Envy in a Time of Inequality

Acton Institute ^ | Nov 5, 2014 | Samuel Gregg

[Ray76]

Envy, I’ve often thought, is the very worst human emotion. The epic Biblical narrative of Cain’s slaying of Abel reminds us that people have been jealous of others’ successes and well-being from time immemorial. When mixed, however, with the near-obsession with inequality that dominates much public discourse these days, there’s a serious risk that envy — and desires to appease it — can start driving public policy in ways that aren’t economically wise or politically healthy.

Remarks like “you didn’t build that” or François Hollande’s notorious 2012 “I don’t like the rich” statement don’t of course come out of a void. On one level, they reflect long-standing ideological complaints about the nature and outcomes of market economies as well as animus against particular groups. But the current fixation with economic inequality has arguably made it easier for our political masters to say such things out loud and with less fear of electoral retribution.

[1010RD]

Those who complain about inequality don’t state that we’ve already had societies in which everyone was equal. The old USSR and East Germany or Cuba or Korea are all examples of the utopias Thomas Piketty desires for us.

America is built on merit. The rich have always had ‘access’ to government via politicians. How can Big Government cure a non-problem, when it’s most likely to be controlled by the .001%?

Most economic problems, particularly the intractable ones, are a direct result of government interference in human lives. Look at state, county and local licensing, permitting and zoning laws as a major cause. Toss in minimum wage laws and the lie of government schooling providing an education and you’ve got a giant patch of flypaper to step over to build real wealth.

[Wildbill22]

Looking at the definitions of Envy and Covetousness, while not exactly the same, are similar.

The Bible being translated so many times, is it possible they are the same?

I think the same could be said of “Thou shall not kill”, where it should be the proper context “Thou shall not MURDER”, meaning killing innocent human life, not killing in general, which the left clearly confuses.