Falling Behind? Why Envy Lies to You

Have you ever scrolled through social media, seen another man’s success, and felt like you’re somehow behind? That maybe you missed your shot? That you should have done more, been more, *had* more by now?

You’re not alone—but you’re also not seeing clearly.

We rarely envy people we don’t think we should be like. That’s why it stings more when a friend gets promoted than when a billionaire buys another yacht. Envy is personal. It’s the voice that says: *You’re not good enough.*

But comparison is built on illusion. You don’t see their private doubts, mistakes, or pain. You just see their highlight reel—and measure it against your behind-the-scenes.

Seneca warned that “no man is crushed by misfortune unless he has first been deceived by prosperity.” Envy often springs from the illusion that others are coasting through life while we struggle uphill. But the Stoics knew better: each man’s path is different. Each test is tailored.

Socrates didn’t measure himself by the wealth of others—he measured his soul.

So what can you do when envy rises?

Don’t just suppress it. Examine it. Ask yourself:

What is this feeling telling me I lack?

Is it really something I value—or just something I think I’m supposed to want?

Am I chasing their path instead of walking mine?

You have no obligation to be better than anyone else. You only owe it to yourself to be better than you were yesterday.

Envy tells you you’re behind. Philosophy reminds you: you’re not in a race with anyone else.

Remember what defines you as a man—it's not applause, not money, not followers.

Stay on your path.

Walk with Virtue.