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About this quote

What does it mean?
The author suggests that true happiness comes from comparing oneself to those less fortunate rather than those more successful.
In plain terms
You feel better when you compare yourself to people worse off than you.
What can you take from it?
Contentment often relies on downward social comparison.

Where it applies

  • seeking happiness
  • social comparison
  • self-esteem

Putting it to work

  • focusing on gratitude
  • avoiding envy

Questions to consider

  • Is happiness best found by looking down or up?

Another view

This mindset can foster complacency rather than personal growth.

More from William Makepeace Thackeray

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  3. Let the man who has to make his fortune in life remember this maxim. Attacking is his only secret. Dare, and the world always yields: or, if it beat you someti…

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