Envy is local

I saw the new Bond movie, Casino Royale, the other night. It's a very entertaining movie and I enjoyed it very much. As usual Bond's got everything a man would dream for: smarts, the look, the body, and of course a absolutely stunningly beautiful woman. And I have to say that I am a man and I am no expection to it. But the moment I walked out of the theater, I knew it's just a movie: Neither would I ever come anywhere close to Bond, nor would I ever get my hands on such a beautiful woman.

The next morning I went to Barnes & Noble to spend some quiet time there. As one of my tradition I stopped by Dennys' for a hearty breakfeast before my readings. Usually I am quite strict with what I put into my mouth since I try my best to follow the evolutionary diet, but once a while I cut myself loose and eat whatever I desire. So I ordered the Ultimate Omelette with Hash Browns. As I sat there and waited for my order, I could not help noticing that everyobdy there except me were overweighted to some extent: they either had trouble sitting down or getting up. And I admit that a sense of good feeling arose from that and I enjoyed it.

That reminded me of something Cowen said about envy: Few Americans resent Bill Gates or Warren Buffett. The real definition of a wealthy man is one who earns more than his wife's sister's husband.

Incidentally this week's Economist runs a cover article about happiness, and here is the gist: Doing well is not enough: we also want to do better than our peers. This status anxiety runs deep.