Dark emotions are frequently found in the tall poppy syndrome (TPS). The seven deadly sins are a well-known grouping of dark emotions. I have identified 6 of these 7 deadly sins consistently in TPS. Three are often found in the cutter: envy, anger and laziness; and three are identified in the cuttee: pride, greed and lust. Gluttony is not noted in TPS.
The deadly sins are an aide-mémoire in identifying the dark emotions involved in TPS. By identifying the emotion, one understands the what-why occurrence of TPS and who the perpetrators are. This opens a window into one’s own self-awareness promoting self-improvement and self-control. The treatment of TPS is dictated by identifying the specific dark emotion and applying its antidotal virtue: envy is neutralized by kindness and pride is rendered harmless by humility.
