On Jealousy.

Jealousy is the tribute mediocrity pays to genius.

To cure jealousy is to see it for what it is, a dissatisfaction of self.

**

I'm guessing most familiar with Langston Hughes would argue one shouldn't defer dreams (festering sores are not a happy vision of the future, in my humble opinion). Our society places so much emphasis on achieving discrete goals and passing certain milestones; but graduated success seems far too much like a carrot...and I guess I'm the ass.

On the other hand sometimes, depending on your perspective, it *could* be great. In the vein of "ignorance is bliss": what's wrong with placing all faith in an ordered system? It helps keep us our minds from being over-occupied, thus saving us all from its dangerous want to wonder (or at least some respite from it, I guess). In fact, one could argue that the current system is necessary, breaking down the universe into discrete divisions so we can more easily overcome them.

Anyway, back to the point. So to cure jealousy, one could acknowledge the implicit dissatisfaction of self (assuming such dissatisfaction is the true source), and then set upon a system of improvement? I guess modern psychology might attack the dissatisfaction itself -- "treat the source!" (Society's fault...or TV...or one's parents...who knows) Acknowledge, accept, and move on and away.

But what if the "dream" is merely an outgrowth of jealousy? Maybe your jealousy is good -- no, integral -- to your quest(s), pushing you to improve. Instead, acknowledge, accept and... embrace?

**

If beauty is achieved when we truly become the fitting receptacle and instrument of all our talents and beliefs and desires (even in a moment)...will the common man ever know what it means to be beautiful? Or will he recognize the lifelong pursuit of it may be beautiful, too?

Clearly, I think too much.