I can sense the excitement and the anxiety that all you readers have about this post because of the prolonged absence of a new sermon from your big-daddy. And hence without much ado lets get to today's topic - Jealousy.
Before we begin, let me first tell you what is the difference between envy and jealousy (which I myself did not know until I heard Mr. Gurucharan Das talk about it at one of the functions at my college - well to be a good teacher you need to learn from others too). Here I quote what Dictionary.com talks about Envy and Jealousy:
Envy denotes a longing to possess something awarded to or achieved by another: to feel envy when a friend inherits a fortune. Jealousy, on the other hand, denotes a feeling of resentment that another has gained something that one more rightfully deserves: to feel jealousy when a coworker receives a promotion.
Jealousy also refers to anguish caused by fear of unfaithfulness. (This Jealousy although quite prevalent is out of the scope of this discourse as the author wants to eradicate both fear and unfaithfulness from the minds of his readers).
Well envy is one of the biggest drivers of the world economy or the entire world for that matter. Most people are envious of others (after you finish this course in life (as the name suggests author's blog is one big course in life) you might be envious of this blog but you would be able to control your feelings extremely well by then so it should not be a problem). Envy makes you do things that you would not have done otherwise. The reason why big brands which sell a pair of jeans which is otherwise available for Rs. 500 for Rs.5000 or people who run behind money to lead a comfortable life suddenly start running on a trade mill , that too after paying money for it to build six pack abs is - ENVY! Yet envy might be good in some way or other (although the author personally may not agree with this opinion in many cases, there is some degree of agreement) as it may lead to better outcomes. But when it comes to jealousy it can just change your life.
Being jealous and trying to make others jealous seems to be in fashion these days ( the author is sure that it would have been there from times immemorial but unless one brands something as new or novel it won't sell hence the sentence). Although jealousy comes naturally there are some ways to try to induce jealousy in others. Why induce jealousy- simple read Lesson 1 of Big Daddy's guide to life - to show others that you are successfull and hence better than others.
One of the ways of inducing jealousy, is using extravagantly priced Branded items. Extravagantly priced - something that is being sold at more than 200% premium to an ordinary item. (e.g. a tie for Rs. 1350 when normally good quality ties are available at 250-400).
Many people use this under the facade of quality but this also is questionable as even quality items don't guarantee anything.
As the author sees it - if one starts getting jealous one might entirely forget the basic reason for one's existance and start running behind things that others are running. If my friend buys a Goodsand shoe for 3550 even I need it- see it is costly but it lasts longer than a KATA. But the fact is - is it really necessary? Do you really want to wear the same shoe for 6 years?
It is even worse in case of those who consume liquor. My boss consumes Bodkha so even I want that. I shall work 3 hours extra every day and get that extra bonus so that even I can have it. After Bodkha - Gum - Jisky - Botch - and up the 'value chain'. In the end many people just end up working harder for that better brand. If looked at from a higher level - all the hard work you put in is going into pockets of the Brand fellows - who create an illusive perception. Most of the times we just dont need the high quality that these brands have to offer, yet we fall pray to it.
So next time you choose your Brand - just ask yourself is it really necessary ? is it really worth it? (Remember money doesn't grow on trees) If it is - go for it. If it is not worth it then also don't worry just buy it and hope that some other person becomes jealous of you !!!
About Me
- KGV
- Nagpur/Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- This author has had his fair share of success as an unpopular editor of a widely read yet hated periodical named NINE in his post graduate days. The author, over a period of time, has developed mastery over the tact of using at least three times as many words as compared to the number of words required to express something. The tact although difficult to develop has been mastered by the author through consistent practice both in speech and in the written word. Author's sense of humor, although questioned for its very existence by a majority of the mankind, has some serious fans. Author's interest in creative writing is zilch and he uses it just as a probable tool to make money in future through ads. The author is shameless enough to urge all the readers of his blog to click on the ads that are displayed in the blog area. Despite all the shortcomings, the writings of the author can be addictive and the general public is adviced to monitor and control its exposure to views and opinions (if any) expressed in this blog. This blog is supposed to be nothing more than a dump for high end spiritualistic and social gyan which is good for nothing. So read at your own risk!