In Shakespeare’s renowned play, “Othello,” Iago harbors envy towards Othello and makes it his mission to destroy him. Othello becomes suspicious of his wife’s fidelity, and Iago, warning him of the dangers of jealousy, describes it as a “green-eyed monster” that can consume and drive one to madness if left unchecked. He cautions Othello, saying, “O, beware, my lord, of jealousy. It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock The meat it feeds on.”
Tragically, although Iago issues this warning, Othello fails to suspect him, nor does he question his own emotions, ultimately leading to a tragic outcome. This highlights how jealousy, a powerful human emotion, can distort perceptions and lead to irrational behavior, even in the sanest individuals.
Interestingly, we often overlook our own potential for jealousy, believing it to be a trait found only in others. However, it’s essential to recognize and address any feelings of jealousy within ourselves. Here are some indicators to help us identify jealousy:
1. Feeling Displeasure at Others’ Success: Whether it’s their financial gains or personal achievements, we find ourselves unable to feel genuinely happy for their progress.
2. Experiencing Relief at Others’ Misfortunes: When we hear about their troubles, we feel a sense of relief, almost as if their downfall brings us comfort.
3. Engaging in Unhealthy Competition: We feel compelled to compete with them in various aspects of life, unable to find peace until we have surpassed them.
4. Wishing Ill Fortune Upon Them: Deep down, we hope for their downfall, believing that they deserve karmic retribution for making us feel inadequate.
If we recognize any of these sentiments within ourselves, it’s crucial to introspect and address them. Instead of allowing jealousy to consume us, we can cultivate a mindset of compassion and goodwill towards others. In Sikh tradition, the prayer “Sarbat da bhala” (blessings for all) emphasizes the importance of wishing well for everyone. By embracing this mindset, we can counteract feelings of jealousy and foster harmony within ourselves and our communities.
