"Pride, avarice, and envy are in every home"

Thornton Wilder’s assertion that pride, avarice, and envy reside in every home reveals a profound observation about the ubiquity of human flaws. He identifies these particular vices, not murder, betrayal, or violence, but rather subtle, persistent emotions that seem almost inherent to daily life. By placing these qualities “in every home,” he highlights how universal and deeply embedded they are within the fabric of human relationships and societal structures.

Pride often emerges as a double-edged sword, capable of inspiring achievement but also breeding arrogance and division. Within families and among friends, pride can foster needless competition or an inability to admit wrongdoing. It drives wedges by making reconciliation and vulnerability difficult, elevating self-importance above collective well-being.

Avarice, or an insatiable desire for wealth and possessions, creeps into everyday existence through the yearning for more, more money, more comfort, more recognition. Its presence is amplified in a consumer-driven society, where success is commonly measured by material accumulation. Avarice can strain relationships, encourage dishonesty, and divert attention from intangible forms of happiness like love and contentment. Even among those who seem content, it may lurk quietly as ambition or desire for security morphs into never-ending greed.

Envy represents another hidden, yet corrosive, force operating within families and communities. The human tendency to compare oneself with others fuels envy, making it difficult to celebrate others’ achievements or fortunes. Relationships suffer as joy for a loved one’s success is mingled with resentment. On a broader level, envy can undermine trust, breed resentment, and erode social cohesion.

Wilder’s observation is ultimately a call for self-awareness. Recognizing these vices in “every home” suggests they are not the failings of a few, but challenges faced universally. Understanding the persistence of pride, avarice, and envy in daily life reminds us to strive for humility, generosity, and contentment, fostering compassion in the face of our shared human weaknesses.