Compare Not, Smile Often

April 30, 2014
 

Look at the picture below. One may not come across such a genuine, beautiful, cute smile with children who live under the most comfortable roof. If you notice here, the child’s legs, hands and the whole body is bound inside the plastic bag practically wrapped in the immense heat. Who knows since how long time he has been hanging/suffering around under that hand. Yet when the photographer took his picture, he flashed a delightful smile, which shows how beautiful his tender heart and mind would be (I came across this picture on the internet. Although it is a gross violation of human rights and we must condemn it, yet, a few thoughts came to my mind which I want to share with the readers).

Irrespective of such discomfort, how could this child manage such a broad smile as if he was not going through any pain? The only reason perhaps, I assume, is that this small child is not in a position to COMPARE himself with other children’s lifestyle and their comfort. Therefore, he is completely happy without any anxiety, so he smiles broadly.

The message I got form this picture is, one should not compare oneself with the more fortunate ones, their richness, their children’s academic achievements and talents. If so, perhaps every one of us may walk in the shadows of this Great Child's Smile without an iota of doubt. Gravely, nowadays we observe unhealthy competition in the areas wealth and academic carrier. Why to compare? It does not mean that if the parents are rich their children will have high or greater IQ, not necessarily. By spending lot of money, it does not mean parents will achieve the desired results. Therefore, parents should not compel their children into anything other than what the children would like to pursue, if not might it end up in miserable results. Further, Parent’s Power of Money should not be experimented with as it may torture their own children and take away their mental peace and daily happiness.

Absolute anxiety kills one's happiness absolutely. Although there are many factors for anxiety, here I take only one - ‘COMPARISION’. Should one compare with others or not? I sincerely welcome your thoughts.


Below given are some of the hypotheses on which you may shed some light:

1. If we look at the strengths of others, and compared them to our weaknesses, how we would size up? And will it make us feel good?
2. Should parents compel their children to study harder because their neighbors and their relative’s children have succeeded brilliantly?
3. Should a family compare with other families economically and their social life? What would be the gain?
4. Can an employee compare himself with his talented boss and walk in his footsteps? Is this concept right or wrong?
5. Should one compare his religion with other religions and ridicule? Can God accept those hateful prayers if they destroy other's faith and their holy places. At the end, can this individual's soul achieve its destiny that he dreamt life long for ?
6. It is election time now. Usually, why do various political parties do not compare with other parties as far as objectivity is concerned? What hinders them most and why?
 
If we measure up from above, the funny thing is, this is what most of us do at one time or another - and some of us do so pretty often. It’s a sure-fire recipe for a drop in self-confidence and smiles unlike this child.


Wise quotes on comparison

“Why compare yourself with others? No one in the entire world can do a better job of being you than you.”

“It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else's life with perfection.”

“If you have ever noticed, it doesn’t matter how many people are on your side, cheering you on. If you can’t get on your own side, you never get past “go.”

“Never compare your journey with someone else’s. Someone else may start out faster than you, may seem to progress more quickly than you but your journey is your journey. It is not a competition.”

“Do not underestimate yourself by comparing yourself with others. It’s our differences that make us Unique and Beautiful”.

“Everyone is unique, beautiful & gifted … But most people never open their package but trying to open others package, killing their daily happiness”

“Even Kings and emperors with heaps of wealth and vast dominion cannot compare with an ant filled with the love of God”.

“Do not compare yourself with others in matter of wealth, position, education but rather you should look at people less fortunate than yourself. If you would like to compare, compare your knowledge, virtues who are better than to you to learn from them”.

“Every one of us like butterflies who do not see our own beautiful wings and colours but we compare with others as a result of gloomy tendency”.

“The first man to compare the cheeks of a young woman to a rose was obviously a poet; the first to repeat it was possibly an idiot.”

“The surest route to breeding jealousy is to compare. Since jealousy comes from feeling less than another, comparisons only fan the fires”.

