Comparing and Contrasting

The point of comparing and contrasting is to distinguish the similarities and differences of two distinct subjects. When comparing and contrasting the two subjects, one must keep in mind that the two subjects should be relatively similar, but not entirely the same. If the two subjects are completely different, then there is no point in finding similarities in the subjects. For example, a pair of ballet shoes is different from a pair of running shoes. The style and purpose of these shoes are significantly different, but the similarity is that these shoes are made for one's feet.

In "The Meaning of Life" by Roger Cohen, there are several possible comparing/contrasting subjects the author proposes. One comparing/contrasting topic Cohen brings up is the lifestyle of two rhesus monkeys, Canto and Owen. Another possible comparing/contrasting topic is dieting and consuming whatever one desires to eat. Finally, the last possible comparing/contrasting topic that Cohen brings up is happiness and boredom.

In my perspective, there is an even balance for all three possible comparing/contrasting topics. In the first topic on comparing and contrasting Canto and Owen, the similarities are that Canto and Owen are both rhesus monkeys and that both are fed by the scientists. However, a difference is that Canto is on a restricted diet while Owen is not. In addition, Canto's physical features are different from Owen's features, since the two are experiencing different eating habits. 

In the second topic on comparing and contrasting dieting and consuming whatever one's heart desires, the similarity is that the people dieting or consuming anything are at least eating something. The only difference is that dieting causes rapid loss of appetite due to the caloric restriction (Cohen 293). An example Cohen uses to describe this topic is the resveratrol in red wine, where scientists are trying to "...produce a chemical like it in order to offer people the gain (in life expectancy) without the pain (of dieting) (Cohen 293). 

In the final topic on comparing and contrasting happiness and boredom, the similarity is that a person can experience both feelings and have some kind of effect from both, whether it is being happy or miserable. The difference between the happiness and boredom is the feelings, as mentioned earlier. Throughout the essay, Cohen brings up the topic of boredom when he states, "...boredom definitely shortens life spans" (291), and when he later states, "I suspect those dissenting scientists I didn't bore you with are right" (293). From these two quotations, Cohen stresses the idea that boredom negatively affects one's life, while happiness does not. Towards the end of the essay, Cohen states, "Laughter extends life" (293). According to Cohen, experiencing happiness can positively affect one's life, while boredom does the opposite.

The argument of this essay is that happiness extends one's life span, while boredom reduces the number of years one has left on this world. After reading this article, I agree with Cohen's argument on happiness versus boredom. If we do not or cannot experience happiness in our lifetime, then what is the point of living? In order for individuals to be truly content, they must experience happiness. That's just common sense. On the other hand, we must also experience boredom to actually realize the difference between happiness and boredom.