I came across an article by Frank Martela on cnbc.com which points out that Finland has been named the happiest country in the world by the World Happiness Report for the fifth year in a row. This begs the question, “What do the people in Finland do that makes them so happy?” As it turns out, it’s not what they do, it’s what they don’t do that matters. One of the things that Finns never do is compare themselves to their neighbors, “especially when it comes to material things and overt displays of wealth.” Mr. Martela offers the following happiness tip: “Focus more on what makes you happy and less on looking successful. The first step to true happiness is to set your own standards, instead of comparing yourself to others.” Comparison really is the thief of joy.

One Sentence Wisdom

• “A flower does not think of competing to the flower next to it. It just blooms.” — Zen Shin
• “Comparison is the most poisonous element in the human heart because it destroys ingenuity, and it robs peace and joy.” — Euginia Herlihy

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