“Trifles light as air are to the jealous confirmations strong as proofs of holy writ.”
William Shakespeare
InsecuritySuspicion
Jealousy Quotes
200 FAMOUS QUOTES · JEALOUSY
Jealousy Quotes
Read the best jealousy quotes on envy, insecurity and letting go from Shakespeare, La Rochefoucauld, Socrates, Thiruvalluvar, the Bible and more. Wise words on a tricky emotion.
“They are not ever jealous for the cause, but jealous for they are jealous; 'tis a monster begot upon itself, born on itself.”
William Shakespeare
JealousyInsecurity
“The venom clamours of a jealous woman poison more deadly than a mad dog's tooth.”
William Shakespeare
RelationshipsWarning
“For love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave.”
The Bible (Song of Solomon 8:6)
LoveJealousy
“Jealousy is born with love, but does not always die with it.”
Francois de La Rochefoucauld
LoveRelationships
“In jealousy there is more self-love than love.”
Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Self LoveInsecurity
“Our envy always lasts longer than the happiness of those we envy.”
Francois de La Rochefoucauld
EnvyWit
“Envy is the ulcer of the soul.”
Socrates
EnvySoul
“Envy is pain at the good fortune of others.”
Aristotle
EnvyDefinition
“It is in the character of very few men to honour without envy a friend who has prospered.”
Aeschylus
FriendshipSuccess
“Envy is innate in man from the beginning.”
Herodotus
Human NatureEnvy
“Potter is jealous of potter, and craftsman of craftsman.”
Hesiod
CompetitionWork
“The envious man causes himself pain as though he were his own enemy.”
Democritus
Self HarmEnvy
“As iron is eaten away by rust, so the envious are consumed by their own passion.”
Antisthenes
EnvyWarning
“The envious man grows lean when his neighbour waxes fat.”
Horace
EnvyNeighbours
“Envy, the meanest of vices, creeps on the ground like a serpent.”
Ovid
EnvyVice
“Envy, like fire, always makes for the highest points.”
Livy
SuccessEnvy
“Pride, Envy, and Avarice are the three sparks that have set these hearts on fire.”
Dante Alighieri
PrideGreed
“A man that hath no virtue in himself ever envieth virtue in others.”
Francis Bacon
VirtueEnvy
“Envy keeps no holidays.”
Francis Bacon
EnvyShort Quotes
“Jealousy, the jaundice of the soul.”
John Dryden
JealousySoul
“Envy shoots at others and wounds herself.”
George Herbert
EnvyConsequences
“O envy, root of all evils and cankerworm of virtue!”
Miguel de Cervantes
EnvyVirtue
“Whoever feels pain in hearing a good character of his neighbour, will feel a pleasure in the reverse.”
Benjamin Franklin
GossipEnvy
“Envy is almost the only vice which is practicable at all times, and in every place.”
Samuel Johnson
EnvyHuman Nature
Related Topics
About Jealousy Quotes
Jealousy is one of the most human emotions. It can creep in when someone we love gives attention to another, or when a friend gets the success we wanted for ourselves. Left unchecked, jealousy and envy can poison friendships, ruin relationships and steal our peace. But understanding them is the first step to letting them go.
This collection brings together 200 of the best jealousy quotes from William Shakespeare, Francois de La Rochefoucauld, Socrates, Thiruvalluvar, the Buddha, the Bible and many more. Some explain why jealousy hurts so much, and others show the way to contentment and peace. For related reading, explore our [Anger Quotes](/topics/anger-quotes).
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about Jealousy quotes.
What did Shakespeare say about jealousy?
In Othello, Shakespeare wrote that to the jealous, "trifles light as air" seem like proof. He also noted that jealous people are often jealous simply "for they are jealous," not for any real cause.
What is the difference between jealousy and envy?
Aristotle defined envy as "pain at the good fortune of others." Jealousy usually involves fear of losing someone or something you have, while envy is wanting what someone else has.
Is jealousy a sign of love?
La Rochefoucauld believed "in jealousy there is more self-love than love." Healthy love is built on trust, while jealousy often comes from insecurity.
What does the Thirukkural say about envy?
Thiruvalluvar devoted a whole chapter to avoiding envy. He wrote that "envy is enough to ruin a man, even if he has no enemies," and that no one free from envy has ever failed to prosper.
How can I overcome jealousy?
The Buddha taught that someone who envies others "does not obtain peace of mind." Focusing on gratitude for what you have and celebrating others' success can help jealousy fade.
What are good short jealousy quotes?
Try "Envy is the ulcer of the soul," "Envy keeps no holidays," "Jealousy, the jaundice of the soul," or "Charity envieth not."