Envy and Poverty

Envy is the root cause of socialism and other forms of compulsory wealth redistribution.

Most people think the cause is jealousy. The jealous person says: “You’ve got something I want. I’m going to take it away from you.” Envy says, “You’ve got something I want. I can never possess it. So, I’m going to destroy what you have. I don’t want anyone to have it until everyone can have it.”

Unfortunately, it’s this thinking that drives our social behavior and politics today — and it’s destroying us.

For more, read Envy and Poverty by Gary North