I have written up 2-3 posts earlier on comparing our path with others
a) Why Compare
b) Roads with and w/o signs
c) P value interpretation of greener grass
Picking it up again today, as got another perspective on it yesterday while discussion with Bobo. Just because I got a slightly complete perspective which is a merger of posts b and c above
We generally compare ourselves to others when we want to have something they have, and because we think that makes them happy, so will also make you happier. There are 2 assumptions here. It makes them happy and will make you happy too.
a) Statistical significance of 'It makes them happy' : We see so few events in people's lives. To add to it, most of folks are faking their expressions, and there is no way for us to get into people's heads. So the information that we have to conclude that 'it makes them happy' is really fuzzy. Any conclusions made on fuzzy inputs are fuzzy.
b) Logical dissonance in 'So It will make you happy too' : Our actions are always targeted towards our goals (both conscious and subconscious). Happiness comes when we achieve goals. Now everyone is acting with their own version of the goal in mind. If everyone's goal was same - the above statement would be perfectly logical - But unfortunately it is not. Somebody's goal is to buy a car, and someone's else to travel the world, and someone's else to marry a beautiful girl. And then these goals change - once I have bought the car, I want to travel more etc. So the goals and the person's actions would vary and change - and if you are following a moving goal post - you will go mad with no identity of yourselves. So there is no surity that 'it will make you happy too' (Though philosophically, I believe that everyone should have the same goal which is the highest goal of nirvana, and people who have the same goal should take inspiration from others)
a) Why Compare
b) Roads with and w/o signs
c) P value interpretation of greener grass
Picking it up again today, as got another perspective on it yesterday while discussion with Bobo. Just because I got a slightly complete perspective which is a merger of posts b and c above
We generally compare ourselves to others when we want to have something they have, and because we think that makes them happy, so will also make you happier. There are 2 assumptions here. It makes them happy and will make you happy too.
a) Statistical significance of 'It makes them happy' : We see so few events in people's lives. To add to it, most of folks are faking their expressions, and there is no way for us to get into people's heads. So the information that we have to conclude that 'it makes them happy' is really fuzzy. Any conclusions made on fuzzy inputs are fuzzy.
b) Logical dissonance in 'So It will make you happy too' : Our actions are always targeted towards our goals (both conscious and subconscious). Happiness comes when we achieve goals. Now everyone is acting with their own version of the goal in mind. If everyone's goal was same - the above statement would be perfectly logical - But unfortunately it is not. Somebody's goal is to buy a car, and someone's else to travel the world, and someone's else to marry a beautiful girl. And then these goals change - once I have bought the car, I want to travel more etc. So the goals and the person's actions would vary and change - and if you are following a moving goal post - you will go mad with no identity of yourselves. So there is no surity that 'it will make you happy too' (Though philosophically, I believe that everyone should have the same goal which is the highest goal of nirvana, and people who have the same goal should take inspiration from others)
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