“Existential envy which is directed against the other person’s very nature, is the strongest source of ressentiment. It is as if it whispers continually: “I can forgive everything, but not that you are— that you are what you are—that I am not what you are—indeed that I am not you.” This form of envy strips the opponent of his very existence, for this existence as such is felt to be a “pressure,” a “reproach,” and an unbearable humiliation. In the lives of great men there are always critical periods of instability, in which they alternately envy and try to love those whose merits they cannot but esteem. Only gradually, one of these attitudes will predominate. Here lies the meaning of Goethe’s reflection that “against another’s great merits, there is no remedy but love.”
Quote Analysis
In this quote, Max Scheler explores the concept of existential envy and ressentiment, describing it as the strongest source of resentment. He delves into the idea that individuals may envy someone for simply being who they are, feeling that their very existence is a reproach or humiliation. Scheler suggests that great individuals may experience periods of instability where they struggle to reconcile their envy with their admiration for the person they envy. Ultimately, he highlights the idea that the only way to overcome this envy is to cultivate love for the person we envy, as Goethe reflects.
Modern Relevance
In this quote, Max Scheler explores the concept of existential envy and its impact on individuals. The feeling of resentment towards someone else's very nature can strip them of their existence and create a sense of pressure and humiliation. This quote highlights the struggle of great individuals to balance admiration for others' merits with their own feelings of inadequacy.Ultimately, Scheler suggests that the only remedy against feelings of envy towards others' successes is to cultivate a sense of love and appreciation.
In today's society, where social media often exacerbates feelings of comparison and envy, Scheler's insights into the destructive nature of existential envy remain highly relevant. The pressure to keep up with others and the fear of not measuring up can contribute to feelings of resentment and insecurity. By recognizing and addressing these feelings, individuals can work towards a more positive and fulfilling mindset.
Examples of Usage
This quote by Max Scheler delves into the destructive nature of existential envy and ressentiment. It explores how individuals can become consumed by envy towards others, leading to a sense of inadequacy and humiliation.
In the competitive world of business, existential envy can often rear its ugly head as individuals compare themselves to their more successful peers. This can create a toxic environment where jealousy and resentment fester, leading to a breakdown in relationships and productivity.
The entertainment industry is rife with examples of existential envy, as actors, musicians, and artists constantly compare themselves to their more famous counterparts. This can lead to bitterness and a sense of inadequacy, driving individuals to make unhealthy choices in an attempt to emulate their idols.
On social media, existential envy is rampant as individuals showcase curated versions of their lives, leading others to compare themselves and feel lacking. This can create a cycle of discontent and self-doubt, as people strive to measure up to unrealistic standards set by others.
Reflection Questions
Reflecting on the concept of existential envy and ressentiment as described by Max Scheler, consider the following questions:
- Have you ever experienced a sense of envy towards someone for simply being who they are, rather than any specific accomplishment or possession they have?
- How do you react when faced with feelings of envy towards others? Do you find yourself struggling to accept their existence as they are, or do you seek to understand and appreciate their unique qualities?
- In times of instability or self-doubt, do you find yourself more inclined to envy or to love those whose merits you admire? How do you navigate these conflicting emotions?
- Reflecting on Goethe's idea that there is no remedy for envy against another's great merits but love, how can you cultivate a mindset of admiration and appreciation towards others, rather than letting envy consume you?
Similar quotes
“Envy, envy eats them alive. If you had money, they’d envy you that. But since you don’t, they envy you for having such a good, bright, loving daughter. They envy you for just being a happy man. They envy you for not envying them. One of the greatest sorrows of human existence is that some people aren’t happy merely to be alive but find their happiness only in the misery of others.”
“Envy consists in seeing things never in themselves, but only in their relations. If you desire glory, you may envy Napoleon, but Napoleon envied Caesar, Caesar envied Alexander, and Alexander, I daresay, envied Hercules, who never existed.”
“You can feel anything. All is free for you to feel. But I guarantee you that if you allow yourself to feel envy and then to swim in it, that envy will destroy you and the people around you. Envy is unlike anger. Envy is not a right wing nor a left wing, it is not on either end of the balancing beam. Nobody needs it and I can assure you that once you give yourself to it, you will be eaten up. Envy can even eat up nations, casting them up against each other and pull a whole nation down into an internal collapse.”
“In the end, therefore, money will be the one thing people will desire, which is moreover only representative, an abstraction. Nowadays a young man hardly envies anyone his gifts, his art, the love of a beautiful girl, or his fame; he only envies him his money. Give me money, he will say, and I am saved...He would die with nothing to reproach himself with, and under the impression that if only he had had the money he might really have lived and might even have achieved something great.”
“Impartiality is incompatible with the will to affirm oneself or quite simply with the will to exist. To acknowledge another’s merits is an alarming symptom, an act against nature.”