Satan’s Motive
Satan had rebelled against God time after time. Yet he failed. Why? Because God is the strongest being, Satan could not defeat him. Why, however, did he rebel, through envy, or Jealousy. Often that question is asked, yet less often, that question is not answered. Is there a difference between envy and jealousy. From an un researched perspective not really. But, from a more knowledgeable point of view, there is in fact, a pretty sizeable difference.
Jealousy is a fear of loss. Put simply, a fear of losing a car to another owner. Envy, however, is more closely related to the need of something somebody has. For example, you buddy buys a new pair of shoes, and in that moment you envy him as he has something that you want. With the definitions set, it makes looking at Satan’s actions a tad more clear in motive.
The story in question is John Milton’s Paradise Lost. An excellent story of the fall of Satan and his banishing from hell. In the beginning of the book, John talks about Satan wanting to rebel against God. Of course, he tries and fails. This perhaps make Satan Lean into the envy categories. Perhaps, he wants something God has. Perhaps, because God is supreme and holds all power, Satan was Envious and such things for himself. In that case, Satan indeed would be acting out of Pure envy.
Further analysis, however could point to the other side. Perhaps it was indeed Jealousy that fueled Satan’s quest for power. Perhaps Satan was afraid of losing his position in Heaven and in that fit of Jealousy acted out of fear of loss. If this were the case, than Jealousy would be a #1 motivator.
To answer the question, I don’t his quest was fueled by one of the other. I truly believe that it was both that caused him to act out. He was afraid of loss, and envious of the power God held, and through a combination of both he made his grab for power.
In the end, Satan was not successful, and ended up being banished to Hell. John Milton’s story Paradise Lost truly shows what self destruction, fear and greed can lead to. Within his writing, their are many lessons to be learned.
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