Why envy is really self-criticism at work

WE all like to think of ourselves as reasonable, well-meaning people. Not saints, certainly, but surely one of the good guys.

So why is it that when we attend high-school reunions, there is always this part of us that hopes our former classmates have grown fatter, uglier and have jobs that pay less?

Because no matter how self-assured we think we are, we still get insecure and envious.