Comparisons are often Odious

Each of us is a unique person with our own set of talents.
We’re most content in life if we work on developing our gifts, whatever they are - writing, painting, sewing, cooking, teaching, etc.

We get in trouble when we compare ourselves unfavorably with another person whose path, by the very Nature of Our Uniqueness, is different. Peter Shaffer’s classic play, Amadeus, a fictionalized version of Mozart and Saliere’s relationship, explores this very problem as its protagonist, composer Antonio Saliere, grows increasingly tormented by comparing himself to the genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.Amadeus: A Play by Peter Shaffer


Many of us want to share our story - sharing is indeed vital for the individual – but we don’t have to write the great American novel, nor to become preoccupied with book sales, to do it.

We all eventually face Death, and many of us think about what we’ll be remembered for. Yet no one really knows. No one can accurately predict what will endure through the ages.

Emily Dickinson, considered the Mother of American Poetry, was unrecognized during her lifetime for the enormous impact of her innovative writing. {For a story of her life and poetry see Susan Howe’s seminal work, My Emily Dickinson (North Atlantic Books, 1985) }My Emily Dickinson (New Directions Paperbook)


Fame during one’s lifetime is not an accurate predictor either. (An example is writer William Saroyan, greatly popular during the 1930s and 40s for his fictive but realistic portrayals of the average American. At his height, his greatest work The Human Comedy was made into a major motion picture starring Mickey Rooney. Saroyan’s name is rarely recognized today.)Human Comedy (HBJ Modern Classic)

Conclusion: We would do well to develop our unique gifts and talents to the fullest without comparing ourselves to others.

What’s essential is not (primarily) fame or money, but the process which allows us to explore and our unique talents to flourish. Telling the story is vital to the individual and hopefully (though not predictably) it may be for others too.

Dear Reader: I welcome your comments. (jsimon145@gmail.com)