Envy: The Psychology, Culture, and Politics of Resentment

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the phenomenon of envy, examining it through the lens of psychology, culture, and contemporary politics. The author draws on Leon Festinger's social comparison theory, explaining how the mechanisms of assessing one's own worth in relation to others influence our well-being. The text distinguishes between benign and malign envy, pointing to the destructive role of resentment in social and political structures, particularly in the context of so-called 'leveling down.' The reader will also explore cross-cultural perspectives, from the Scandinavian Law of Jante to the Buddhist concept of mudita. A key element of the publication is the identification of practical methods for building mental resilience and systemic solutions, such as procedural transparency, that allow for transforming destructive envy into constructive inspiration and concern for the common good.