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In his essay Of Envy, Francis Bacon explores the nature and effects of envy. He begins by comparing envy to love, stating that both are affections that can fascinate and bewitch, particularly through the eye. Bacon observes that envy often arises when someone witnesses the success or glory of another, stirring feelings of jealousy and resentment. He explains that envy works subtly and continuously, making it a dangerous and pervasive emotion.
Key Points and Analysis
Categories of People Prone to Envy
Those lacking virtue: Bacon states that individuals who lack virtue in themselves often envy those who possess it. They either focus on others’ faults or resent their success.
"A man that hath no virtue in himself ever envieth virtue in others."
Inquisitive individuals: People who spend time investigating others' lives tend to envy them. Their curiosity about others leads them to compare fortunes.
"A man that is busy and inquisitive is commonly envious."
Nobility vs. newcomers: Those of noble birth often envy new men when they rise in status, as they feel displaced and believe that their privileged position is threatened.
"Men of noble birth are noted to be envious towards new men when they rise."
Deformed or disadvantaged people: Those who cannot improve their situation, like the deformed or eunuchs, may direct their frustration through envy of others. However, individuals with heroic qualities can transform their disadvantages into strengths.
"Deformed persons, and eunuchs, and old men, and bastards, are envious."
Those who have suffered calamities: People who have experienced hardships often envy the success of others, feeling that another’s misfortune redeems their own struggles.
"The same is the case of men that rise after calamities and misfortunes."
People with varied ambitions: Individuals who seek to excel in many different fields may grow envious of those who surpass them in specific areas.
"They that desire to excel in too many matters, out of levity and vain glory, are ever envious."
Who is Envied?
People of merit and virtue: These individuals are less likely to be envied when their success is seen as a just reward. However, when such people remain in power for too long, fresh competitors arise and envy grows.
"Persons of eminent virtue, when they are advanced, are less envied."
Nobility and gradual rise: Those of noble blood or who have risen through gradual advancement are also less envied, as their rise seems natural or deserved.
"Persons of noble blood are less envied in their rising."
People who earn their honors: Individuals who have worked hard, endured hardships, or taken great risks to earn their honors are less subject to envy. Their struggles garner sympathy, which neutralizes envy.
"Those that have joined with their honour great travails, cares, or perils, are less subject to envy."
Public vs. Private Envy
Bacon distinguishes between public and private envy:
Private envy is personal, malicious, and harms individual relationships. It is often driven by comparisons and competition between peers.
"For private envy is ever joined with the comparing of a man’s self."
Public envy has some positive aspects, as it can act as a check on the powerful by preventing individuals from growing too great. This type of envy targets principal figures like ministers, rather than kings or leaders.
"This envy, being in the Latin word invidia, goeth in the modern languages by the name of discontentment."
Themes
The Destructive Nature of Envy
Envy corrodes the envious: One of the central themes is that envy harms the person who feels it more than the one being envied. Bacon describes envy as a continuous, corrosive emotion that wears away at the heart of the envious.
"Envy is ever joined with the comparing of a man’s self; and where there is no comparison, no envy."
The secretive nature of envy: Envy is often hidden and covert, unlike emotions such as anger, which can be openly expressed. This secrecy makes it more insidious, as it quietly undermines relationships and society.
"It is also the vilest affection, and the most depraved."
The Role of Public Envy in Society
A check on power: Bacon presents the idea that public envy can serve a positive role by acting as a check on the overly ambitious or powerful. It prevents individuals in positions of authority from becoming too dominant and is often directed toward principal ministers.
"For envy is a gadding passion, and walketh the streets, and doth not keep home."
Public envy as discontentment: Public envy, often disguised as discontent, reflects broader societal frustrations with inequality or the success of certain individuals. This type of envy can lead to rebellion or change when it becomes widespread.
"Envy goeth in the modern languages by the name of discontentment."
The Nature of Envy
Bacon concludes by noting that envy is an insidious and destructive emotion. It operates in secret and constantly preys upon the fortunes of others. It is, in his view, the most vile of all passions, closely linked with evil.
"It is also the vilest affection, and the most depraved."
