Two jokes from Russia about envy

1. Three men who died recently are brought before the throne of God and told that they may each have one wish.
The Briton asks for an end to war.
The American asks for an end to hunger.
The Russian smiles slyly and says, “In my village, I have a neighbor who has a cow. I do not have a cow. I wish that my neighbor’s cow shall sicken and die.”
[Source: William A. Henry, III, In Defense of Elitism]

2. A magical fish offers to grant one wish to a Russian peasant. The peasant wonders what treasures he should request from the fish. Then the fish explains: whatever the peasant wishes for and receives himself, his neighbor will receive double. After a quick moment, the peasant says, “Okay, then I want you to poke out one of my eyes.”
(Source: John Christmas)

Related:
My “Envy’s Moral-Psychological Challenge” [Open College series]


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  1. Pingback: Two jokes from Russia about envy - Stephen Hicks » eschoolbooks

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