Jealousy also has a cure

Children born after the year 2000 are given the nickname "Generation Z" (or jenzee). I have tried to see and experience this generation closely. It was easy because my daughter is a part of this generation. In general, they possess a unique worldview and a clear vision of the future. Notably, the beauty of community is especially evident among this new generation. Despite the influence of various fashion trends, they demonstrate a remarkable ability to come together for positive endeavours. This generation is actively involved in social service and charity work, such as building houses for the poor, assisting the sick, providing comfort to the bedridden, and offering aid during floods and pandemics. They pursue their passions with zeal, considering them integral parts of daily life. It is important to embrace and accept their diverse interests to a certain extent. I disagree with the prevailing view among older generations that this 'new generation' is inherently selfish, constantly engrossed in their mobile phones, and inclined towards isolation. I believe there is no need for such harsh judgment in our approach towards them.

Even as we say this, it's important to address a concerning trend occasionally observed in this generation, particularly within the context of a new competitive world order. The characters of today belong to Generation Z. They are peers who studied together, excelled academically, and achieved success both at home and internationally. Among them, I recall two individuals in particular. One holds a prestigious position in a foreign private company, while the other serves as a doctor within the country. Interestingly, the friend working abroad often expresses a peculiar sense of dissatisfaction whenever discussing their friend who is a doctor in the country. There's an unusual stinginess in the way he talks about this friend. In an attempt to understand the psychological root of this behaviour, I embarked on a journey amid the hustle and bustle. This journey led me back to a medical entrance examination hall from many years ago. The medical entrance examination is one of the most competitive tests in our country, where numerous candidates vie for limited spots.

The two friends mentioned above both took the entrance exam together. While one of them passed and pursued MBBS to become a doctor, the other struggled to overcome that hurdle. But still thanks to his comparable abilities and competencies, the latter still managed to attain a high level of success. However, he harboured feelings of envy towards his friend's talents and accomplishments, never fully appreciating his own abilities. When discussing his doctor friend, he would often downplay his achievements, saying things like, 'It's not a big deal, he only scored two marks more than me on that day'. In every conversation, he would find ways to belittle at least one other person.

The friend in the country had a contrasting attitude. He would speak of his friend abroad with pride, often expressing humility by saying, 'He has achieved great heights. While I may not have reached the same level, I am content with the blessings I have.'

There are some individuals who wish they themselves had achieved such success when they witness others achieving significant success in music, literature, or their careers. This attitude is commonly known as jealousy or greed.

It is common for individuals with this attitude to consistently undervalue others in their conversations. This demeanour is also observable in many well-known figures in social, cultural, and political spheres, including individuals in their sixties or seventies. I recall a man in his seventies who gained prominence in the cultural realm after retiring from his career. He frequently voiced grievances about his former colleagues from his working days. We have often witnessed through movies and novels, including those by MT, the attitude of some elders in matrilineal systems towards their nephews. These elders stubbornly resist the notion of their nephews surpassing them. It's perplexing that such a mindset persists into the 21st century, where some individuals remain adamant that even their most beloved should not outshine them. In essence, this attitude transcends generational boundaries.

People who lack self-confidence have to live in the darkroom of inferiority all the time. They try to hide the awkwardness of this inferiority by creating a sense of superiority about themselves and blaming and belittling others.

They live their lives worrying about the opportunities that have been missed and the dreams that cannot be realized. They will show a kind of discomfort with everything around them. It will even be reflected in their words, thoughts, writings, and body language. This attitude gives an unusual imperfection to the human journey in search of perfection.

There is that famous adage that says, 'There is no cure for jealousy or baldness'. However, modern science and technology have found a solution to baldness to a certain extent. Then what of the cure for jealousy? The remedy for that is to find satisfaction in one's abilities and skills and to develop a balanced mind. If this is achieved, the achievements of others will not disturb us at all. If we approach life with passion and enthusiasm and use the remaining time for social good and service, the mind will become more dynamic. The English proverb 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop' is very relevant. A famous saying of Aristotle comes to mind: 'Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.'