People who are deficient in authentic self-esteem often feel intense envy toward those who exhibit true efficacy—that is, those who can produce values through the efforts of their own minds. Enviers imagine, at least on a subconscious level, that if they could only obtain the material goods, the prestige, or the admiration enjoyed by others, then they would feel both efficacious and worthy, thus achieving both of the primary components of self-esteem:

Enviers desire the wealth of others in part because they equate it with success (i. e., efficacy). In reality, success or efficacy arises from the action of a human mind, which produces values (i. e., wealth). The envier, however, is limited by a concrete-bound mentality and does not think of the productive mind behind the wealth.
Enviers also desire wealth and prestige because they believe it will confer a sense of moral worth. In reality, however, virtuous actions lead to a sense of self-worth as well as specific achievements, while achievements produce both wealth and admiration. Thus the envier confuses cause with effect.