Is envy a deadly sin? Or is it actually often morally good, or even virtuous? This month’s episode (released yesterday) consists of an interview with Sara Protasi, whose book on envy argues that envy drives progress, is natural, and that without it, we might never leave the couch. But how can such a destructive emotion be morally good? And even if envy makes us more productive in the short term, does it corrode our happiness in the long run? 

The conversation between the host Will Gildea (CRÉ) and his guest covers self-improvement and productivity; self-esteem, radical self-acceptance, and whether we should compare ourselves to others; love, friendship and envy; the politics of envy; inequality; and how racist attitudes may be driven by envy.

Listen here. 

Created, hosted and produced by Will Gildea (GRÉEA, CRÉ), with the financial support of the CRÉ.