Talent originates from ancient Greek, and there it means a large mass of silver and gold. So, if you had a lot of talents, you were very wealthy, and thus powerful. In our world the meaning has changed to potential.
And concerning the meaning among peers, jealousy is an ugly green monster which does more harm than good. It should be avoided at all costs. In the oriental world, they use the "evil eye" to wear of feelings of jealousy (especially for each other's wifes, which are considered possessions in some archaic cultures).
In short, humanity has been plagued with this phenomena of envy for a long time, probably even the predecessors of humans as well. I guess if something is hard to come by, it becomes valuable and desirable, and therefore something to envy if you don't happen to posses it.
However, it is ludicrous to want something you don't need. Having more goods doesn't make you happier. On the contrary, you have to take measures to keep your goods.
I guess, something similar as with goods applies to reputation, and claims or spread rumors that someone lacks talent are used to break someone's reputation, in favor of someone else's. There is that green monster again.
Envy and lack of respect for fellow human beings leads to a breakdown in society, and ultimately to war and destruction. In war the enemy is bad, and anyone who is not against the enemy, is an enemy himself. A mass psychosis born out of envy.
Blessed are those who have little, both in matter and mind. In the end, they will probably inherit the world, because they are the only ones left alive.
Discussion of talent hijacked from pabmove's post
Moderators: Víctor Paredes, Belgarath, slowtiger
I'm sure some people are envious of others talents. I do think that an effort to recognize, develop talents or find new ones is a healthy part of growth. It is also the root of much that is great in art and invention.
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