I recently came across this quote by German-born fashion designer and artist Karl Lagerfeld:
“Personality begins where comparison ends.”
Personality is the sum total of the physical, mental, emotional, and social characteristics of a person. When we talk about character, we essentially speak of the qualities and distinctions which make a person unique. This uniqueness is worthy to be embraced. It makes you special and singular. There is no one like you.
The trouble people constantly face in our self-centered and materialistic culture is they cannot stop comparing themselves to others, specially when it comes to external looks and items we possess, or not. Lagerfeld does make a point about style. What if we all stop comparing ourselves?
Everyone has their own style. Embrace your style. Wear what makes you feel comfortable. Style belongs to you. You are the owner, the leader, the trendsetter, and the remixer when it come to style. You determine how you want to style yourself.
In a way, style is in the eye of the beholder. Don’t let comparison determine your level of confidence. Let your true personality shine!
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Hmmm—must say that that is an interesting statement. To add a twist, let’s say that style can start when comparison is made to the right source. Comparison is triggered by humans’ deep desire of acceptance and belonging. Interesting enough individuals seek to validate who they are from outside sources (that’s where all this comparison comes from- we want to hear what others have to say). Because we are relational beings, many seek approval from a counterpart: partners, peers or family members. Others, who which to advocate for their sense of independence, might try to substantiate their worth through the subtle assertions found in job positions, material possessions, social status and/or the physical prowess.
Either way the picture is depicted, it seems to me that humans innately thirst for an outside source to help develop a sound inner being. And so it occurred to me to think about creation. When God created the world He spoke and it was done. Yet when He formed man, he took dust from the earth and created him unto His image. This thought blows my mind. He’s such a relational God that it was not sufficient to speak and give us the breath of life; He actually wanted to touch us!!!
And so if we did not create ourselves and someone outside of us did, then, wouldn’t we long to connect with that Source who can help us know/develop ourselves best? Indeed, individuals are always comparing themselves (an act that to me is part of our nature). The caveat is that for many years we’ve been comparing/validating ourselves to/with the wrong source(s). With this limitation, an individual’s personality and character lacks real identity, security, uniqueness, creativity and much flavor. Furthermore, if connected to the true Source of personality-creation, with no doubt, individuals will carry the raddest style, confidence and character in ways ever imagined!!!!
Mr./Ms. Pink Duck- yeah you, the one in the pic—I think you are hot… And I love your bold and obtrusive style!
@ Mariela: I like your twist about comparing/validating ourselves to/with the wrong source(s) in search of identity and subsequently finding (or embracing) our own personality.
The source is important as well as the individual seeking his/her personality. The comparison may take different forms depending on the seeker’s approach. Is the comparison self-centered as a means of personal exaltation or is the comparison sincere, hopefully leading to positive, healthy, and stable personality?
Finally, a great explanation of what this quote means. I had an idea of what The Kaiser meant, but I couldn’t exactly put it into words as you did so perfectly:
“Personality is the sum total of the physical, mental, emotional, and social characteristics of a person. When we talk about character, we essentially speak of the qualities and distinctions which make a person unique. This uniqueness [...] makes you special and singular.”
There are traits many people share, but personality is determined by the qualities (or imperfections, to put it nicely) that transcend similarities.
Very cool. Thanks for putting my abstract idea of meaning into words!
Hey Terryl, thanks a lot for your comment and for visiting my blog
You got some pretty cool stuff online…stay in touch!