I have never been given to envy - save for the envy I feel toward those people who have the ability to make a marriage work and endure happily.

In this quote, J. Paul Getty, a renowned American oil tycoon, reflects on the concept of envy and how it has rarely been a part of his life. He states, "I have never been given to envy," suggesting that, in general, he has not been someone who feels jealous or covetous of others’ success or possessions. Getty’s wealth and achievements in the oil industry are often seen as the pinnacle of material success, yet he acknowledges a rare exception to his usual indifference to envy.

The "envy" Getty refers to in this quote is specifically directed toward people who have the ability to make a marriage work and sustain happiness over the long term. He expresses admiration for those who can build and maintain a successful and enduring relationship, implying that this kind of emotional fulfillment is more difficult to achieve than financial or professional success. In doing so, Getty acknowledges the complexity and challenge of creating a lasting, meaningful connection in marriage, something he himself may have struggled with or failed to attain.

Getty's comment highlights the value he places on the emotional and personal aspects of life, contrasting the traditional pursuit of wealth with the pursuit of love and companionship. It also reveals a certain vulnerability in Getty, as he admits that despite his material success, he envies the emotional stability and fulfillment that others seem to find in their marriages. This form of envy is tied not to material wealth but to something more intangible—the ability to achieve personal happiness and emotional resilience in a romantic relationship.

Ultimately, the quote emphasizes the idea that true fulfillment cannot solely be found in material wealth, no matter how great it is. J. Paul Getty, despite his immense financial success, suggests that the enduring happiness of a successful marriage is an achievement that he envies, pointing to the fact that emotional and relational success may be the most elusive and difficult to attain form of personal accomplishment.