Review of the book by Aleksander I. Dontsov “Phenomenon of Envy”

Abstract

Considering today's abundance of psychology books, from reprints of timeless classic works through scholarly editions to popular literature, it is hard to expect new book to become big event in psychology. however, book entitled The Phenomenon of Envyis hard to overlook: as observed by author, very few people are unaffected by envy. Besides, name of author, Aleksander I. Dontsov, former head of Faculty of Psychology at Moscow State University and of Russian Psychological Society, is well known among Russian scholars.From start of book, author addresses readers directly, drawing them into dialogue, creating feeling of conversation in which interlocutor's intonations are easy to perceive. But seeming simplicity of narrative is just an illusion: reading book requires inner concentration and intellectual work in order to meet standards set by this dialogue.Dontsov defines his book as a consistent attempt to implement new standard under old title: cultural and historical methodology (p. 8). If we accept author's definition, then new standard involves conclusive description of symbols, common superstitions, ancient prototypes and archetypes, images, and scientific facts related to phenomenon of envy, beginning with thorough analysis of origins of word envy, its meanings and usage. This list, as well as table of contents that it is based on, does not reflect complex structure of text, with its references to ancient texts, philosophical and theological treatises, works of modern scholars, scientific facts, history, culturology, social studies, and psychology.The text is incredibly diverse: it spans many fields and moves from world of ancient philosophers to works of modern psychologists, while always retaining encyclopedic accuracy and thoroughness of narrative. It is so rich that every chapter could be made into book on its own (just consider some of chapter titles: Superstitions: hex Archetypal Characters: Zeus, Devil, Cain Images: Iconography!). Amazingly, text, in all its richness, gives room to breathe and full scope to imagination.The readers' imagination and creativity will be put to work. Dontsov seems to know everything about envy, and he generously shares his own ideas as well as ideas derived from other people's works. Nevertheless, it is hard to escape feeling that we are dealing with an elusive phenomenon. Each and every one of us knows what envy is; we all have experienced this feeling. Still, exactly what is it? It is not product of modernity, which author proves by referring to ancient texts, classical culture, and history. It is widely reflected in everyday language and in numerous proverbs and superstitions in various cultures. It has its own symbols and archetypes. Envy was portrayed in ancient engravings, and today it is studied by modern scholars.Like an orchestra conductor who brings all instruments together in harmony, in last chapter of book (I am certain that all readers will not deny themselves pleasure of reading whole text, and those who do will want to go back to beginning after looking through last chapter), Dontsov combines topics covered in previous chapters into clearly and logically formulated analytical program of describing envy through finding answers to number of questions: What is envy (what is its original distinguishing feature)? Who is susceptible to envy? Who and what are usually envied? how is envy born? Why does envy emerge? And, finally, why does envy remain constant in human relations (pp. 435-437)? Synthesizing results of an analysis of how phenomenon of envy is viewed in various cultures and eras (which takes up over 400 pages) with recent research results leads to rather unexpected conclusions, as well as to new questions.It is common knowledge that envy is an unpleasant, painful feeling aroused by the realization that another person (or group) possesses something (an object, social status, qualities or traits, etc. …