Famous quote by Joseph Epstein

"Of the seven deadly sins, only envy is no fun at all"

About this Quote

Joseph Epstein's quote, "Of the seven fatal sins, only envy is no enjoyable at all", uses an intriguing assessment of the nature of human vices and how they interplay with human experiences. The "7 deadly sins" typically include lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, rage, envy, and pride. Each of these sins can have an indulgent or satisfying aspect that might interest human desires and impulses. However, Epstein songs out envy as uniquely without any satisfying element.

To analyze this quote, it's necessary to think about the essence of envy. Envy includes sensation discontented or resentful since of another person's belongings, qualities, or luck. Unlike the other sins, which typically include an instant sense of gratification, envy is a feeling rooted in discontentment and yearning. There is no inherent joy in wanting what somebody else has; rather, it spirals into unfavorable sensations such as inadequacy, resentment, and bitterness.

In contrast, other sins can supply short-term pleasures or extravagances. Lust can supply physical satisfaction, gluttony can be satisfying, greed can result in the build-up of wealth and convenience, sloth can be unwinding, rage can be cathartic, and pride can result in a heightened sense of self. These sins attract humans because they provide a sense of fulfillment, albeit short-lived and typically harmful in the long-lasting.

Envy, however, provides no such benefit. It focuses entirely on what is doing not have in ourselves compared to others, which causes ongoing frustration. Envy can not be satisfied by its very nature-- it does not include obtaining something but rather wishing for something that comes from someone else, which makes it an unrelenting and joyless cycle.

Hence, Epstein's observation is a commentary on the futility and suffering of envy. While other sins might lead to individual downfall through indulgence, envy stands apart by doing not have any form of pleasure or fulfillment, therefore two times as emphasizing its destructive nature. It highlights the importance of acknowledging and facing envy to cultivate a more content and self-satisfied life, untainted by the continuous comparison to others.

About the Author

USA Flag This quote is from Joseph Epstein somewhere between January 9, 1937 and today. He/she was a famous Writer from USA. The author also have 22 other quotes.
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