<p>Prompt:Do people need to compare themselves to others in order to appreciate what they have?</p>
<p>Nowadays, comparison is inevitable. We all subconsciously compare and evaluate others. Whether its the latest fashion or test scores many people can't help to not dig their noses into other people's businesses. However, is all of this needed to appreciate our soul, our identity and our integrity. As Adam Smith had stated in the Wealth of Nations, "It is impossible to satisfy infinite wants with finite resource", it can not be refute that there is no need to compare to others in order to appreciate oneself. </p>
<p>In Charlie and the chocolate factory, the protagonist, Charlie, had learned the true value of life. Although he used to partially reject and despise the abject conditions of his family, through his adventures in the Wonka Chocolate Factory he has learned from experience that even if he is rich and lives lavishly, it wouldn't matter; what matters is his invaluable family. The love and compassion. Charlie doesn't need to compare to other people because it doesn't matter. If your life is happy, just cherish it.</p>
<p>After being a scion all his life, Prince Siddartha had realized that he has been living in opulence despite the prominent poverty. Siddartha then had gone through various ways to achieve nivarna. After years of meditating, Siddartha became the Buddha who realized that everyone should walk the middle path and life a moderate life. In addition to this he also emphasized the importance of appreciation of what we have, without comparing to other people. The Buddha stresses that we should only reflect upon ourself, not others. Comparison is the cause of sin.</p>
<p>From a literary and religious point of view, we can see that it is not imperative to excessively, if at all, compare and evaluate ourselves based on others. Comparison is trivial if we are proud of ourselves. Just as Coco Chanel said " I don't care what you said. I don't even think about you at all".</p>