“The happiest people are those who don’t need to compare themselves to others.”
In a delightful, eye-opening conversation with an old classmate during a recent phone call, he shared a YouTube gem that had me chuckling, nodding, and reflecting all at once. The video titled “The Paradox of Happiness” (seriously, give it a watch here) dives deep into why those bronze medalists are grinning like Cheshire cats, while the silver medalists look like someone just stole their lunch money.
Olympics: The Bronze Medal Smile
It’s no secret that the Olympics is the ultimate showdown of human athleticism and spirit. But have you noticed the podium paradox? Our bronze medalists are over the moon, hugging everyone in sight, while the silver medalists have that “I-just-missed-the-bus” look. It turns out, winning third place is a relief—you made it on the podium! Silver, on the other hand, is a stark reminder of just how close you were to the gold. It’s like winning second place in a pie-eating contest—great effort, but you’re just full of regret (and pie).
Airplanes: Economy Class Revelry
Take to the skies, and you’ll see this happiness paradox play out in the cabin. First-class passengers, with their gourmet meals and lie-flat beds, often look the most stressed. They’ve paid a fortune for comfort and are worried about getting every penny’s worth. Meanwhile, in economy, folks are toasting their tiny wine bottles, binge-watching movies, and swapping snacks like it’s a mid-air potluck. Why? Expectations are everything. Economy travelers know they’re getting a cramped seat and a snack pack, so any extra comfort feels like winning the travel lottery.
Streets: Joyful Hatchbacks
Strolling down the street, the phenomenon continues. Flashy luxury cars zoom by, their drivers often looking like they’re carrying the weight of the world (and their hefty car payments). Contrast that with drivers of small hatchbacks—they’re blasting music, windows down, living their best lives. It’s a reminder that sometimes, less really is more. When you’re not tied to the stress of maintaining an image, you’re free to enjoy the simple pleasures—like singing off-key to your favorite tunes at a stoplight.
After our phone conversation, my classmate share these quotes over text and got me reflecting:
“Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away.” — Philip K. Dick
This quote underscores the importance of accepting reality as it is, without the distortions of our perceptions and expectations. Our misery often stems from our refusal to accept things as they are, rather than how we wish them to be. The bronze medalists are content because they accept their reality—third place is still a win. Silver medalists, however, are caught up in what could have been, struggling to accept their near miss of the gold.
“Reality is neither good nor bad. It is our judgements that cause our distress, and not the reality itself. It is in our power to have no opinion about a situation, and not to be disturbed in our soul.” — Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius reminds us that it’s not the events themselves that cause our suffering, but our interpretations of those events. This ties back to the airplane scenario: first-class passengers may feel stressed because their high expectations aren’t always met. Economy passengers, with their lower expectations, find joy in the little extras. By adjusting our judgments and expectations, we can find contentment in any situation.
So, next time you’re feeling the weight of comparison, remember the bronze medalists, the economy travelers, and the hatchback drivers. Happiness isn’t about having the best of everything; it’s about making the best of what you have. And as always, a good laugh helps too.
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