“I have never tried to compare myself to anyone else” - Sachin Tendulkar

In each religion, thoughts have been shared about COMPARISON by Hindu Saints, Muslim Prophet, Sikh Guru’s. Respective readers may reproduce those sayings here while I recollect one from the Bible “ And Jesus called a little child to Himself and put him in the midst of them, And said, Truly I say to you, unless you become like little children you can never enter the kingdom of heaven . Whoever will humble himself therefore and become like this little child is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. – Matt 18:2-4


Finally, sceptics, wise and learned ones, why should most of us lead a frustrated life just being allowed to compare with others ? Why not we all lead a Happy Life like a Happy God’s Child without any anxiety and comparisons? Let our choice be our own, a Happy Choice.

 

Antony D'Souza Archives:

 

 

 

By Antony Cony D'Souza, Karkala / Qatar
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Comment on this article

  • Wilfred Rego , Siddakatte / Oman

    Sat, Dec 06 2014

    Cony Dattu, Really beautiful article which touched deep down into my ind and heart. Most of the parents push their children harder and harder day by day and in the end children loose their happinesses, loose their freedom.We should be realistic in life accept our children as it is.We have to respect everyone even dull children after all it is God's creation.

  • Linus Mendis , Kottara

    Sun, May 11 2014

    Life is part and parcel of comparison. This is only my individual opinion. Collective opinion could be entirely different as I read it.

  • Antony Cony D Souza, Karkala / Qatar

    Tue, May 06 2014

    Dr. Diana Pais Prabhu, above educational ideology, you parents being educationalist were of much success with your both children, Son is a Doctor, MD, secured Scholarship from the Australian Govt. and your Daughter too a Doctor, MD, perusing higher studies in UK. On the same principle, my daughter too secured third distinction in South India, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University, Instrumentation Engineer. These examples I shared here without intention of sharing each other’s glories but by holding as re-endorsement of your views that both we parents never imposed our dreams on our children.

    At this juncture, I am overwhelmed to Thank Daijiworld for putting us into contact through this article. Please convey my Kind Regards to your husband, Dr. Richard Pais. Hope to see you all very soon.

  • Antony Cony D Souza, Karkala / Qatar

    Tue, May 06 2014

    Dear Dr. Diana Pais Prabhu, First of all I sincerely Thank you for taking some of your time penning down your comment here. Since, your entire family from Bejai, M’lore is an Educationalist one starting from your grandmother and also your husband Dr. Richard Pais (who was my boss, Head of Sociology Dept. while I was Sociology Lecturer at St. Aloysius College, Mangalore.) I value much of your opinion being the former Deputy Director for Public Instruction and a K.A.S. Officer of Karnataka State

    Quote : “Let us try to encourage our children to bloom and blossom and follow their own dream without imposing their dream for them. Each child is uniquely endowed with unique capabilities, interest and competencies and hence as an Educationist myself , I herein appeal to all parents not to pressurize their ward but go hand in hand in helping the child to realize his or her own dream and help them to "SMILE" throughout their career”.

    continued next...

  • John DSouza, Mangalore/Qatar

    Tue, May 06 2014

    Comparison is a broader issue and it cannot be limited only to compare between individuals.
    We have 6 billion people in front of us, being each individual is a unique handmade creation of Almighty God and we cannot make any two individuals equal to each other.
    We need to compare only if we can accept the difference and manage to smile.
    Otherwise, it will simply lead us to pressure and depression.
    If the uniqueness of individuals joined together, we can see the wonder.

  • Antony Cony D Souza, Karkala / Qatar

    Tue, May 06 2014

    Thanks Anita for your support by instilling confidence in me.

  • Dr Diana Pais Prabhu, Mangalore/Sydney,Australia

    Tue, May 06 2014

    I totally endorse the view of Antony D'souza "compare not,smile often".Let us try to encourage our children to bloom and blossom and follow their own dream without imposing their dream for them.Each child is uniquely endowed with unique capabilities,interest and competencies and hence as an Educationist myself and a former Deputy Director for Public Instruction and a K.A.S. Officer of Karnataka State, i personally advocate the same. I herein appeal to all parents not to pressurize their ward but go hand in hand in helping the child to realize his or her own dream and help them to "SMILE" throughout their career.

