The ‘real’ theory of relativity

The world is a greener place today than it ever was... And no, I’m not referring to some inane paradox of the green revolution, I’m talking about jealousy. Yes, the ‘J’ word that gives everyone a stiff upperlip and a contoured mouth, the word that ignites passions that classic novels are made of, the word that has made the closest people turn their back on one another. Be it the prettier sister, or the brighter son; the smartest in class or the one with more money. Does the yellow Lamborghini look at the black Cadillac with a look of envy or does the dachshund wish he were more like the grey hound? And without being too benign to humankind, I can safely say that we all have within us a generous helping of this particular characteristic.

I think I may have accidentally stumbled upon the ‘real’ theory of relativity, as that seems to be the buzz word of today. We see each other in the light of relativity, no matter how obscure it may be. How many of us are really thankful for not being street urchins and instead turn green with one look of the penthouse that the neighbour just bought? Are you happy not being the one serving the coffee or are you the one eyeing the big corner cabin with its pretentious fineries?

I happened lately, to find myself constantly troubled over things that either involved my friends rich boyfriend or my sisters fancy Prada shoes; that either were to do with the better paid co-worker or the nouveau riche living close to my block. That is when I warranted myself as much a part of this spiteful rigmarole as anyone else. Contemplative thoughts led me to conclude that it’s as commonplace a phenomenon as a common cold. Which made me wonder of things would be the same without this feeling? Would we then not be comfortable in our contented mediocrity, would we not stop aspiring for the sky and beyond, would we then not stop emulating the rich and famous, would we then not stop short – of everything. I guess all things in life need a drive and that drive, at least in my case comes from jealousy. Is it a good thing? Perhaps not, who is to know, but having thought it over it’s definitely not the bane I had imagined it to be.