Who do you *compare* yourself to or *aspire* to be like?

[nelsonic]

unless you're a Buddhist Monk (who's only objective in life is to relinquish all worldly possessions and empty their mind to achieve a higher state of consciousness ...) it's human nature to compare ourselves to someone else.

For example I compare myself to Paul Graham https://twitter.com/paulg and aspire to his level of both personal and professional success (however "improbable" that may seem). I've read all his essays http://paulgraham.com/articles.html e.g: http://paulgraham.com/wealth.html and watched every Video I can find on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Paul+Graham If you're going to compare yourself to anyone, there's no point comparing one's self to people who less focussed, determined or "successful".

@iteles, @edwardcodes, @ZooeyMiller & @finnhodgkin please share (if you feel comfortable doing so), I'd love to read your thoughts on this.

If you prefer not to compare yourself to others because you are pursuing some "Zen" that's fine, just acknowledge with a comment. 😉

[ZooeyMiller]

I try to only compare myself to myself.

"Who am I better than? I'm better than I used to be, I'mma keep on getting better so you better just get used to me"

Scroobius Pip

Not because of Zen or self-actualisation, I just don't want to compare myself to others.

In actuality I compare myself to everyone for everything and exist in a constant state of self doubt. I don't do this because I see a point in it, but because I can't help myself.

[finnhodgkin]

Hmm there are tons of people I admire, less that I also compare myself to. Without meeting people IRL it's hard to know what they're really like (and even then can be difficult). Most of my personality comes from quirks in mood or emotions, not political leanings and technical views. I don't compare myself to people I admire because generally they're just random cool people who say nice things and do cool stuff. I'm only just starting to do cool stuff again (career switch woop) so I don't want to feel disappointed by dream-big comparing.

A list of people I admire and would like to eventually be like:

• Cory Doctorow - writes cool books, drinks cold brew coffee, edits an awesome tech blog and is big in the Creative Commons and gift economy scenes.
• Caroline Lucas - almost never says a bad thing politically (except maybe GMO - genetic modification is future!)
• My family - children's rights activists and scientists (genetics).

[ghost]

In my point of view, it's pointless to compare yourself to someone else because everyone is unique so every time we try to compare ourselves to any one else, that comparison will not be accurate , what's better than being a Buddhist monk? That's the goal! 😋

[nelsonic]

Thanks gents. v. insightful. 🤓 we (I) need a (much) better way of asking "existential" questions in the future. thanks for reminding me. 👍