  • Anita Zita Tauro, Bangalore / Qatar

    Mon, May 05 2014

    Hai Cony Bavoji,

    Congrats !!.
    Excellent and unprecedented articles running one after another straightforward and resounding, eager to read more. Please keep writing….

  • Antony Cony D' Souza, Karkala / Qatar

    Mon, May 05 2014

    Dear R.Bhandarkar Sir,

    Glad I got you here and Thank You for your most valuable comment.

    The picture was mere a gauge to convey the message. As agreed, surest route to breeding jealousy is to compare and comparisons only fan the fires. But as agreed by you and Mr. John, healthy competition is a must and it will accomplish its desired results in the matter of time.

  • R.Bhandarkar, M'lore

    Mon, May 05 2014

    Dear Antony Cony Sir....
    By the time I have read your article the 'Hanging ,Dangling Suffering' child's photo has vanished from the article. No problem.Must have been a 'Graphic Trick' or something,they come up with all sorts these days. In our days 'Cameras Never Lied', but nowadays it's 'Lying down with the Camera' to have that special effects, cute angles and what not!
    The ultimate 'photo' at the end never gives you the complete picture! You see the 'deception' and rejoice even if it's not the real you! Where has mankind come! Gets into this 'make up' mode so much that it creates layers upon layers upon layers and forgets its true self!!There in only raises a need for 'comparison' and that's when the whole problem starts. It's that much difficult to discover 'self' and without doing that we try to compare or imitate others !What a folly! A perfect 'recipe for disaster' if ever there was one and you have depicted it beautifully.
    Kudos Sir...Keep writing and all the best!

  • Antony Cony D Souza, Karkala / Qatar

    Sun, May 04 2014

    PRASHANTH baab. We are from Karkala and as a true Karkalite you come first to encourage your neighbors and your Primary classmate friend, me. Once again on the occasion of celebrating 50th Wedding Anniversary of your Loving Parents, I wish and Pray to be with you all.

    AJITH baab, Foremost Record holder of World Konkani, 4 awards for your single Album 'Tujya Vengenth... I am fortunate to have a friend like you who is a hard worker, talented and encourage the same in others. Dev Borem Koruvm baab.

    Also thanks to the would be readers and supporters...

  • Antony Cony D Souza, Karkala / Qatar

    Sun, May 04 2014

    RAVI Anna, when I wrote this article you were in my mind. Therefore, I put a straightforward question.. "Is it right if company's employees emulate or compare themselves with their hard working, talented and successful boss ?" Being Founder of Tulu Koota, now being President of Bunts Qatar and owner of multiple reputed a companies in Doha with 400 plus staff, all of them are fortunate to have you as their boss. I am not exaggerating, recently I heard them saying that if at all they take re-birth they wish to be under your care. It is true because you are not only taking care of them but also almost their 400 plus families. With you there is no room for caste and creed disparity but you love each of one of them as God's Loving Children. This your exception virtue Ravi Anna where people do not find nowadays anywhere. Further, one thing I have heard and seen that you never say no to anybody who came to you for a job or for a visa or for a job.
    You are a ever shining star of Doha, Friend of mine as well as Friend of all Doha cultural groups. Recently when my brother Priest visited your home, he was totally taken back while your children bent till the ground to ask for his Blessings. In the gulf, usually traditional values are lost which are substituted by Pride but with you being a great successful businessman, humbleness comes first and given primary education to the children to be humble first. By this you have accumulated lot of God's Blessings to your future generation.

  • Antony Cony D Souza, Karkala / Qatar

    Sun, May 04 2014

    Hai DIVYA Lobo Saldanha, Hai Divya, Dev Borem Koruvm . It is a really great feeling to receive encouragement from my Neighbor from Karkala after 45 years. I left Karkala to Mangalore in the year 1972. Dad/Mom/ Roni k, Novi k, Lancy k sorvank amche rekadh pavoi. Thanks.

