Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 9.djvu/543

 THE SOCIOLOGY OF CONFLICT $2$

quently the tension between them lends to the negative factor the utmost possible intensity and force. From this fact, that this formal sociological relationship dominates entirely the inner situation, we may explain the further fact, namely, the remarkable and really altogether unlimited extent of the motives by which jealousy may be nourished, and the frequent senselessness of its manifestations. In case the structure of the relationship is either from the beginning built upon such a synthesis of synthesis and antithesis, or in case the soul of the one party presents this structure within its own disposition, every occasion whatsoever will produce the consequences of the situation, and the easier the oftener this previous disposition has been in actual operation, because in this case, in the relationship of the individuals, common destiny and antagonism revolve around one and the same point ; consciousness of the tension seems to be reciprocally aroused upon the most inadequate material stimulus so soon as the fatal relationship is once joined. That every human act and word is susceptible of various interpretations, as to its purpose and motive, gives to jealousy which will see everywhere only one interpreta- tion a perfectly complacent tool. Inasmuch as jealousy can associate the most passionate hatred with the contemporary per- sistence of the most passionate love, and can demand the con- tinuance of the most intimate common destiny at the cost of the annihilation of both parties (for the relationship destroys the jealous person just as it stimulates him to the destruction of his rival), jealousy is perhaps that sociological phenomenon in which the erection of antagonism above unity reaches subjectively its most radical form.

GEORG SIMMEL. BERLIN.

[To be concluded^