Jealousy: A Companion That Destroys From Within

Jealousy: The Silent Saboteur in Disguise

Gouro Chandra Tripathy

Original Writer– Gouro Chandra Tripathy

(Translation- The Eastern Times)

In 1999, a senior official at a government-run media organization in Baripada, India, made shocking accusations against a colleague. He claimed the man had raped his wife and tried to kill his young son. The seriousness of the allegations led to an immediate and thorough investigation under the supervision of the District Police Officer. But the truth turned out to be far from what was claimed. The probe revealed that the allegations were completely false—driven by jealousy and personal spite.

In front of the authorities, the official admitted to fabricating the story. He confessed that envy and a desire for revenge had clouded his judgment. He apologized, acknowledging the harm he’d caused—not just to his colleague, but also to an innocent woman whose dignity and honor he had used as pawns in his vendetta. His scheme ultimately backfired, bringing not ruin to his target, but disgrace upon himself.

This incident is a powerful reminder of how destructive jealousy can be. It’s a complicated, self-sabotaging emotion that clouds our thinking and pushes us toward actions we often regret.

Jealousy has appeared throughout human history, across cultures and civilizations. In the Indian epic Mahabharata, the Kauravas’ envy of the Pandavas led to the collapse of their dynasty. In the Bible, Cain’s jealousy of Abel resulted in the first recorded murder. Pontius Pilate recognized jealousy as the motive behind Jesus’ betrayal. In Christianity, jealousy is listed among the “seven deadly sins.”

Greek mythology offers the image of Hera—consumed by jealousy over Zeus’s lovers—while in medieval Europe, jealousy was sometimes seen as a sign of love. In the 12th century, writer Andreas Capellanus suggested in The Art of Courtly Love that jealousy could strengthen romantic bonds. But literature also shows us its darker side: in Shakespeare’s Othello, Iago’s envy leads to tragedy, as Othello is manipulated into murdering Desdemona and then taking his own life.

History, too, bears witness. Jealousy played a role in Julius Caesar’s assassination and contributed to the downfall of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Philosophers and psychologists alike have tried to understand jealousy. Hegel linked it to our need for recognition—a core part of being human. In Indian philosophy, including texts like the Bhagavad Gita and Vedanta, jealousy is seen as one of the six internal enemies, alongside anger and desire. A jealous person resents others’ success and takes secret pleasure in their downfall—but ultimately gains nothing. As the saying goes, “Just as rust eats away iron, jealousy eats away the soul.”

Freud broke jealousy down into three types: normal, projected, and delusional. Melanie Klein saw it as rooted in the fear of losing something or someone we value. Jacques Lacan described it as stemming from feelings of lack and inadequacy. Today, with social media constantly showing us curated versions of other people’s lives, the pressure to compare ourselves has only increased—bringing more insecurity, anxiety, and unhappiness.

The antidote to jealousy isn’t found in tearing others down, but in building ourselves up. Confidence and a positive outlook make life clearer, calmer, and more fulfilling. When jealousy arises, it helps to pause and reflect. Where is it coming from? What unmet need is behind it? Instead of measuring our worth against others, we can focus on our own growth and goals.

Having honest conversations—whether with others or with ourselves—can help clear up misunderstandings and insecurities. At its core, jealousy is a cry for love, recognition, and self-worth. But left unchecked, it can turn into a force that destroys from within.

As Adi Shankaracharya wisely warned, jealousy is the “thief of human wisdom.” He urged us to remain alert, to “stay awake, stay awake.” Because when jealousy takes hold, it turns us into our own worst enemy. Overcoming it begins with awareness, self-compassion, and the courage to step out of comparison—and into our own path.

Author Bio: The writer is a senior columnist.

(The Views Expressed Are Personal)