    GLANY bav, you are a true Konkani Fellowship brother. You continue to encourage ever after leaving Doha to Dubai.

    KEVIN Misquith, you are always beside me as a source of encouragement. Good Luck for you Live Concert. on 9th May, Church Grounds, Nainadu.

    Mogaal LAVI, I am glad you are always beside me while some of our relatives are not in the picture. Dev borem Kourvm. Please convey my regards all at home, Mom and Manu.

    Bai MEENA who is the sister of Dr. Ronald Serrao, Prof. in St. Joseph Seminary, residing in Tanzania, as lovely is she, never forgets to encourage whenever I require her most. Thanks baye.
    to be continued...

  • Antony Cony D Souza, Karkala / Qatar

    Sun, May 04 2014

    In the bigger list my Thanks goes to:-
    LANCY Moras, The first comment , part I and II, I am blessed by it tremendously. Thanks baab.

    ISMAIL. K. Perinje, a internet scholar. Thank You Sir for being there and your encouragement in its truthfulness.

    JOHN D Souza, 3 fantastic comments. I am in agreement with all of them. You are a real source of inspiration with your unlimited depth of knowledge and wisdom.

    CGSama, Mangalore is my Mentor, who encourages me to walk beside him. Dev Borem Koruvm tumka.

    RESHMA Lobo, you are a great support of all writers, artists, musicians, singers.. Surely, Almighty God has Blessed you with a big heart.

    WILSON Saldanha, Daijiworld Correspondent in Kuwait, It is you who brought me to the Daijiworld's Family of Writers. I remain indebted to you always.
    To be continued....

  • Antony Cony D Souza, Karkala / Qatar

    Sun, May 04 2014

    Who makes the article more lively ? It is not the author, but the supporters and readers.

    First and foremost My Sincere Thanks goes to the Daijiworld Managing Director Mr. Walter Nandalike, Editors and Daiji team for supporting all of us, the budding writers by giving the them a free podium to establish themselves.
    On the article, I wholeheartedly thank everyone who read and as well as those who ped few comments. Without readers encouragement no book can be successful. Likewise Thanking is our part of our gratefulness too. First and foremost, I thank Bonifas, Lucy Rodrigues, Deepak Bhat, Abdul Majid, Vivian Tauro, Geoffrey, hat Hill, Dajiji Reader, Preema, Ronald Lasradao, Xavior Savio, Rita, Germany, Paul John, Grace Australia, Bro. Austin, Edmond P Gonsalvis, Tommy, Abdulhameed, John Clement..
    to be continued..

  • Ajith Peter Dsouza, Udupi/Dubai

    Sun, May 04 2014

    Beautiful piece of writing Mr. Antony. You have truly narrated in this short article how life should be. This is indeed a guide for best life one can imagine without comparing himself to anyone and just accepting himself as he is. Indeed no two rain s are same since the beginning of the Universe nor any other thing and humans are no exception then why compare? This article has an answer for the complexities we face in the modern world and shows the way to a happy and content life. Your articles have sparks which enrich our knowledge and also replenish our love for life to live it with zest. Keep it up and continue writing such articles which call us to pause and reflect and appreciate the world within and outside us.

  • Alexander Prashanth Menezes, karkala/Dubai

    Sun, May 04 2014

    Dear Cony Baab,

    A very Good article and a real thought provoking. Today we seldom see a hearty smile on the faces of fellow human beings, the reason being stress, tension and unrealistic demands of this fast paced life. Yes Comparing yourself with the less fortunate is what one should do these days. Trying to share his/her wealth with the less fortunate is what makes us smile at the end of the day, which results in God smiling at the one who shared his wealth/knowledge. In today’s materialistic world, we often see a person trying to compare himself/herself to the material things that the other person possesses and tries to delve in to the race of becoming one of them. In the bargain, we forget to smile, accumulate stress, and we become greedy. I hope each one of us realizes the need for being compassionate, smile and forgive so that we live a peaceful and happy life in the society. Keep Writing.

