The evil eye is a superstition arising not from local circumstances, but is the result of an original tendency of the human mind. The natural irritation felt at the hostile look of a neighbor, still more of an enemy, is implanted in all, however much they may be influenced by moral teaching. When we add to this the feeling that some valued possession has attracted the covetous desire of another, the fear of loss is added to the irritation of mere anger. To some such natural feeling, we must ascribe the belief in an evil eye.