13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do: Take Back Your Power, Embrace Change, Face Your Fears, and Train Your Brain for Happiness and Success

Morin explores the destructive nature of resentment toward others’ achievements through the case study of Dan, a man whose financial struggles led him to harbor deep bitterness toward his successful neighbors. Dan maintained a facade of prosperity while secretly accumulating debt to keep up appearances. He ultimately sought out therapy when his irritability began affecting his marriage. His resentment stemmed from childhood experiences of poverty and bullying, driving him to prioritize material competition over his core values of family time and financial responsibility.

The author distinguishes resentment from simple jealousy, describing it as both wanting what others have and wanting others not to have it. Morin’s analysis is particularly relevant in contemporary society where social-media platforms create unprecedented opportunities for social comparison, as evidenced by research showing that viewing others’ vacation photos and birthday celebrations can decrease overall life satisfaction.

The chapter reveals how resentment creates a self-destructive cycle: Individuals become so focused on others’ achievements that personal growth stagnates. Morin argues that resentment typically masks deeper insecurities and stems from irrational thinking patterns, including stereotyping successful people as somehow undeserving or immoral. This analysis draws from psychological research demonstrating that people experience genuine pleasure when witnessing the misfortune of those they perceive as privileged, revealing the corrosive nature of class-based resentment.