Greed, Jealousy, and the Cycle of Oppression

 Everyone thinks they’re so much better than me. Who was it, that gave me a tranquilizer, not prescribed to me, at my mother's memorial service??

Human emotions have always been a double-edged sword, capable of inspiring the best and worst in us. Among the most destructive emotions are greed and jealousy—two powerful forces that have historically driven individuals, communities, and even entire nations to act in ways that oppress and persecute others. While these emotions are inherently human, their unchecked manifestations, often fueled by narcissism, can lead to devastating consequences for those who become their targets.  

The Root of Greed and Jealousy

At their core, greed and jealousy stem from a desire for control and a fear of inadequacy. Greed is the insatiable hunger for more—more power, wealth, status, or influence. It thrives on the belief that one’s worth is tied to what they possess. Jealousy, on the other hand, is the fear of losing what one has or the resentment of others for having what one desires. While greed seeks to accumulate, jealousy seeks to protect or destroy. Both are fueled by a scarcity mindset that tells us there isn’t enough to go around, creating a toxic cycle of comparison and competition.  

When these emotions are weaponized, they become tools of oppression. Those who are consumed by greed may exploit others to achieve their goals, while jealousy can lead to targeting individuals who embody what the jealous person feels they lack. Both emotions are often rationalized by those experiencing them, allowing them to justify harmful actions as necessary or even deserved.  

How Greed and Jealousy Oppress

1. Unlawful Persecution  

Throughout history, greed and jealousy have been driving forces behind the unjust persecution of individuals and groups. Greedy individuals or systems seek to dominate and exploit, often scapegoating others to maintain their own status. Consider examples like land grabs, corporate exploitation, or systemic inequalities where the few benefit at the expense of the many.  

Jealousy, too, plays a role in persecution. Individuals or groups that represent a perceived threat—be it due to their success, identity, or influence—are often targeted to suppress their achievements or existence. This is evident in hate crimes, workplace sabotage, or societal witch hunts. The underlying sentiment is clear: "If I can’t have it, neither can you."  

2. The Role of Narcissism

Narcissism adds another layer of complexity to the destructive power of greed and jealousy. Narcissists often view the world as an extension of themselves, with others existing only to serve their desires or validate their self-worth. When greed and jealousy arise in such individuals, the fallout can be catastrophic.  

A narcissist driven by greed will exploit, manipulate, and dehumanize others to amass wealth, power, or recognition. They see others as obstacles or tools, rather than as people. Similarly, a narcissist fueled by jealousy may go to great lengths to tear down those they envy, often using slander, deceit, or outright sabotage to diminish their target's success. Their inability to empathize amplifies the harm they cause, as they see no issue with their actions so long as their ego is preserved.  

3. The Collateral Damage

The effects of greed and jealousy, especially when combined with narcissism, ripple far beyond the immediate targets. Families, communities, and entire systems can suffer. Careers are destroyed, lives are disrupted, and trust within relationships or institutions is eroded. Those targeted by these toxic emotions often bear the brunt of public scrutiny, personal loss, or emotional trauma—all because someone else couldn’t control their darker impulses.  

A Call for Reflection 

If greed and jealousy are inherently human, then how do we mitigate their harmful effects? The answer lies in self-awareness and accountability. Recognizing these emotions within ourselves is the first step toward preventing them from dictating our actions. Acknowledging the humanity of others—and resisting the urge to reduce them to competitors or threats—can break the cycle of oppression.  

Society, too, must hold accountable those who use greed and jealousy as tools for unlawful persecution. Whether it’s calling out corrupt systems, challenging oppressive narratives, or supporting those who are unfairly targeted, we all have a role to play in fostering a culture of fairness and empathy.  

Ultimately, greed and jealousy only have as much power as we give them. By choosing to act from a place of compassion rather than fear, abundance rather than scarcity, we can create a world where success is not a threat, differences are not liabilities, and the well-being of others is seen as interconnected with our own. This shift requires courage, but the rewards—justice, equality, and human dignity—are worth every effort.