Understanding Envy: The Deep Longing to Mirror Others’ Achievements and Qualities
I must say as I begin this post about a sixth of the seven deadly sins that I am in absolute awe of the great band, Deadlands, taking this project on. The lyrics that Kasey Karlsen has written are amazing, spot on, and thought-provoking. As I listened over and over to their song about envy, “Kundalini”, I pondered and studied envy more deeply. I first pondered why envy is a deadly sin and not jealousy or self-interest.
Envy is considered a deadly sin because it involves a deep, resentful longing for what others have, often leading to destructive feelings and actions that can harm both oneself and others. It fuels bitterness, greed, and a desire to undermine or take away what belongs to someone else, ultimately corrupting the individual’s soul and relationships.
Jealousy, on the other hand, is usually seen as a more immediate emotional response—an uneasy feeling of insecurity or fear of losing something or someone. While it can also be harmful if left unchecked, jealousy is generally regarded as a temporary emotion rather than a persistent vice.
The key difference lies in their nature: envy involves a longing rooted in resentment and covetousness, making it a more dangerous and corrosive attitude, whereas jealousy is often a transient feeling that can be managed or understood.
In Deadland’s song, “Kundalini,” the line “I’m my own rival” suggests that our biggest challenge in combating envy is often ourselves. Instead of comparing ourselves to others and feeling envious, we can focus on personal growth and self-improvement. Recognizing that our primary competition is our own potential encourages us to set internal goals, celebrate our progress, and cultivate gratitude for what we have. By shifting the focus inward, we reduce the power of envy and foster a healthier, more confident mindset. Ultimately, being your own rival means striving to be better than your past self, rather than constantly measuring against others.
The lyrics “Don’t care if it’s blasphemy; I’ll take your legacy; Rip the scales from my face, put myself in your place” are a powerful expression of our envy and desire to transcend our limitations by directly experiencing what another has. These lines remind us of the deep yearning to embody or possess what belongs to someone else—whether their achievements, identity, power, or inner qualities—by any means necessary, even if it means crossing moral lines. It captures a sense of intense desire to bridge the gap between oneself and the admired individual, driven by envy and aspiration.
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