On Comparisons

A thought to ponder - why is it that many people feel better about themselves when they compare themselves to those that are less fortunate, less skilled, less wise, etc.? Is it possible to be happy regardless of how one compares to others? Is happiness proportional to one's circumstances relative to others? Social stratification theory considers how people rank and group themselves. Grouping, ranking, pecking orders and the like are such a large part of our lives, even though the practice is often divisive. Families, colleagues, friends and lovers all participate in the ranking to some degree. Is it possible for a group of people to interact without establishing a comparative pecking order?