The Politics of Envy

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When toxic envy grows unchecked, it will inevitably destroy an individual, a family, a society â€”even a civilization. In our day, envy has reached its tipping point, fueling acts of anger, violence, and revenge in America's cities and corporate boardrooms.

In this timely and brilliantly written book, Anne Hendershott argues that the political class, social media, and advertisers have created a culture of covetousness by relentlessly provoking us to envy others and to be envied. The result is not surprising: a deeply indignant and rapacious generation that believes no one is more deserving of advantages and rewards than they.

Hendershott explains how envy leads to resentment, which eventually erupts into violence and rage, malicious mobs, cancel culture, and the elevation of dysfunctional political systems such as socialism and Marxism.

The Politics of Envy is the first book to provide a sociocultural probe into the root cause of the deadly sin of envy, and it charts a proven path out of this disordered and destructive thinking.Â From this pivotal, vitally important book you'll also learn:

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A New Lens Through Which to Understand Today's Politics

I have read widely enough that I seldom come across books—even good ones—that present to me a novel and convincing way to look at something. This is one of those rare books. We are nearing the end of a year of political turmoil. We have witnessed more blustering statements in the halls of Congress than in any four prior years. We have witnessed media personalities who seem to vie with one another for the most unhinged comments. Worse, we have witnessed unrest—even political murder—in our streets. Americans seem divided from one another more than at any time since the Civil War. Neighbors and communities are rent like never before in our lifetimes. How to understand this? Perhaps we need a new lens to look through. Anne Hendershott provides us one. Through it we see that today’s chief social problem is the sin of envy.

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Perfect timing for an envy deep dive

Can’t think of a more timely topic for a deep dive than the concept of envy. Anne’s analysis of envy drivers (occupational, physical, etc.) sets up well for a look at how today’s societal changes including social media magnify each driver. This book also unintentionally doubles as a sneaky good parenting manual on how to approach envy vs. jealousy in children’s lives and illustrates that our classic fairytales actually help direct us as teaching points. I learned a lot and Anne’s findings allow me to bring a different / informed perspective to my daily interactions at work, in my family, and social circles.

Shining Light on a Darkness

Even the most caring people can become blinded by envy. Most of us have experienced envy, but few of us have given much thought to what it actually is. While both jealousy and envy have ruined many people’s lives, the latter has a greater potential to cause harm on a national level and cause society to turn against itself. Dr. Anne Hendershott’s excellent book not only examines envy from historical, psychological, sociological and theological perspectives but also reveals how its dangerous, far-reaching tentacles have spread into churches, schools, cultures and governments. The Politics of Envy shines light on a darkness that is capable of becoming a widespread threat with severe repercussions. The author has skillfully woven together facts, quotations and detailed examples in order to provide the reader with a crystal clear picture of the gravity of this insidious threat. The Politics of Envy is an informative, intriguing must-read book that never shies away from truth that needs to be told.