<p>Do people need to compare themselves with others in order to appreciate what they have? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.</p>
<p>It is human tendency to have the desire to achieve more and more. We want success, power, luxuries everything that is required to lead a happy life. But most of the times in this never ending race of acquiring what we want; we often ignore what we already have. We do not realise its value until we see people who are not fortunate enough to even have that little piece of happiness.
I read one such anecdote in the newspaper. There was a little boy who had really worn out shoes. He desperately wanted a new pair and approached his father. The father being a humble man of limited means took the boy to the cobbler to get the shoes mended. The cobbler examined the condition examined the condition of the shoes and said that they could be easily repaired and they would appear just like the new one. The boy made a face as he wanted a new pair. On seeing the boys face the cobbler remarked It gives me pleasure to mend shoes of boys like you as when they are okay you could play football which I never could. Just looking at your faces makes me happy. The boy was astonished by this. The cobbler showed the boy his imputed left leg. The boy burst into tears immediately. The father told the boy that he had learnt a valuable lesson in life that is appreciating and being thankful for what God has given you.
Comparison is not always the way to go. It also leads to frustration and jealousy. One of my friends wanted everything much better than the others. Like if one of us had a cell phone with an mp3 she wanted the next latest model with the camera. Once we had this school play on the famous novel little women. She wanted to play the role of Joe which was in a way the lead. She cribbed and created a fuss but the drama teacher didnt agree. Enraged by this she pushed the girl who was playing the part in order to get the role. Consequently she was restigated for a week.
Above examples prove that sometimes people do need to compare themselves with others in order to realise their happiness. But this doesnt definitely mean comparing your life and happiness with them.</p>