<p>What literary and historical examples would work for the following question:</p>
<p>Do people need to compare themselves to others in order to appreciate what they have? </p>
<p>Are there any example that one could use for individuality-centered questions in general?</p>
<p>thanks :)</p>
<p>Pick the other side of the thesis:</p>
<p>While we are often driven to compare ourselves socially, morally and economically to others, living within the norm defined by our society can translate to acceptance of mediocrity in our personal and public lives.</p>
<p>For this thesis there are numerous examples – ranging to acceptance of tyranny (with examples that include the pursuit of independence form England), or acceptance of “separate but equal doctrines”, etc. Examples include books, such as To Kill a Mockingbird and 1984, art such as that of Van Gough, invention, etc.</p>
<p>The Count of Monte Cristo, I think, is a perfect example. When Fernand compares himself with Edmond, he is filled with intense jealousy and hatred. He plans to unjustly accuse Edmond of treason so that he can marry Edmond’s beautiful fiance, Mercedes. This, however, leads to his eventual downfall when Edmond escapes from his prison, the formidable Chateau d’If, and plans to get his revenge.</p>