Comparing Yourself to Others, Solved
Mark Manson and Drew dive into why we compare ourselves to friends, coworkers, and strangers online—and why it usually makes us feel worse.
November 15, 2025
2 hr 9 min
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November 15, 2025
Comparing Yourself to Others, Solved
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Mark Manson Episodes Around November 15, 2025
Episode 84 of 103 — walk the feed in the order it was published.
2:09:51This episodeComparing Yourself to Others, Solved
Summary
We all compare ourselves to other people—our friends, coworkers, strangers on the internet—and most of the time, it makes us feel like shit. But why do we keep doing it?
In this episode of Solved, we dig into the uncomfortable truth behind social comparison, how it quietly ruins our self-worth, and why most of what we envy in others is a projection of our own insecurity.
We also get into the brutal paradox of success, the toxic loop of chasing status, and how the constant measurement of our lives against others is one of the dumbest things we do as a species. If you’ve ever felt not good enough, or like you’re falling behind, this one’s for you.
Get your free PDF guide: https://solvedpodcast.com/socialcomparison
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Introduction
(05:29) Evolutionary Roots
(20:18) Philosophy and Social Comparison
(48:37) The Psychology of Social Comparison
(01:22:19) Digital Technology and Social Comparison
(01:44:20) The 80/20 of Managing Comparison
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