Ennui…Envy?

French word, pronounced ‘on we’ means boredom and lethargy.

Pretty close to the English envy methinks, not just in the pronunciation but also in the individual meaning. Idle mind being the devils workshop is such an oft repeated adage that it loses its pallor due to overuse.

Yet, isn’t it the vacuous mind that meanders aimlessly seeking a plausible excuse, so what if it’s a dull one, latches on like a cootie close to the booty on that something that the other possesses.  

Oh and both ennui and envy are one of the seven cardinal sins, which I think is a bit much. C’mon if anything, jealousy should wear that badge, not poor envy.

The difference between envy and jealousy are complicated but not. Envy is the feeling one has when they do not, but want to possess an attribute that another has. It is also called a two person situation, plain vanilla. Jealousy on the other hand is something that occurs when a third person threatens what we possess. Also called a three person situation, ménage à trois.

Capiche?  Not as simple since we use the two words often interchangeably. If asked to narrate an instance where one felt this not very laudable emotion, how would you answer. Once you have answered, lets dissect it. 

So was it something someone has that you wish is yours or does something you wish you could, then that’s envy. Was it when someone you believe is yours and they develop a yen for someone else and that gives you gut burn, now that’s jealousy.

Is it completely wrong then and should one suffer pangs of guilt for indulging in either. I’ve seen how envy at times has spurred an individual to achieve a goal and jealousy allowing someone to morph into achieving more.

A lotus arises from the mud after all. Why not a positive outcome from a negative emotion. As always balance, balance and balance is the mantra. Ennui though needs a kick on the butt and indulge if you may… for a brief bit and then give it the boot.

Oui...