I came across a powerful quote the other day that really got me thinking. Iyanla Vanzant said, “Comparison is an act of violence against the self.”
The strong language grabbed my attention. I had never thought about comparison in this way. I know it is not a good thing in general, but an act of violence? The more I thought about it, the more I realized it’s true. When we compare ourselves with other people, the effects can be even more devastating than being physically beaten. Wounds to the soul take much longer to heal.
Why is comparison so damaging?
When we compare ourselves to others, we begin to feel like we are not good enough. We feel less-than. It’s hard enough to exist in a world that tells us constantly that we’re not good enough. Why add this additional pressure onto ourselves?
Comparison cultivates envy and jealousy in the soul. These two deadly vipers cause people to rarely experience happiness or joy. Because of this, they have no capacity to be excited for others when they prosper. Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Unhappiness is the byproduct of comparison.
Also, when we compare our lives to others, we make it impossible to experience gratitude and a sense of thankfulness. We become discontented with our lives, always wishing we had something more or something better, and our souls become damaged.
I think the worst damage comparison can cause is to our ability to love. Love means to do what is best for another. Comparison causes us to become caught in selfishness, which means we become self-centered instead of others-centered. What is good for others is not our concern. Love becomes impossible, and the soul shrivels.
“Comparison is an act of violence against the self.” It’s a powerful idea. Maybe it will help you the next time you find yourself comparing.
Like this article? Subscribe!
Get email updates each time I post a new article!
