Comparison is used as a tool where an individual can self-assess where their capabilities lie with respect to a given point of reference i.e., it means comparing with others of the same, higher or lower capabilities with respect to a perceived point of reference. This reference varies from person to person. We come across people who constantly compare themselves with others. The factors for comparison are many, but most importantly individuals compare themselves with physical appearance, health, wealth and possessions. Sometimes, you may not even realise that you are comparing yourself. The reason why people compare could be broadly classified into upward and downward comparison, the latter is most likely due to low self-esteem. However comparisons can be positive too.
We know that no two things in this universe have the exact same physical characteristics. An apple and an orange cannot be equated as both have their own properties, their own distinct flavour, taste and so on. Therefore, comparison of two people cannot be the same. Also comparison causes a fair amount of distress, mental agony and even jealousy. In this context we could recall Theodore Roosevelt's quote "Comparison is the thief of joy" and it is rightly so as it makes you unhappy and miserable. Self-contentment cannot be achieved if you keep on equating yourself with others. That said, it is quite natural for humans to compare, but why do people compare?
Low Self-Esteem
Generally, people compare themselves with others when they doubt their own capabilities. The other major reason is jealousy. It often originates with the idea that the other person has got something that they don't. Low self-esteem is often the primary reason why a person compares oneself to another with much higher achievements (often due to self-perceived ideas of achievements). It can be seen in students who have self-confidence issues. For instance, if a student has scored a very high mark in a test, the one who has scored the least of them would most likely be comparing with the one who scored high. A student who feels that he or she is not intelligent enough and they are not as good as the others it becomes a major hurdle in their academic life. In addition, if they receive no support in time to help them overcome this thought, it makes it even more difficult to shake it off later in their life.
The most common comparisons that we see are physical features of a person such as beauty, wealth and possessions. If a person is beautiful, the other might think that he or she is not as handsome or beautiful as the other. The reason for this can either be pure envy of the other person's endowments or from a poor perception of the self, however, not all comparisons are bad.
Positive Comparison
Now, comparison in general is not a good thing as I previously stated as no two individuals have the same abilities, no matter how closely they are related. If you are an artist, comparing yourself to Da Vinci could inspire you to reach the same high achievements as he did. Similarly, if you are having health issues such as obesity, comparing yourself with a person who is fit and healthy and has achieved weight loss can inspire you to achieve your health goals.
Another instance is that if a person is in a financial crisis and sees a homeless person; if this individual likens to the plight of the homeless it can bring satisfaction in them that they are in a much better position than that of the homeless person. This is so well demonstrated in a hospital. If a patient had a small surgery and was under the impression that the pain they were suffering was more and they see another patient with terminal cancer and when they compare their situation the former would feel that they are better off than the patient with cancer. This often works as a self-comforting measure in times of distress and quite naturally comes to us.
As I said making comparison a habit or having feelings of low self-esteem could lead you to a discontented life and not all are equal. The next time you start equating your situation with another think of President Roosevelt's quote. It can never bring you happiness and remember, the more you equate yourself with someone you lose your individuality. Comparison is a double-edged sword and it is best avoided.
Source : articlesbase.com
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