5 Transformative Strategies: Shifting Away from Envy for Mutual Benefit

In Robert Greene's book, The Laws of Human Nature, where envy is a significant theme with 239 mentions, the author suggests that while it's nearly impossible to eliminate the urge to compare ourselves with others—a trait inherent in our social nature—our natural instincts can be channelled into five essential strategies. These strategies aim to reduce feelings of envy, ultimately benefiting everyone around us.

1. To Reduce Envy, Get Closer to What You Want

The feeling of envy can thrive and grow with proximity; we should be closer behind the scenes and understand the flaws of our assumptions of envy and greed; fame, attention, or wealth does not equate to happiness; there tend to be drawbacks and issues with all individuals at all levels of achievement.

2. Focus Your Attention to Those With Less

Instead of focusing on individuals with more, focus on those with less and cultivating empathy for those with less builds gratitude; this is a way to build a resilient, open mindset of appreciation and contentment. 

3. Train Ourselves to Empathize With Others' Happiness

Nietzsche urged us toward a different path - Mitfreude, "joying with," genuinely sharing another person's happiness and good fortune expands our capacity to experience joy in our own lives.

4. Cultivate A Belief In Your Capacity To Learn and Improve Yourself

We must direct our energy towards productive and creative ends instead of harbouring ill will due to comparison and surround ourselves with individuals who ignite positive competitiveness; believe in your capacity to elevate yourself, have confidence in your ability to improve, and be driven to achieve what others have with a robust work ethic, rigour, and persistence by focusing your life with goals to realize your potential and internalize a sense of self-worth to be immune to your feelings of envy.

5. Celebrate Human Greatness Without The Burden of Insecurity

Embrace admiration and celebrate human greatness without insecurity, admiring others' achievements, acknowledging their superiority without feeling any type of personal comparison transcends pettiness, bringing a calming peaceful effect. 

In Summary

Find in your vastness of the human spirit and celebrate the beauty and greatness of human achievements without the pettiness of comparing with irrational feelings of envy and greed.