Greed

Book Description

In this illuminating exploration of humanity's most destructive impulse, renowned spiritual writer Phyllis Tickle examines greed as the foundational sin from which all others emerge. Drawing from the wisdom traditions of major world religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Sikhism, Tickle reveals how spiritual teachers across cultures have recognized greed as the ultimate spiritual adversary.

Tickle traces the evolving understanding of greed through centuries of Western thought and artistic expression. From ancient texts like Prudentius's fifth-century "Soul Battle" to the haunting medieval paintings of Bosch and Bruegel, from the modern morality tale of Wall Street to contemporary mystical art, she demonstrates how each era has grappled with greed's complex nature. This journey reveals a fascinating transformation in human perception, moving from medieval views of greed as a spiritual enemy through sociological and psychological frameworks to a more nuanced contemporary understanding.

What emerges is a portrait of greed as both destroyer and paradoxically beautiful force, possessing chameleon-like qualities that make it particularly dangerous in our modern world. Tickle shows how this "matriarch of the deadly clan" generates pride, envy, anger, and other destructive patterns while simultaneously eroding the virtues that connect us to our highest nature.

This concise yet profound examination offers readers valuable insights into recognizing and understanding one of humanity's most persistent spiritual challenges.