Comparisons Are Odious
The proverb “Comparisons are odious” is a timeless expression advising against the act of comparing things, individuals, or situations. It suggests that such comparisons are unpleasant, unfair, and often lead to negative consequences. The phrase isn’t simply a statement against judgment; it delves into the inherent uniqueness of everything and the detrimental effects of imposing arbitrary standards.
Origin of “Comparisons Are Odious”
The earliest known instance of this sentiment appears in the work of John Lydgate, a 15th‑century English poet, in his poem The Debate Between Horse, Goose, and Sheep (circa 1440). He wrote, “Odyous of olde have been comparisonis, / And of comparisonis engendyrd is haterede.” While the exact phrasing we use today didn’t emerge immediately, Lydgate’s articulation laid the foundation for the proverb’s enduring presence in the English language. Later, the phrase gained traction through its use by prominent literary figures like John Donne, and found its way into the works of Cervantes and others, solidifying its place in cultural discourse.
Analysis: The Literary and Philosophical Weight
Beyond Simple Dislike
The phrase’s power lies in its subtle depth. It isn’t merely about disliking comparisons; it points to the inherent problems with the act of comparing. Every entity, whether a person, an object, or an experience, possesses unique qualities, contexts, and histories. To evaluate one against another is to ignore these fundamental distinctions, forcing a contrived judgment based on potentially irrelevant criteria. Consider, for example, comparing a painter to a sculptor. While both are artists, their mediums, techniques, and expressive goals differ significantly. A direct comparison diminishes the value of both by focusing on superficial similarities or differences rather than appreciating their individual merit.
The Root of Hatred – As Lydgate Suggests
Lydgate’s original phrasing, connecting comparisons to hatred, is crucial. Comparisons often breed resentment, envy, and dissatisfaction. When we compare ourselves to others, particularly in areas where we perceive ourselves as lacking, it can fuel feelings of inadequacy and diminish self‑worth. This isn’t simply a matter of personal sensitivity; it’s a deeply ingrained psychological response. The constant bombardment of curated images and idealized lifestyles in modern society exacerbates this problem, fostering a culture of perpetual comparison and discontent.
Literary Applications & Character Motivation
Authors frequently employ this concept to reveal character flaws, drive plot points, and explore thematic concerns. A character obsessed with comparing themselves to others might be portrayed as insecure, ambitious, or driven by vanity. Conversely, a character who rejects comparison might be presented as self‑assured, independent, or enlightened. The phrase can also serve as a moral warning, highlighting the dangers of social climbing, materialism, and the pursuit of unattainable ideals. For example, a novel might depict a society where citizens are ranked and compared based on arbitrary metrics, leading to widespread anxiety and social unrest.
Beyond Individuals: Comparing Systems & Ideas
The principle extends beyond individual comparisons. Applying the phrase to broader systems, such as political ideologies, economic models, or cultural practices, encourages a nuanced and critical perspective. Rather than dismissing alternative approaches outright, it prompts us to consider their unique strengths and limitations within their specific contexts. This is crucial for fostering intellectual humility and constructive dialogue. For instance, comparing a democratic system to an autocratic one shouldn’t focus solely on which system is “better,” but rather on understanding the trade‑offs inherent in each approach: the balance between individual liberty and collective security, the role of citizen participation, and the potential for corruption or abuse of power.
Examples in Literature
Example #1: John Donne – Elegy VIII. The Comparison
Doth not thy fearful hand in feeling quake,
As one which gathering flowers still fears a snake?
Is not your last act harsh and violent,
As when a plough a stony ground doth rent?
So kiss good turtles, so devoutly nice
Are priests in handling reverent sacrifice,
And such in searching wounds the surgeon is,
As we, when we embrace, or touch, or kiss.
Leave her, and I will leave comparing thus,
She and comparisons are odious.
Donne’s use of elaborate conceits, extended metaphors that draw surprising connections between dissimilar things, already demonstrates a playful engagement with comparison. However, the final line, “She and comparisons are odious,” suggests a limit to this practice. The lover’s uniqueness transcends comparison; to attempt it is to diminish her individuality. Donne recognizes the inadequacy of language to capture the fullness of experience and the importance of appreciating things on their own terms.
Example #2: Jack Kerouac – The Dharma Bums
There’s nothing wrong with you, Ray. Your only trouble is that you never learned to get out to places like this. You’ve let the world drown you in its horse, and you’ve been vexed… though as I say, comparisons are odious, but what we’re saying now is true.
Here, the phrase serves as a momentary acknowledgment of a potential ethical issue before the speaker proceeds with a critical assessment of Ray. It’s a fleeting attempt at sensitivity, quickly overridden by the speaker’s conviction that his diagnosis is accurate. It reveals a subtle tension between the desire to be considerate and the urge to impose one’s own judgment.
Example #3: Vincent Brümmer – Brümmer on Meaning and the Christian Faith
“Comparisons are odious, as the saying goes. And this is quite true, of course, since we all resent being compared to other people. I want my own individuality to be acknowledged since, in my own eyes, I am myself and not like everybody else! Comparisons are odious because they tend to ignore our individuality. Furthermore, this is true of all things and not only of people. Everything is itself and not another thing. By comparing anything to something else, we ignore its individuality and look upon it as an instance of some general characteristic shared by many things. In this way, we forget that every individual thing is not like any other thing.”
Brümmer’s analysis delves into the philosophical implications of comparison, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the inherent uniqueness of all entities. He frames the issue as a matter of respecting individual identity and resisting the tendency to reduce things to mere instances of general categories.
Examples in Everyday Usage
Example 1: You cannot think like Remi, for comparisons are odious, and therefore the comparison between you and him is also odious.
Example 2: Comparisons are odious has become a new mantra in this town. He told us all that it would be used against everyone. However, it does not seem true that only he knows this and that others are unaware.
Example 3: Whether comparisons are odious or not, the fact remains that we will not allow things to happen in this way, because comparisons mar the spirit of childhood even if they are not proven odious.
Example 4: Harry was tired of his grandmother comparing him to his neighbor’s son. He told his grandmother that comparisons are odious, and she agreed.
Example 5: Lillian often says that comparisons are odious because she dislikes being evaluated at work.
Ultimately, “Comparisons are odious” serves as a potent reminder to appreciate the inherent value and uniqueness of all things, and to resist the temptation to impose artificial standards or engage in unproductive judgment.