creative writing school
Module 5: Pleasure & Desire
Welcome to our online creative writing course delving into the intricate emotions of envy and jealousy. Throughout history, envy and jealousy have been powerful motivators and sources of inspiration for writers, fueling narratives of rivalry, desire, and betrayal. In this course, we will explore the nuances of these complex emotions, allowing participants to gain deeper insights into human nature and the creative process. Join us on this journey as we uncover the hidden depths of envy and jealousy and harness their creative potential in our own writing.
theory
In psychology, envy and jealousy are often used interchangeably, but they actually represent distinct emotions with different underlying motivations and characteristics.
Envy typically arises when someone lacks another person's qualities, possessions, or achievements and desires to have them for themselves. It involves feelings of resentment, inferiority, and longing, often directed towards someone perceived as superior or more fortunate. Envy is often characterized by a focus on what one lacks and a desire to diminish or sabotage the success or happiness of the envied person.
Jealousy, on the other hand, typically arises in response to a perceived threat to a valued relationship or possession. It involves feelings of fear, insecurity, and possessiveness, often directed towards a rival or perceived interloper. Jealousy is characterized by a fear of loss and a desire to protect what one already possesses, whether it be a romantic partner, friendship, or material possession.
In summary, envy is primarily about wanting what someone else has, while jealousy is primarily about protecting what one already has. Envy is often directed upwards towards those perceived as more successful or fortunate, while jealousy is often directed sideways towards potential rivals or threats to existing relationships or possessions.
Envy typically arises when someone lacks another person's qualities, possessions, or achievements and desires to have them for themselves. It involves feelings of resentment, inferiority, and longing, often directed towards someone perceived as superior or more fortunate. Envy is often characterized by a focus on what one lacks and a desire to diminish or sabotage the success or happiness of the envied person.
Jealousy, on the other hand, typically arises in response to a perceived threat to a valued relationship or possession. It involves feelings of fear, insecurity, and possessiveness, often directed towards a rival or perceived interloper. Jealousy is characterized by a fear of loss and a desire to protect what one already possesses, whether it be a romantic partner, friendship, or material possession.
In summary, envy is primarily about wanting what someone else has, while jealousy is primarily about protecting what one already has. Envy is often directed upwards towards those perceived as more successful or fortunate, while jealousy is often directed sideways towards potential rivals or threats to existing relationships or possessions.
inspiration
"I wouldn't like to live in America, but sometimes yes
I wouldn't like to live under the stars, but sometimes yes
I quite like living in France, but sometimes no
I would like to live in the Far North, but not for too long
I wouldn't like to live in Issoudun, but sometimes yes
I would have liked to go to the moon, but sometimes yes
I wouldn't like to live on a reef, but sometimes yes
I wouldn't like to live in a submarine, but sometimes yes
I wouldn't like to live with Ursula Andress, but sometimes yes
I would like to live a long life, but sometimes no
I would like to live in Xanadu, but even then, not forever
I wouldn't like for us all to live in Zanzibar, but sometimes yes"
Georges Perec, "Think / Classify", 1985
I wouldn't like to live under the stars, but sometimes yes
I quite like living in France, but sometimes no
I would like to live in the Far North, but not for too long
I wouldn't like to live in Issoudun, but sometimes yes
I would have liked to go to the moon, but sometimes yes
I wouldn't like to live on a reef, but sometimes yes
I wouldn't like to live in a submarine, but sometimes yes
I wouldn't like to live with Ursula Andress, but sometimes yes
I would like to live a long life, but sometimes no
I would like to live in Xanadu, but even then, not forever
I wouldn't like for us all to live in Zanzibar, but sometimes yes"
Georges Perec, "Think / Classify", 1985
creative exercise
Inspired by Georges Perec's text on desires and preferences, create your own ultimate list of what you would and wouldn't like. Consider aspects of envy and jealousy as you reflect on your desires and aversions. Write down your thoughts in a journal or notebook, exploring the complexities of your preferences and the emotions underlying them. Reflect on how envy and jealousy might influence your desires, and how acknowledging these feelings can lead to greater self-awareness and understanding. Take your time to delve deep into your psyche and articulate your ultimate list, embracing both the light and shadow aspects of your desires.
stay motivated!
As we conclude this online writing course on envy and jealousy, remember: you are enough! In a world that often values the material and tangible over the spiritual and invisible, it's easy to fall into the trap of comparison and envy. Our culture of empiricism and consumerism, coupled with the omnipresence of the internet and social media, constantly encourages us to measure our worth against others, fueling the flames of envy and desire. But what if we shifted our focus? What if we learned to appreciate what we have instead of longing for what we lack? What if we savored the present moment of having something rather than fearing its potential loss in the future? By embracing gratitude and contentment, we can quiet the voice of envy and jealousy, finding peace and fulfillment in the richness of our own lives. You are enough, just as you are.
Photo: School of Disobedience / Masterclass