Jealousy is the most radical primeval and naked form of admiration in war paint, so to speak.

The quote "Jealousy is the most radical primeval and naked form of admiration in war paint, so to speak" is a striking and vivid portrayal of the complex emotion of jealousy. It suggests that jealousy, at its core, is a twisted form of admiration. When we are jealous, we are acknowledging that someone else possesses something we desire, whether that’s a trait, an achievement, or a possession. This is the admiration aspect. However, this admiration is not benign or passive. It is intense, active, and often harmful, hence the term "war paint". It’s presented as something primitive and raw, indicating that jealousy is a deeply ingrained, instinctual emotion.

Applying this concept to today’s world or personal development, it can be argued that understanding the root of jealousy as a form of admiration can be a powerful tool for self-improvement. If we find ourselves feeling jealous, we can use this as a mirror to reflect on our desires and aspirations. Instead of letting this emotion consume us in a negative way, we can channel it into motivation to better ourselves or work towards our goals.

For example, if one is jealous of a colleague’s promotion, instead of harbouring resentment, one could analyse what it is that they admire about their colleague. It could be their work ethic, their skills, or their leadership style. Recognising this, they can then focus on developing these traits in themselves.

In a broader societal context, this quote can also be seen as a commentary on the competitive nature of our world. Jealousy, often seen as a negative emotion, can be rampant in a society that values and rewards individual achievement. However, by reframing jealousy as a form of admiration, it could potentially be used as a force for positive change and growth, rather than a source of conflict and negativity.