Emotion chain: from envy to the destruction of the good for being the good

 According to Ayn Rand's philosophy, the progression from envy to the destruction of the good for being the good involves a chain of emotions and irrational premises rooted in the rejection of reason and reality. This chain begins with envy, which she describes as the hatred of the good for being the good. Envy arises from a sense of inferiority and resentment towards the success or virtues of others, stemming from the refusal to recognize and accept one's own shortcomings or the effort required for achievement [5].

Envy then leads to resentment, a deeper emotional reaction where the individual actively despises the virtues or values in others that they lack. This resentment is not directed at any actual harm caused by the virtuous person but purely at their existence as a reminder of the envious individual's inadequacy. This emotion is fueled by a rejection of reality and an evasion of the metaphysical fact that one's failures are self-inflicted and not caused by those who succeed [5][4].

Resentment evolves into hatred, where the individual begins to actively wish harm upon the person or entity that represents the good. This hatred is irrational and unjust, as it stems not from any wrongdoing by the virtuous individual but from the envious person's refusal to confront their own irrationality and failure [3][5].

Finally, this hatred culminates in the destruction of the good for being the good, an act of nihilism. At this stage, the envious individual seeks to obliterate the source of their envy and resentment, not for any practical gain but merely to destroy what they see as a threat to their self-esteem. This is the ultimate rejection of values and reason, as it involves the annihilation of that which is good, productive, and virtuous simply because it exists and serves as a reminder of their own evasion of reality and rational effort [5][6].

In summary, the progression is as follows: envy → resentment → hatred → destruction of the good for being the good. Each step represents a deeper descent into irrationality and the evasion of reality, fueled by the rejection of reason and the refusal to take responsibility for one's own life and choices [5].

Sources 

1 For the New Intellectual by Ayn Rand 

2 the Romantic Manifesto by Ayn Rand  

3 Philosophy: Who Needs It by Ayn Rand 

4 the Anti-industrial Revolution by Ayn Rand 

5 Ominous Parallels by Leonard Peikoff 

6 Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology by Ayn Rand 

In addition:

In real life, the chain of emotions from envy to the destruction of the good for being the good can be observed in various scenarios, particularly where individuals or groups attack success or achievement out of resentment. Here are some examples:

1. The Attacks on Successful Individuals or Businesses: A common example is when a highly successful business or entrepreneur is vilified not because they caused harm, but because their success highlights the failure or envy of others. For example, innovators like Steve Jobs or Elon Musk have been criticized and attacked, not for any moral wrongdoing, but because their achievements set a standard that others resent and find difficult to match. This reflects the transition from envy to resentment and eventually to an attempt to harm or destroy the successful individual’s reputation or work [5][6].

2. The Destruction of Wealth Producers: In many instances, political or ideological movements have targeted the wealthy or productive individuals under the guise of "fairness" or "equality." For example, excessive taxation or expropriation of wealth from successful entrepreneurs is often justified by envy-based rhetoric, portraying their success as inherently exploitative. The goal is not to create new wealth but to tear down those who have succeeded, ultimately leading to the destruction of the good for being the good [5].

3. Cultural Nihilism in Arts and Literature: An example of this chain can be seen in the rejection of excellence in art or literature. Ayn Rand herself criticized modern art movements that sought to destroy the standards of beauty and technical skill in favor of nihilistic expressions. This destruction of aesthetic value often stems from envy towards those who embody excellence in creative fields. The resentment of talent and achievement translates into an effort to degrade and obliterate the very concept of artistic greatness [4][5].

4. Historical Examples in Collectivist Systems: In collectivist regimes such as the Soviet Union, the persecution of the "kulaks" (wealthier peasants) is a clear example of this chain. These individuals, who were more productive and successful farmers, became targets of envy and resentment. Their success was vilified as exploitation, and they were ultimately stripped of their property, imprisoned, or killed. This was not driven by rational justice but by the desire to destroy the good for being the good, as their competence and productivity contradicted the collectivist ideology [5][6].

These examples illustrate how envy, when unchecked, can evolve into resentment and hatred, ultimately leading to acts of destruction against those who embody the virtues of productivity, success, and excellence. This progression is a moral and practical rejection of reason, reality, and individual achievement [5][6].

Sources 

1 For the New Intellectual by Ayn Rand 

2 the Romantic Manifesto by Ayn Rand  

3 Philosophy: Who Needs It by Ayn Rand 

4 the Anti-industrial Revolution by Ayn Rand 

5 Ominous Parallels by Leonard Peikoff 

6 Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology by Ayn Rand