Final answer:
Envy is a complex emotion discussed in various contexts such as religious commandments, philosophical texts, and economic principles, each highlighting the moral and psychological implications related to human desires and the reality of scarcity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The feeling described in the student's question is envy, which is a complex emotion involving a desire for something that someone else has and a sense of resentment or sadness that one does not have it. This concept is often discussed in the context of morality and ethics, with particular reference to religious teachings such as the Tenth Commandment from the Bible that states, "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house...nor any thing that is thy neighbor's." The discussion of envy can also extend to philosophical concepts and economic realities, acknowledging the human condition of scarcity and the resulting desires that arise from it.
In examining envy, philosophical and religious texts provide insight into the nature of this emotion and its consequences. The Buddhist concept of craving, or 'tanha', which leads to suffering, parallels the notion of envy as wanting what we cannot have. These teachings also promote the awareness of the impermanence of both the self and material possessions, urging individuals to let go of such attachments.
Furthermore, economic principles recognize that, due to scarcity, individuals and societies cannot possess everything they desire, which can lead to feelings of envy among people. As a social studies topic, envy can be explored through multiple lenses including religious, philosophical, psychological, and economic perspectives, offering a comprehensive understanding of its significance and repercussions in human behavior.