<p>Prompt: Do people need to compare themselves with others to appreciate what they have?</p>
<p>Comparing oneself with another is a natural human action. Humans want to confirm that they are well off by comparing themselves to others. People look at poorer people and confirm that they have an abundance. The evolution of humanity prompted this tendency.
A reaction that many have when walking into a new place is comparing themselves to others. They want to see how they have fared based on those present. In order for many to appreciate what they have, they must see who has better and who has worse. It is the very definition of Judging a book by its cover. People look at a stranger and based on their appearance compare themselves to them. In Macbeth, Macbeth and his wife compared themselves with the King, not acknowledging what they have. This promptly led to their downfall.</p>
<p>Comparing oneself to poorer people allows oneself to recognize ones good fortune and abundance. At Christmas time, the Salvation Army collects $2 billion every year. People give money to the person with a bell standing around a donation box because they recognize their own home and appreciate it so they give money to support homeless shelters.
The human tendency to compare is rooted in evolution. Back when humans were stil evolving it was necessary to not have the worst of anything in order to survive. For example, if one had the worst spear, it would be more difficult to obtain meat than for others with better spears. This it became ingrained in human genetics that humans compare themselves to others to ensure that they do not hve the worst. It allowed the early humans to survive and thrive.
Comparing oneself to others is common. It allows one to truly appreciate what they have. Comparisons take place to ensure one does not have it worse. It is, in fact, an evolutionary tendency that allowed for human survival. In order for many to appreciate what they have, they must compare themselves to others.</p>