My response to a truly execrable NY Times Op-Ed by Arthur Brooks . . .

[AceWheeler]

3. Who envies wealth?

I would expect that wealthy people have a high desire to be wealthy, which is part of why and how they became wealthy. If this is true (at least to some degree), the probability that they assume nonwealthy people envy them is not that much of a leap. In psychology, this is called "projection," in this case projecting their desire for wealth on everyone else. Hence, they falsely assume nonwealthy people "envy" them, just as Brooks does. Some, no doubt do, but not necessarily that many.

As a self-employed person, I consciously decided NOT to seek wealth (the opportunities were there and I knew and associated with several who did), but preferred a comfortable middle class existence.

I like your response a lot and offer my thoughts as an adjunct.