putting things in perspective

a friend in india was telling me about an encounter he just had with a person who works as a mechanic (i think). he makes Rs. 5,000 in a month, out of which he needs to send some home, and survive with the rest. this should help me put things in perspective he said (my friend, i.e.).

i do agree, that we spend a lot of time worrying about inane things when we should really be spending that time being grateful for all that we have. but is it possible to always think along those lines? and is it even a good thing? can we evaluate every situation in life by comparing it to less privileged lives? should we?

i know that it helps on a personal level, so that one doesn't think too much too long about times when one finds oneself in a difficult position. but somehow, comparing my life to someone's who is less privileged seems kinda wrong on some level, doesn't it?