  • Morish D'Silva, Bangalore/ QATAR

    Sun, May 04 2014

    Very enlighting article. Glad to read a quote from this article about Sachin Tendulkar "I have never tried to compare myself to anyoneelse". This must have been the successful formula of all the greatest people in this universe.

  • Kirthi Vaman Devadiga, Mangalore / Qatar

    Sun, May 04 2014

    A child is all the time happy - innocent.
    Every human being wants to remain happy, therefore they go for long tours, yoga, exercise etc., noting wrong.
    Peace comes from within and not from outside. Our education and prayerful life must set us free from comparison. As someone said, there is no such called healthy comparison because after due course it will lead to jealousy and competition and competition to jealousy. Best part is Let us remain happy with what have..God is JUST

  • John DSouza, Mangalore/Qatar

    Sun, May 04 2014

    Compare not with the momentary wind and grass
    Smile often to control the pressure and tension

  • Wilson Saldanha, Shirthady/ Kuwait

    Sun, May 04 2014

    Well said Anjum Suhail Mohammed, Mangalore/Kuwait

  • Robert A Lobo, Mumbai/Qatar

    Sun, May 04 2014

    Peace loving, peace giving article. Immensely appreciated

  • Ravi Shetty, Doha,Qatar

    Sat, May 03 2014

    Very good Article my friend Mr.Anthony.Innovative and useful .
    Best wishes for you.

  • John Clement R. Lobo, Mysore / Qatar

    Sat, May 03 2014

    wonderfully written. Great Thoughts !!

  • Meena serrao Barboza, Tanzania.Shirva

    Sat, May 03 2014

    Very Interesting Article... Nice one..Thank You.

  • John DSouza, Mangalore/Qatar

    Sat, May 03 2014

    Our ancestors used wisdom and enjoyed life, but we suffer though we use knowledge power and artificial force. If we use the wisdom, we can be relieved from our severe problems. Do we need to compare and solve or just try to laugh?

  • abdulhameed, krishnapura

    Sat, May 03 2014

    very nice article,a healthy competition with a positive mind approach will yield good results wher e as unhealthy negetive mind will sink man deeper into trouble.So its life we have to be thankful to GOD in all situations. To be happy it is better to compare us with less forunates and help them to have a smile on thier face along with us.

  • Tommy G. Paranthottu, Uppala/Qatar/Uppala

    Sat, May 03 2014

    Rare write-up of its kind.
    Whenever I find your article here, I always expect something to get from your wisdom which is very much realistic and absorbs within us. Good Luck, Write very often Sir.

  • Rahim G.H, Deralakatte/Qatar

    Sat, May 03 2014

    Thanks for sharing your own philosophy of life. We are Blessed Sir. Awaiting to read more.

  • Edmond P Gonsalvis, Udupi/Qatar

    Sat, May 03 2014

    It is quite natural to compete and to compare with somebody. Most of the time when it doesnt fulfill remains a bitter taste.However, God supplies all my needs what good may come by comparision or competition.Keep writing good article.Let society bless you.

  • Laveena Dmello, Attur/Sharjah

    Sat, May 03 2014

    Very nice article Cony dattu.

  • Bro. Austin John Alvares, Mangalore / Nagaland

    Fri, May 02 2014

    Whichever generation human race may live, God's words or instructions are guidance to the human nature come what may are lasting effective till the end of the world. Let us refer in the Holy Bible, 2 Corinthians 10:12
    " We wouldn't put ourselves in the same class with or compare ourselves to those who are bold enough to make their own recommendations. Certainly, when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves to themselves, they show how foolish they are."
    This article is nothing but a blessing to the society, to enjoy the Blessing of the Lord that given to each one of them in a significant way, therefore all of us can't be a good artist, fine musicians, enlightened preachers, excellent doctors, sound engineers, successful businessmen and so on.. Therefore, why to compare more than our talents or intelligence than God given to each one of us. If someone lives in USA or Canada or someone is over rich...why should I bother I am happy where I stay and what I have' This should be the divine answer one must reply to himself to his human intuitions. This will surely give us lasting peace within us.

