Envy's Destructive Cycle

In our time, feelings of envy sometimes grow into a genuine force capable of destroying a person’s inner harmony. When others’ success is seen not as a source of inspiration but as a threat to one’s own worth, sparks of negativity occasionally ignite, turning another’s happiness into a reason for self-reproach and a sense of superiority. This phenomenon often begins with attempts to downplay the achievements of those around us—a sort of compensatory mechanism that appears to confirm one’s inner superiority, yet actually robs one of the ability to celebrate both one’s own victories and the successes of loved ones. Such an attitude not only blocks the path to personal growth but also endangers one’s mental state, as a person immersed in constant hostility and comparison gradually loses the capacity for true joy and inner peace. In conclusion, envy, when it takes the form of deriving satisfaction from others’ misfortunes, becomes a trap that is exceedingly difficult to escape. By recognizing its harmful effects, we can take a step toward sincerely rejoicing in the success of others and, ultimately, in our own development.

Why do some people derive satisfaction from the misfortunes of others, and what lies behind this phenomenon?

Some people find satisfaction in others’ failures precisely because of envy—a deeply rooted emotion that leads them to view someone else’s success as a threat to their own value, and another’s failure as confirmation of their superiority. In one source ( link txt) it is stated:

"Many cry with those who cry, but do not rejoice with those who rejoice; on the contrary, when others rejoice, they weep out of malice and envy. ... many, having endured something more severe, have not accomplished something easier, yet they languish and destroy themselves upon witnessing others succeed..."

Another source ( link txt) provides examples of an envious person attempting to diminish someone else’s achievements:

"Often, an envious person strives to outwardly diminish the value of that which is the object of their envy. 'As if,' we say, 'you bought a new car. That brings me joy as well...'"

This demonstrates that the motive for deriving satisfaction from another’s misfortune is frequently linked to attempts to undermine the significance of others’ accomplishments, thereby bolstering one’s own self-esteem.

Finally, a third source ( link txt) explains that envy is not only destructive for those who harbor it but also shatters their inner harmony:

"The envious eye is devoured by sorrow. The envious live in a state of perpetual death, considering everyone their enemy—even those who have done nothing to harm them."

It is evident that deriving satisfaction from another’s failure not only evokes a feeling of moral superiority but also leads to deep internal disintegration, as envy prevents a person from genuinely rejoicing in either their own success or that of others.

Thus, at the heart of this phenomenon lies envy, which compels a person to view others’ misfortunes as a means of self-assertion. This emotion fuels the tendency to belittle the achievements of others, thereby underlining one’s own status, even though such behavior ultimately causes harm—both mentally and spiritually.

Supporting citation(s):
"Many cry with those who cry, but do not rejoice with those who rejoice; on the contrary, when others rejoice, they weep out of malice and envy. ... many, having endured something more severe, have not accomplished something easier, yet they languish and destroy themselves upon witnessing others succeed..." (source: link txt)
"Often, an envious person strives to outwardly diminish the value of that which is the object of their envy. 'As if,' we say, 'you bought a new car. That brings me joy as well...'" (source: link txt)
"The envious eye is devoured by sorrow. The envious live in a state of perpetual death, considering everyone their enemy—even those who have done nothing to harm them." (source: link txt)