer states that life is suffering, a central premise of his philosophy. From this perspective, happiness would not be something to be won, but a temporary relief from the suffering inherent in existence. Thus, to envy the happiness of others would be a mistake of judgment, for no one is free from suffering.

This dynamic has intensified with social networks. For almost two centuries, Schopenhauer had already analyzed envy on the basis of his own idea of the negative nature of happiness. Today, constant exposure to seemingly perfect lives fuels comparisons and feelings of inferiority.

Constant comparison in social networks

The Spanish clinical psychologist Marina Mammoliti says that, in her psychological consultations, "it is almost a constant to hear that person X did the thing X and that is why I feel bad", ignoring the fact that each trajectory is unique and incomparable. This speech reflects the impact of social networks on mental health, where comparison becomes automatic.

Mammoliti points out that the comparison disregards the individual circumstances of each person. What you see in the networks is only a cut, often idealized, of the life of others. The psychologist did not detail specific cases, but her clinical observation points to a common pattern.

The error of judgment of envy

For Schopenhauer, envy is a mistake because it is based on the assumption that the happiness of the other is full and lasting. However, if happiness is only the momentary absence of suffering, no one possesses a constant happiness worthy of envy. The phrase “envy is foolishness, for no one is really worthy of envy” sums up this logic.

The philosopher also reflected on other aspects of human life. Phrases such as "The first forty years of our lives constitute the text; the next thirty, the commentary" and "Destiny shuffles the cards, and we play" show his view of time and chance. These ideas, although not directly about envy, reinforce the notion that each life is unique.

Destiny and Solitude

Schopenhauer wrote, “Loneliness is the destiny of all noble spirits: sometimes they yearn for it, but always choose it as the least of evils.” This phrase suggests that the search for comparison may be an escape from one’s own individuality. Loneliness, for him, is not a punishment, but a conscious choice.

Another phrase attributed to the philosopher is: “Reputation is like a mirror; once broken, it can be repaired, but it will never be the same.” Although it is about reputation, the mirror metaphor can be applied to self-image distorted by envy. The source did not detail the original context of these citations.

Current Relevance of Thought

Schopenhauer’s reflections remain current in a hyper-connected world. Psychologist Marina Mammoliti notes that constant comparison is one of the main triggers of anxiety and depression. Recognizing that each trajectory is unique can be a step towards reducing the suffering caused by envy.

The Boca no Trombone portal, from Ponta Grossa, Paraná, brings content that connects philosophy, psychology and everyday life. Schopenhauer’s phrase serves as a starting point for a reflection on how we deal with the success of others. The source did not detail whether the philosopher addressed envy in specific works, but his ideas about happiness are widely documented.

In a social networking setting, where the lives of others always seem better, Schopenhauer’s message invites us to look inside. Rather than envy, it may be wiser to recognize that everyone faces invisible suffering. The subject matter is not directly related to Ponta Grossa or Paraná, but the theme is universal.

To continue browsing the portal, check out other analyses on philosophy and well-being. The Boca no Trombone publishes daily content that helps you understand the world and yourself.

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a kind of voyeur of the life of others. (www.purepeople.com.br)

because their lives and mine are completely different. (www.purepeople.com.br)

it could not be more relevant (www.purepeople.com.br)

ignoring the fact that each trajectory is unique and incomparable (www.purepeople.com.br)

social networks. (www.purepeople.com.br)