  • Anjum Suhail Mohammed, Mangalore/Kuwait

    Fri, May 02 2014

    Antony Sir, I am happy to contribute to this article about 'comparison'... how it is perceived in the Islam..

    "When you compare yourself with others in matters of wealth, position, and health, you should look at people less favored than yourself. When you compare yourself with others in matters of religion, knowledge, and virtue, look at people who are better than yourself." Ibn Hazm al-Analusee (al-Akhlaaq was-Siyar)

  • John DSouza, Mangalore/Qatar

    Fri, May 02 2014

    It is good to have a peaceful comparison, healthy competition and laugh often.

    The excess or extreme of it leads to hatred, rivalry, jealousy, anger, sadness, putdowns, headaches, sleepless nights and depressions.

    The exclusion, ignorance or negligence of it leads to a very wide gap between positions of parties, entities, firms or groups of same nature, trade or deals.
    For instance, the unchecked and widening gap between have and have not (rich and poor).
    The high on sky position of the mobile technology and miserable position of automobile which suffer severely on ground, though the transport and communication is a co-prime sector of the economy. One is running well ahead and the other is far behind (being a couple of bulls).

    Why this huge gap (of cost, quality and efficiency) in basic facilities of these two sectors?
    Why smart phone becomes smarter day by day and the vehicles move on with expensive tortoise style, since a couple of centuries?
    Is it due to no solutions, not a serious concern and issue or no willingness to have an amicable solution? Are we comfortable to pay high, inhale pollution, bear heavy burden and remain depended? Is it a comfortable situation to satisfy the thirst of vehicles and keep the people thirsty and hungry? Where our funds are being spent and where is the real need to be spent?

  • Kevin Misquith, Surathkal/Mangalore

    Fri, May 02 2014

    Nice article sir..liked it, inspiring one. Thank you for penning this for us, looking forward to more from you.

  • Glany Fernandes, Mangalore / Dubai

    Thu, May 01 2014

    Every time you come up with beautiful lesson to life. What an enriching and thought provoking concept of Smile often. Enjoyed reading.

  • Grace, Australia, Bolar

    Thu, May 01 2014

    Honestly, I liked very much comment from Xavior Savio G. Fenandes, Kankanady/Mangalore where he talks about Bill Gates, Dr. Kalam, late Bishop of Mangalore Basil D' Souza and Mr. Walter Nandalike, founder of Daijiworld. Beautifully drawn in reference to this article. 3 cheers to Xavior Kankanady. Including very cute comment from Mr. Ronald Lasrado as well..I had a wonder laugh...

  • Divya Lobo Saldanha, Karkala / Kuwait

    Thu, May 01 2014

    Very nice article Conny Dattu..God bless you...

  • Wilson Saldanha, Shirthady/ Kuwait

    Thu, May 01 2014

    Very nice thought Conyaab. It reminds me someone's told during my childhood. One cannot see upward for a long time as your neck will start to pain. But one can see down for a long time without hurting them self. Comparing ourselves to less fortunate will make us more fortunate and happy. God bless you and give you courage to pass many more such messages which will benefit the society.

    The next topic I expect from you why learning in life is very important? As you are a trainer, you can focus more into it.

  • Paul John Vargheese, Kasargod/Thokottu

    Thu, May 01 2014

    Excellent one. Each writer has his own style of writing. The way you try to convince from one sentence to the next from this child's picture is praiseworthy. It is called a GIFTED WRITER. Here, competition, comparison does not hold good, while each one Blessed with his own talent, skill, intelligence. How amount people try to imitate can not be done in a impressive way. This example can be applied in each area of life.

