Comparison

Physicians, psychologists, and philosophers seem to think we exist on some absolute scales of being. Are you happy or sad? How happy or sad are you? And where are you positioned on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs? Also scientifically simplified. In fact, most of the time, an awful lot of our internal evaluation is based not on some abstract absolute, but on comparisons and reference .

Reference is required to narrow the question to some manageable slice of being. Am I sad about what, exactly. Why am I nervous or happy. Are we talking about the delightful taste of chocolate or that nagging toothache? And so on .

Even more important is constant comparison. “Compared to what?” We judge the world in terms of an infinite number of half empty or half full glasses. And our evaluation is strongly influenced by how we regard the contents of others’ glasses. Not merely to keep up with the Joneses but to place myself in proper perspective.

The wisest know it is a great game of illusions. Am I happy compared to that poor beggar on the corner? Am I content compared to that millionaire ballplayer? How about my neighbor? We can choose our medicine or our poison to change our outlook and mood in a flash .

Another amazing ability of survival consciousness that we just take for granted .