We can see all around us the vanity of the moment. Our present international, enshrined in glory for those who achieve 1st place in their competition, are the Olympics. I realize this could almost be seen as blasphemy, but I hope you have enough patience to read on as I attempt to explain.
The mouse that roared at shadows
We live with examples in entertainment, politics, sports, business, etc. whereby we recognize people for some unique characteristic which demonstrates they are the better than all others by some measure. We worship and adore the top entertainers, athlete, wealthy and political leader. It’s accepted practice to believe the only worthwhile efforts are those which help propel us to the top of our game / endeavor. We use statistical analysis to explain why this person or that idea is better, and yet do we delude ourselves? Are we after all is said and done, the mouse on the hill which roars at our own shadow?
I’m going to suggest this man, Jiddu Krishnamurti, has already summarized what I’m now writing on when he said, “don’t compare yourself to others.” I know it goes against almost everything we’re taught. It’s as if we’re the moth attracted to the flame. We’re surround by a vast sea of truth and lies in which it’s our challenge to discern useful fact from enticing fiction.
Jiddu Krishnamurti summarized in the beginning, at the occasion of dissolving an organization in which he was head. It’s the story of how the devil and a friend of his were walking down the street, when they saw ahead of them a man stoop down and pick up something from the ground, look at it, and put it away in his pocket. The friend said to the devil, “What did that man pick up?” “He picked up a piece of Truth,” said the devil. “That is a very bad business for you, then,” said his friend. “Oh, not at all,” the devil replied, “I am going to let him organize it.”
There’s an entire industry of paid professionals which offer their ‘secret sauce’ in helping you achieve goals and aspirations. I’ve created this short list as an example, not as a criticism but recognition of their status among the pantheon of professional advisers, past and present.
- Zig Ziglar
- Anthony Robbins
- Brian Tracy
- Stephen R. Covey
- “Dr. Wayne Dyer
- Dr. Deepak Chopra
- Les Brown
- Napoleon Hill
I know there are many others which have thoughts and ideas that are beneficial. I couldn’t begin to list them all. So what can I or anyone suggest from any or all, I again turn to another for quote: Absorb What is Useful. – Bruce Lee.
Getting back to the original thought, as we’re taught from our schools which use comparison testing, to post secondary education and business giving out rewards for success. Be cautious in comparing yourself. The damage you do may supersede the intended good. It’s not so important when we learn to walk, run or ride a bicycle, rather it’s important that we do.
Click on these two links by a creative artist who best summarizes the idea of comparisons and the road of success.
- Zen Pencils – Jiddu Krishnamurti: dont compare yourself to others.
- Zen Pencils – Alan Watts: what do you desire?
Jiddu Krishnamurti quote from his book Freedom From the Known: “That is the first thing to learn — not to seek. When you seek you are really only window-shopping. The question of whether or not there is a God or truth or reality, or whatever you like to call it, can never be answered by books, by priests, philosophers or saviors. Nobody and nothing can answer the question but you yourself and that is why you must know yourself. Immaturity lies only in total ignorance of self. To understand yourself is the beginning of wisdom.”
Live, laugh, love, cry, worship and enjoy. Realize your dreams and your goals are merely pathways to greater personal understanding. You may not understand any of it in the moment, but over time you can. When all is said and done, all that can be said is done. Live without regret.
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