  • Rita, Germany

    Thu, May 01 2014

    Glad to see your article again.To tell the truth,it is difficult to smile often, especially when one has a heavy burden inside.But when someone makes us laugh or smiles at us automatically smile appears on our lips.Of course smile it can heal a heart,can win a heart ,or makes one angry (if you are not in a mood)There are smiles which is a must like a airhostess (Duty)welcoming or say bye,in advertisement,which you cant take serious.Most heartwarming is when your child smiles at you or own Family members,freinds smiles.There are some wicked smiles which may bring you in the difficult situation like in Jobs.
    second we should not compare, of course,but as a human instinct,youcompare sometimes.when your child brings less marks than the neighbour one,automatically you think.but should not go further.Each one of us is a individual.It makes us easier to go through life if we not compare our selves.Hope to hear more from you.

  • Xavior Savio G. Fenandes, Kankanady/Mangalore

    Thu, May 01 2014

    There are many men who succeeded in their ventures by imitating or comparing NONE. For Bill Gates, Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam, Last late Bishop of Mangalore Dr. Basil D' Souza.. Another familiar example, Mr. Walter Nadalike, Daijiworld founder. He started this Daijiworld portal with his own innovative spirit and sheer hard work. Even now he gives no competition and makes no comparison. He floats so many appeals to help the poor, this idea he bought from none. This is called enlightened people, who put God Given Wisdom to the right cause and they remain tall in the society or the world. Congrats Antony, this article made me to think in a deeper sense of knowledge...Good Article. Let God Bless your article of 'sincere message'.

  • Ronald D. Lasrado, Kundapur/Mumbai

    Thu, May 01 2014

    A article which comes out from once heart is always felt. Good Message. Comparisons and Competitions costs a lot of money, energy, peace, when we do not deserved to be compared..... For example if a frog tries to imitate a elephant's stomach and breath more air into its stomach, it will break open and frog dies. Let us be realistic and happy with what God has already Blessed to us.

  • Reshma Lobo, Mangalore/Kuwait

    Thu, May 01 2014

    Wonderful article Anthony Sir. I always follow one concept in life.. "Smile and the world will smile with you". Life is short.Be happy and make others also happy rather than comparing ourselves with others. Your articles are an inspiration to our lives.So Keep writing and keep smiling always.

  • Preema, Mangalore

    Wed, Apr 30 2014

    Thank You Sir for sharing us such a insightful message coupled with your heartfelt article. You are an inspiration.......

  • Daiji Reader, Mangalore

    Wed, Apr 30 2014

    2 Corinthians 10:12. Helpful Quotes

    "Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding."

  • CGS, Mangalore

    Wed, Apr 30 2014

    Another inspiring article by Antony Timothy Cony D'Souza! Congrats Antony, keep writing so that people would try to smile which is available
    freely!

  • geoffrey, hat hill

    Wed, Apr 30 2014

    Comparing one’s performance (in any arena) with someone else’s superior performance and striving to improve one’s own within one’s capability and limits is certainly desirable and not doing so results in complacency and stunted growth. In many companies during the annual performance appraisal employees are given relative (comparative) ranking. At global level also comparing a country’s development with that of a developed country yields many benefits. But not realizing (or overestimating) one’s capabilities and limits in this process results in frustration when the desired goals become unachievable. In corporate lingo it’s said the goals should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time bound). Nevertheless, some choose to philosophize the inability to achieve the set targets by saying ‘what matters is the journey and not the destination’

  • Vivian Tauro, Puttur/ Doha

    Wed, Apr 30 2014

    Very true. Creative writeup. Enjoyed reading. Keep writing.

  • Abdul Rehman Majid, Thokottu/Abu Dhabi

    Wed, Apr 30 2014

    Good Title ' compare not, smile often'.
    True, if comparison takes once peace, it would be a destructive force. Must avoid it.
    At times set goals can be achieved by healthy competition. But there is nothing called healthy comparison because after after some time due to jealousy it will go on beyond and beyond...

  • Deepak Ganesh P. Bhat, Mangalore/ Kadri

    Wed, Apr 30 2014

    This article is my essence of my life as I am living with it. I am happy with what I have, comparing with none, why should I...

