If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter - - - for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.... Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
In the quote by Sylvia Plath, she emphasizes the dangers of self-comparison. When individuals measure their worth against others, it can lead to feelings of vanity or bitterness, as there will always be those who seem superior or inferior. This perspective can distort one's self-image and hinder personal growth.
Plath encourages gentleness towards oneself, highlighting the intrinsic value every individual possesses. She asserts that everyone has a rightful place in the universe, as significant as nature itself. This message serves as a reminder to embrace one's unique existence and foster self-acceptance rather than judgment.