Counting Other People’s Blessings

The 'Hidden Brain' episode 'Counting Other People's Blessings' explores the complex emotion of envy and its darker counterpart, schadenfreude. Host Shankar Vedantam introduces the topic with a historical perspective on envy, one of the Seven Deadly Sins, framing it as a universal and often painful emotion. The episode begins with a personal story from Jessica, who felt intense envy when her friend received better medical care after both contracted dengue fever. This story sets the stage for a deeper investigation into the social and psychological functions of envy as a tool for social comparison.

Through various interviews and studies, the episode illustrates how envy can motivate individuals to improve their lives, as seen in the benign envy Leah experienced, which led her to financial prudence and eventually purchasing a quality table. However, the episode also delves into the negative aspects of envy, such as the malicious joy people feel from schadenfreude when witnessing the misfortunes of others, particularly those they perceive as rivals or outperformers. The episode examines the role of social media in amplifying feelings of envy by constantly presenting opportunities for social comparison.

Anthropologist Christopher Boehm and social psychologist Mina Chikara contribute to the discussion by explaining the evolutionary roots of envy and its hierarchical nature within social groups, including primates. The narrative then shifts to cultural examples, like the envy Homer Simpson feels toward Ned Flanders, and historical figures like Salieri's envy of Mozart in the film 'Amadeus.' The episode further explores how schadenfreude has manifested in modern contexts, such as the public's reaction to the downfalls of Jimmy Swaggart and Martha Stewart, and even in the realm of sports rivalries and political partisanship.