Unworthy Comparisons

We judge ourselves far too much and too often self-censor because we think we can’t stand up to the yardstick of social validation.

Don’t ever let me hear you say what you are about to write and post and share is not worth it.

Do let me remind you what passes for paid for media these days. I opened up my news app this morning before I wrote this and here is a selection of some of the more absurd articles I saw in my “top news” list, and again… I pay for this feed.

There was a celebrity gossip story explaining that such and such a celebrity had posted an image of herself on Instagram. The article recapped the insta post. That was it. That was the article.

There was a article explaining how to use a kitchen drawer, including an explanation of stacking objects inside so that they didn’t tip over or misbalance the cabinet. That’s it. That was the article.

There was an ordered list of the best foods on the Costco menu. There are only about ten things on the Costco menu and “best” is, of course, at best a subjective measure of anything. That’s it. That was the article.

We judge ourselves far too much and too often self-censor because we think we can’t stand up to the yardstick of social validation.

But just write what you want to write.

Tell the story that is important to you.

Don’t compare yourself to the rest of the world because often the world is often too absurd and basic—too unworthy—to bother comparing with.

Brad Salomons is a time traveller and intergalactic secret agent for hire. He writes blogs about technology, creativity and life between gigs.