RELIGIOUS AND PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVES ON THE TYPES OF ENVY

Аннотация

This article explores religious perspectives on envy, highlighting its spiritual interpretations across different belief systems. Furthermore, it presents the views of prominent philosophers regarding the nature and psychological impact of envy. The analysis emphasizes how envy manifests in emotional reactions, interpersonal dynamics, and social structures. Keywords: Envy, desire, emotional reactions, hostility, motivation, socialization, family, narcissism. Introduction. The concepts of desire and envy have been referenced since ancient times in both written and oral traditions. The essence of envy, from a religious and philosophical perspective, was first elaborated in the Avesta, the sacred Zoroastrian texts. Additionally, philosophical interpretations of envy can be found in Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhist teachings. This theme also attracted the attention of ancient Greek philosophers such as Xenophon, Democritus, Athenian thinkers, Plato, Aristotle, and Epicurus. During the Middle Ages, the subject of envy was revisited by influential Christian theologians including Saint Basil the Great (V. Velikiy), John the Theologian (G. Bogoslov), and Augustine of Hippo (A. Augustinus). In the modern era, prominent European philosophers have also analyzed the emotion of envy in their works. According to E. Stridonian (Jerome of Stridon), envy is not only rooted in social or material inequality but may also stem from genetic differences, as some individuals are born with exceptional abilities [5]. The ancient Greeks believed that Zelos—the god of envy and rivalry—was the sister of Nike, the goddess of victory. These two divine figures were inseparable; wherever victory appeared, envy inevitably followed. In this belief system, the two could not exist without one another. In several chapters of Shahnameh by Abulqosim Ferdowsi, particularly in the epic of Gushtasp, there are extensive reflections on the pre-Islamic religion of the peoples of Central Asia and Iran— Zoroastrianism—and its founder, Zoroaster (Zarathustra). In these passages, Zoroaster is portrayed as the high priest of high priests, a sage among sages, and a prophet. His foundational text, the encyclopedic Avesta, is frequently cited. Indeed, Zoroaster is widely regarded as the first philosopher, orator, poet, and sage of the East, a revered spiritual leader of his people. Avesta is not only the sacred scripture of Zoroastrianism but also a monumental and ancient source of comprehensive knowledge in science, philosophy, and all spheres of life. The text contains detailed information on the history of the peoples of Central Asia and Iran from the first millennium BCE to the sixth century CE, particularly those living along the banks of the Syr Darya and Amu Darya rivers. page 1136 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23 American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 04, 2025 Journal: https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai Moreover, the Avesta provides valuable historical and cultural insights into the societies of Central Asia and Iran from the first millennium BCE to the sixth century CE. It contains records of the social life of peoples living along the banks of the Syr Darya and Amu Darya rivers, documenting their professions, trade relations, and interactions with neighboring communities. Farmers and herders are portrayed as the primary creators of material wealth, reflecting their central role in the socio-economic fabric of ancient society. "A pure thought is one that reflects the spirit of divine law: kindness toward one’s close ones, readiness to help those in need or danger, a willingness to actively fight against evil for the happiness and well-being of others, and a desire to live in harmony with everyone—in friendship and unity with like-minded individuals. A person must not harbor envy in their thoughts; one with good intentions does not fall into anger or ignorance, because such states corrupt one’s purity of intent, lead to forgetfulness of duty and justice, and result in inappropriate actions" [9]. These ideas are expressed in the Avesta, where the destructive consequences of envy are discussed. Modern psychologists also affirm these insights. Indeed, a person’s psychological well-being is closely connected to the purity of their thoughts and intentions. A person with sincere intentions tends to act positively. Conversely, when an individual is overwhelmed by envy, the negative emotions that follow can lead to harmful consequences—not only for themselves but also for their surrounding environment. Aristotle (384–322 BCE), in his counsel to Alexander the Great, wrote the following reflections: “If someone possesses what you desire, do not envy them, and do not wish upon others what you yourself dislike. Restrain your soul from fleeting desires, do not indulge your lusts, and rid your heart of envy. Let your passions and ambitions have boundaries. For if you grant your d