Denying the egalitarian dogma that envy is spawned by circumstance and can be cured by removing socioeconomic inequalities, he maintains, less flatteringly but far more believably, that envy is inherent in our nature, citing such compelling evidence as sibling rivalry among small children. Awareness of the potential envy of others, and fear of arousing it, comprise a mighty force for social control. For example, envy of possible gains from receiving inequitable treatment deters most people from seeking favors from government and thus helps preserve equality under the law. Excessive envy, however, exacts serious economic penalties. Fear of other people's envy discourages innovation, effort, and achievement.
Measures inspired by envy or a desire to appease it, such as progressive taxation, do likewise.
Schoeck's study of envy in primitive societies yields surprising insights powerfully supportive of both capitalism and Christianity. This theme of Christianity's role in advancing civilization by opposing envy makes Schoeck's work especially valuable for religious scholars and clergy. Schoeck rejects the damnation of luxury popular in some religious and political circles as an envy-minded anachronism. As soon as there is real economic growth, and the technology to produce any item in as many copies as there is a demand for it, covetousness and acquisitiveness, as terms of social criticism, lack any real meaning. Unfortunately, several forces in modern life are turning envy loose.