Comparison, the death knell of progress

When I was in school, I had a friend who always stood second in class ranking. Once, when we were in the 11th standard, our teacher jokingly asked her: “Are you sad that you are always second, that you cannot beat her to the first place?” My friend replied: “No ma’am, I am happy I scored more this term than the last.” Her only competition was with herself! Today I hear many parents comparing their children to other classmates. From the moment a child is born he or she has to match up to the neighbour’s child. Children are asked to finish food to become tall and strong like a particular person. They are expected to develop interests that the parents decide. They must develop accents their parents cannot understand. They must attend extra curricular activities whether they have any inclination or not. This ugly competition brings malcontent in families. People constantly compare their salaries, working conditions, lifestyle with others. Instead of bettering themselves they desperately try to copy others. Surely a garden will contain many flowers, but they will not all bloom at the same time and at the same pace. Today in a world ruled by social media, everyone presents the most brilliant picture of themselves at amazing travel destinations and adventures, fitness addicts showcase flawless bodies, foodies post pictures of each fancy meal. People who are hooked to the social media often feel disappointed when they compare and constantly try to outdo others. The result is discontentment and insecurity. Comparison also brings about a judgmental attitude. People waste productive time criticising others.

Whenever I hear people comparing their jobs, spouses, children or life, I think of my friend’s reply. Let us compete only with ourselves and strive to be better rather than compare with others and grow bitter.

- The reader is based in Dubai