Crab Mentality

From Wikipedia: Crab Mentality:
“Crab mentality, sometimes referred to as crabs in the bucket (also barrel, basket or pot), is a way of thinking best described by the phrase, “if I can’t have it, neither can you.” The metaphor refers to a common pattern of behavior seen in a group of crabs when they are trapped in a bucket: Their focus is on saving oneself rather than willing to cooperate to save the entire group. Individually, any given healthy crab could easily escape, but when grouped with others, any individual’s escape will be hindered by others. They will grab at each other in a futile “king of the hill” fight for survival, which eventually ensures their collective demise.

The analogy in human behavior is claimed to be that members of a group will attempt to negate or diminish the importance of any member who excels far more than other members or achieves success that overshadows others’, out of envy, spite, conspiracy or competitive feelings.”

Also from Wikipedia: Allegory of Long Spoons:
“The allegory of the long spoons is a parable that shows the difference between heaven and hell by means of people forced to eat with long spoons. It is attributed to Rabbi Haim of Romshishok, as well as other sources.

In hell the people are unable to lift food to their mouths using such unwieldy cutlery, and are starving. In heaven, the diners feed one another across the table and are sated. The story can encourage people to be kind to each other. There are various interpretations of the fable including its use in sermons and in advice to lonely people.”


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