    My ideology is built around Swami Vivekananda
    “Take up one your idea. Make that one idea your life - think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every ones ideas. This is the way to success"

  • Lucy Rodrigues, Moodubelle/Mumbai

    Wed, Apr 30 2014

    Very nice article. It is an eye opener. Thank you so much. God bless you.

  • John DSouza, Mangalore/Qatar

    Wed, Apr 30 2014

    Dear Antony Cony, it is very essential to have a peaceful comparison and healthy competition.
    Due to the difference in time, place, situation, position and nature (size, shape, color, age, height, weight, uniqueness, divine gifts and talents) the comparison and competition is unavoidable, but the limit, caution, patience and control is very essential.
    Life is a unique assignment to perform with the available, allocated and acquired resources. Smile at the gain is natural and at pain is a special gift. Let us smile often.

  • ISMAIL.K.PERINJE, PERINJE

    Wed, Apr 30 2014

    Dear Antony Cony sir,

    Good article and in fact food for thought.On the lighter side,I used to advise my family members and especially to wife not to compare upper class which will not give us healthy life.Comparing like you wrote is widespread in the society as I have witnessed within and society @ large.Your concept of SMILE OFTEN is good for long life.

  • Bonifas J. Alex Pinto, Mangalore/Urwa

    Wed, Apr 30 2014

    Genuine concept, formula for peace - 'Why to compare' marvelously placed. Good innovative thoughts. Usually I find your all articles are one better than other. I sincerely thank you and encourage you as a regular Daijiworld Reader.

  • Lancy Moras, Moushmi Creations

    Wed, Apr 30 2014

    Part two of my two comments over this topic.

    The trouble is that we often merely analyze life instead of dealing with it. People dissect their failures for causes and effects, but seldom deal with them and gain experience to master them and thereby avoid their recurrence. This is my belief: that through difficulties and problems God gives us the opportunity to grow. So when our hopes and dreams and goals are dashed, search among the wreckage, we may find a golden opportunity hidden in the ruins. Great dreams of great dreamers are always transcended. Are we aware of your inner signals? Do we trust them? Do we have the focus of control over our life in our own hands? These are some of the vigorous but true questions we must ask to our mindfulness. Let me put it in this way, the more decisions we can make avoiding external pressures, which will constantly try to manipulate and immobilize us, the better our life will be, the better our society will become.


    Life is a difficult game. We can win it only by retaining our birthright to be a person. And to retain this right, we will have to be willing to take the social or external risks involved in ignoring pressures to do things the way others say they should be done. God’s providence is your inheritance.

    May God be with you bless you Sir Cony always and bidding you more supremacy for your future scripts.

  • Lancy Moras, Moushmi Creations

    Wed, Apr 30 2014

    Part one of my two comments over this topic.

    M totally stunned. An awe-inspiring write up Sir Cony. Got much liberation as I could read it again and again. A difficult question to digest about the phrase you recollected from Bible “ And Jesus called a little child to Himself and put him in the midst of them, And said, Truly I say to you, unless you become like little children you can never enter the kingdom of heaven . Whoever will humble himself therefore and become like this little child is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. – Matt 18:2-4. Truly and truly awesome.


    “Everyone is unique, beautiful & gifted … But most people never open their package but trying to open others package, killing their daily happiness”. Accurately said. Happiness, satisfaction, and success in life depend on making the right choices, the winning choices. One mustn’t forget that there are forces in life working for you and against you. One must distinguish the beneficial forces from the malevolent ones and choose correctly between them. A person with belief never grovels before anyone, whining and whimpering that it’s all too much, that he lacks support, that he is being treated unfairly. Instead, such a person tackles problems head on and then affirms, ‘AS A CHILD OF GOD , I AM GREATER THAN ANYTHING THAT CAN HAPPEN TO ME.’ Correct me if m wrong Sir Cony. Let me put myself in this way: Before God trusts me with success, I have to prove myself humble enough to handle the big prize.


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Title: Compare Not, Smile Often



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