Greed and Envy: the mainsprings of evil

Article Abstract:

In his book ''The Tyranny of Malice: Exploring the Dark side of Character and Culture'' (1988), Joseph H. Berk attempts to explain the evil and angry components of human character and culture. He focuses upon envy as the main constituent of the darker side of human nature, and combines the qualities of greed and envy into what he terms 'grenvy.' To illustrate how this combination negatively influences personal and public life, he offers many examples from history, literature, art, mythology and his own clinical experience as a psychoanalyst. He traces the etiology of grenvy to the infant's envy of the breast, the womb, the penis, and to sibling rivalry. It is noted that although envy can, in part, explain some facets of mans' inhumanity, it does not successfully explain away all human atrocities. Part of the problem of attributing all evil to grenvy is that while the book attempts to explain some basic philosophical and existential problems, there is no existing body of empirical research examining cross-cultural, political or social psychology on the operation or consequences of envy or malice. Nevertheless, the concept of grenvy does present some preliminary, albeit partial explanations about the human potential for evil and destructiveness. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Social aspects, Good and evil, Bibliography, Avarice, Greed, Envy

---

'Stunning', 'hilarious', 'unmissable'...

Article Abstract:

Film critics were once widely respected for their honest, accurate appraisals. However, film critics now seem very unwilling to express negative opinions. They seek to flatter actors, and in some cases cannot express their true views because of complex business interests. This is the case with The Sun, which is owned by Rupert Murdoch and therefore cannot criticize films made by 20th Century Fox, also owned by Murdoch. Film critics use many meaningless phrases, and some even go as far as contradicting themselves.

Analysis, Film criticism, Movie criticism

---

The bedroom of your dreams

Article Abstract:

The bedroom is considered the best spot in the house where one could relax comfortably and a place which one could call his own. Tips on how to design one's bedroom are presented.

Housing, Design and construction, Dwellings, Bedrooms

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: The end of urban man? Current affairs. Semi-resuscitated: urban affairs
• Abstracts: The enemy within. Your own worst enemy
• Abstracts: Joseph Wolfson. The role of the Treasury. Sir Keith Joseph
• Abstracts: A hundred years of fortitude. Decorate your bathroom with 12 dozen eggs
• Abstracts: Business not as usual. Naples of the North

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.