Comparison Is The Thief Of Joy

Written and narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi 

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” Theodore Roosevelt

Comparison; the act or process of comparing which usually has one examining the similarities or dissimilarities of two or more things or people.

In this statement, I believe Roosevelt is suggesting that it is the comparing of oneself to another that is the true thief of joy, not the comparison of things. Why does a consideration of our similarities or differences to another deplete our happiness?

I feel that the key issue here is that in comparison we focus our attention and energy on what others have, do or their state of being instead of focusing on our own. This weakens our personal progress and also neglects to give thanks to all that we have, do and are. Without this personal gratitude, we develop an attachment to cravings, always wanting to be, do and have more. And yet, we are unable to achieve this right now. Such an expectation of a created false reality will let us down when expectations are not met.

Comparing our lives to others will also limit the energy and focus towards our own self-improvement. We are better suited to giving attention to comparing ourselves. Are we becoming better than we were yesterday? The lack of growth in our personal lives leads to dissatisfaction and can manifest a heightened state of unease and suffering. Personal growth results in increased happiness.

The fact of the matter is, that without walking in the shoes of another how can our lives be truly comparable. And why should it matter? What matters is how we feel walking in our shoes and the advancement of that feeling is by putting our energy towards a comparison to how we are in life.

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.